![]() Microsoft Security Essentials uses both definition-file and real-time defenses against viruses and spyware, and also offers rootkit protection. New in version 2 is the option to opt out of contributing to SpyNet while still receiving the benefits of crowd-sourced security. Both basic and advanced versions warn users that personal data might be "accidentally" sent to Microsoft, although they promise to neither identify nor contact you. The basic membership submits to Microsoft the detected software's origins, your response to it, and whether that action was successful, and the advanced membership submits all that plus the location on your hard drive of the software in question, how it operates, and how it has affected your computer. You can choose between two SpyNet memberships. Unlike other security vendors that allow customers to take advantage of the benefits of their behavioral detection engines while opting out of submitting information, there's no way to do that with SpyNet. SpyNet was introduced in Windows Vista and extended to Windows 7, but Microsoft Security Essentials is the only way to access the network in Windows XP. Under the clean and uncluttered interface, Security Essentials wraps up antivirus and antispyware engines, rootkit protection, and real-time detection courtesy of Microsoft SpyNet, the unfortunately named cloud-based service that anonymously compares file behavior across computers running various Microsoft operating systems. Security Essentials uses labels imported from OneCare: green for all good, yellow for warning, and red for an at-risk situation. The program looks simple, but don't be deceived: there are quite a few advanced options in Settings-just not as many as many competitors offer. Update is where you manually get new virus definition files and program upgrades, History logs only detected threats, and Settings is where you go for advanced tweaking. A link at the bottom of the pane lets you change the scheduled scan. The Home tab contains your security status and scan options, and you can run a Quick Scan, Full Scan, or Custom Scan. It doesn't pop as much, but it also looks far less like a Windows XP relic.įor those unfamiliar with the design, MSE has four tabs across the top. MSE's interface adopts a different color scheme than the previous version, going for various shades of gray to replace the vibrant blue and white look. That's not as blazing fast as some of the paid suites, which can complete installation in less than 60 seconds, but it is respectable for a free program. Overall, the installation time ran around 4 minutes on our test computer. It also lets you choose whether to run the Windows Defender firewall, and whether to run a scan once installation is complete, although both of those are opt-out. Microsoft politely does not opt you in to the program's customer experience improvement program you must choose to opt in or stay out of it before you can finish the installation. It takes very little effort to get going with MSE. Security Essentials has begun to mature, although it's still rough at the edges. Version 2 introduces deeper hooks into Internet Explorer and the default firewall in Vista and Windows 7. ![]() Now in its second iteration, Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) debuted as the lightweight, cloud-based successor to the paid security suite Live OneCare in 2009. ![]() However, its impact on system performance could be improved, and it's still a bit light in the tool belt. Available in North America and Europe.The bottom line: Microsoft Security Essentials, an antivirus program created by Microsoft, will protect you, and it will generally do it well. PCs that have been running previous versions of Windows must do a full reset of the Windows 11 operating system for the feature to work. In order to keep you as safe as possible, you must start with a fresh system. Only available on the latest version of Windows 11. Location permissions must be active driving safety available only in the US, UK, Australia and Canada Microsoft 365 Family subscription required for location alerts and drive safety features. Requires Microsoft account.Īpp available as separate download for free. File versions created up to 30 days in the past can be restored at any time for any reason. OneDrive files are restored to the state they were in before the attack occurred. Must be signed into a Microsoft account.įiles may be made available for offline use. PIN, facial and fingerprint recognition require Windows Hello to be set up.Īvailable on the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Learn more at Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements.įor supported devices with latest security updates installed.įacial and fingerprint recognition work with devices equipped with the correct sensors. ![]() Features and app availability may vary by region.
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