Right before completing setup, the tool offers to run an initial scan to assess the PC's current security status as soon as it fetches the latest virus definitions.Īs far as the interface is concerned, MSE keeps separated the areas for scanning, virus, and spyware definition updates, history, and settings. Its only requirement is that no other antivirus applications exist on the PC since they are most likely to clash and cause Windows stability issues. In order to get updates for XP, don't forget to apply the XP registry patch. It's considered by most third-party developers and testers to be a 'baseline' among av products, and Microsoft never stated the contrary. To do this, open Microsoft Security Essentials, click Update, and then examine the virus and spyware definitions status.Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) represents Microsoft's free anti-malware solution for computers running XP, Windows 7 or Vista.

After the file extraction dialog box closes, you can verify that the virus and spyware definitions were updated. The dialog box indicates that the definition update is installing. When the definition update file runs, a file extraction dialog box appears. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue. Right-click the file, and then click Run As Administrator. To install the saved file, follow these steps:ĭouble-click the file, and then click OK. If you click Save, remember the folder where you saved the file. Or, click Save to save the file to the computer. The 64-bit versions of Windows include 圆4-based versions of Windows.Ĭlick Run to install the definition update file immediately.

Important: You must be running a 64-bit version of Windows to run a 64-bit version of Microsoft Security Essentials.

Mse antivirus