When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. If you're in the market for a capable antivirus, firewall, and Internet security solution for Windows, would you consider one that consistently ranks at or near the top in tests against the big names in antivirus protection?
A lightweight app that's frugal with system resources? One that offers timely, automatic updates, an effective firewall that integrates with Windows, and user-friendly operation that's mostly in the background? Suppose we added the fact that it's free and that you might even have it already, and if not, it's a few clicks away? Sounds great! What is it? Microsoft Security Essentials, that's what -- one of the best-kept secrets in Windows software.
We tried Microsoft Security Essentials for bit Windows. Microsoft Security Essentials actually works well with many other programs, but the installer advises removing your existing antivirus software, if any. The program checked for and found updates even before the installer had finished. Security Essentials is designed to work mostly in the background, with minimal user input, though some of its components require configuration, including the Windows Firewall.
The program's interface is plain but efficient in a way that, if it doesn't scream "Microsoft," certainly uses its outdoor voice. When activated and up-to-date, Security Essentials displays a green system tray icon, indicating our PC's Protected status. As with any antivirus tool, Security Essentials needs an initial scan to ensure that your PC is free from infection.
We changed the scan settings from Quick to Full accordingly, and ran the scan, which happily turned up no threats. Subsequent scans are much quicker. The Windows Firewall isn't as effective as some freeware firewalls out there, but it's way better than nothing, and you can disable it individually if you prefer to use another program. We've always thought that many people assume that they need a third-party antivirus program because there are so many of them, including lots of freeware.
That would seem to explain why more people don't take advantage of Microsoft Security Essentials. It's the easiest choice, so it can't be convenience. Highly recommended! Another program I often run to keep my computer safe from adware and spyware is Malwarebytes, but I will write a separate review on it if I can find it on here.
Full scan usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half, sometimes longer. But it recommends that you run Quickscan first and you will be given further instructions if you need to run the full scan Availability of Updates Updates often. Microsoft Security Essentials is a comprehensive virus and spyware protection solution that you can download for free from Microsoft's site.
It is easy to download and install, very user friendly. It automatically updates virus and spyware definitions any time you wish to schedule it to do so. You can set it to do a full scan or a quick scan. It is always running in the background, monitoring your email and while you surf the net. I am pretty careful and tech savvy and rarely get caught opening up or downloading a virus or spyware but on those rare occasions, it has saved me. It automatically notifies you if you have stumbled onto a virus or spyware and quarantines it before it can do any damage.
The best part is that this is free! I have tried them all and this is the best one I have come across yet. Being free isn't the best thing about it. It works with Windows because it is also made by Microsoft, so it doesn't use up unecessary resources like Nortan and McAfee do. It doesn't slow your computer down, but it does offer great protection against viruses and malware. It is active protection so it is always running.
You can just go to the microsoft site and download it for free. It works better with Windows than any other anti-virus out there. I have had it for about a year and a half and haven't had one virus on my computer.
It catches everything. Works great, great price free , and no annual subscription you have to pay. The process should be anonymous, but there is a slim possibility that personal information could accidentally be sent back as part of reporting malware behaviour — something to consider when signing up for the Active Protection Service.
Current page: Overview and features. North America. Home Reviews. This security software is free for those with genuine copies of Windows XP, Vista and 7. Against Need to open app to see quarantined files Default scan time 2am on Sunday No browser integration except Internet Explorer. Cons - Need to open app to see quarantined files - Default scan time 2am on Sunday - No browser integration except Internet Explorer.
Overview and features Verdict. Microsoft Security Essentials serves as the onboard virus and anti-malware tool for Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Windows 11, 10, and 8 use Windows Defender. Like any antivirus program, MSE offers several features to help fight threats. It does a good job at balancing ease-of-use with functionality.
Microsoft Security Essentials provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that it can replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and yearly access to updates.
Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at an antivirus program, free or otherwise. Overall, the program works well and performs its task admirably. One thing that we like about similar programs that you don't get with this one, is easy access to the program's settings directly from the icon on the taskbar. Ideally, you'd be able to turn off real-time protection temporarily, exit the program, check for an update, etc. Instead, the only thing you can do is open the full program window.
Despite the robust nature of the program, MSE is an old solution for out-of-date operating systems. Particularly in high-stress environments, it's better to upgrade to Windows 11 for the latest security updates and features directly from Microsoft.
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