About.com Rating

Updated August 2015

Microsoft Security Essentials is easily one of the best free antivirus program available. I like it because it's produced by Microsoft and because it's really easy to see if the program is protecting you as it should be.

Important: Microsoft Security Essentials provides constant virus protection, also called on-access or resident protection, for free. This means that Microsoft Security Essentials can completely replace antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Norton that charge for their software and for yearly access to updates.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)

Note: There are inconsistent reports that Microsoft has recommended that people do not use just MSE, but instead use a third-party antivirus tool from another company. For what it's worth, I use MSE on many of my computers and it seems to protect them just fine. Microsoft's latest comments can be found here.

Pros

• Provides resident protection from viruses, spyware and other malware
• Virus definitions are updated automatically and regularly
• Small download size
• Quick and very easy to install
• Does not attempt to install unrelated software
• Works with Windows 7 and Vista (It's included with Windows 8)

Cons

• Does not include a silent mode (so you might be bothered during gaming)
• Windows XP isn't supported

Description

• Microsoft Security Essentials includes fully functional engines to guard against viruses and most other kinds of malware
• Includes a very easy to use on-demand scanner for manual malware checks
• Files, locations, file types, and processes can all be excluded from scans

• Windows 8, 7, and Vista are all supported operating systems for Microsoft Security Essentials
• Simple green/red indicator makes it very easy to see if you're protected
• Microsoft Security Essentials updates regularly to keep its malware knowledge current
• Archives and removable drives can be set to be scanned in a full scan

My Thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials

Security Essentials is Microsoft's first attempt at an antivirus program, free or otherwise. My take: they did an excellent job. It was super easy to install and even easier to understand and use. Microsoft Security Essentials even trumps most of the popular, expensive antivirus options out there.

It's unfortunate, however, that Windows XP is no longer supported.

Note: You may need to choose between a 32-bit and 64-bit download link. See Am I Running a 32-bit or 64-bit Version of Windows? to understand which one you require for your install of Windows.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)