Microsoft is still developing this tool, and the latest stable version was released in February. ⇒ Read our full comparison review: Microsoft Security Essentials vs. Unlike other tools on the market, Microsoft Security Essentials doesn’t include firewall protection but managed to still achieve tremendous popularity around the world. Due to this fact, malicious clones of Microsoft Security Essentials have appeared over the years. Compared to other antivirus tools, Microsoft Security Essentials achieved lower results than its competitors. However, users weren’t pleased with its protection rating. It’s worth mentioning that Microsoft Security Essentials received positive reviews due to its simplistic user interface, freeware license, and low resource consumption. If the user doesn’t choose any action in 10 minutes, the program will perform the default action and deal with the threat. If this software locates malicious software, the user will be asked for the course of action. Microsoft Security Essentials was designed as a replacement for Windows Live OneCare and Windows Defender in earlier versions of Windows. Just like many other antivirus tools, this one provides the same type of protection by scanning your computer in real-time while monitoring downloaded files for viruses. The first version of this software was released in 2009, and it supported Windows XP and all newer versions of Windows. Microsoft Security Essentialsis a free antivirus software designed to protect your PC from computer viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other online threats.

Pros Very low impact on system resources Automatic updates built-in feature No ads No bloatware in the installation process Cons Can't change the timing for updates Unreliable scanning time intervals If you miss an update, it will take from 48 to 72 hours for the update to be force-installed Home › Software › Antivirus › Download Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft security essentials for free