When Windows Defender starts, it starts maximized and displays the status screen. I have to click the minimize or close button each time. Is there a way to get it to start minimized so I don't have to manually do it?

Security Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/security/products/mse.aspx is free replacement from MS for any AntiVirus. It runs well because it is written by the company that wrote the OS. Uninstall any other (Norton etc.) then install S. E. When done, any Defender interaction is gone.