You’ll only be alerted when there are specific actions to take.

The software runs quietly in the background. However, if there’s a red or yellow threat, Antivirus software will alert you and recommend what to do (you can act directly from the notification area without having to enter the application). It’s simple-when you’re green, you’re good. This software uses green, yellow, and red color codes to designate the security status of your PC and a color-coded icon in the taskbar tells you at a glance if your attention is needed.

Once you have installed it, the software updates automatically once a day. Security Essentials received great recognition for the protection it offers: the VB100 award from Virus Bulletin Ltd., Checkmark Certification from West Coast Labs, and certification from the ICSA Labs.ĭownloading and installing Microsoft Security Essentials is free and easy. MSE software is built for individuals and small businesses, but it’s based on the same technology that Microsoft uses to protect giant businesses (security products like Microsoft Forefront, Malicious Software Removal Tool, and Windows Defender). Microsoft Security Essentials offers award-winning protection against these intruders without getting in your way. There are a host of nasty intruders on the Internet including viruses, trojans, worms, and spyware.

Microsoft essentials free