Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home or small business PCs. It also makes sure that you have the latest technology protecting your PC to help prevent harmful software from accessing or damaging valuable information. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials with Windows 8, but you don't need to - Windows Defender is already included and ready to go. But if you're looking to protect a PC with an older version of Windows, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses and other malicious software.

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Product Information

Comprehensive protection

Microsoft Security Essentials helps defend your computer against spyware, viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is available for small businesses with up to 10 PCs. If your business has more than 10 PCs, you can protect them with Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection.

Easy to get, easy to use

Because Microsoft Security Essentials is available at no cost, there's no registration process that requires billing or personal information collection. It installs after a quick download and Genuine Windows validation and then stays automatically up-to-date with the latest protection technology and signature updates.

Quiet Protection

Microsoft Security Essentials doesn't get in your way. It runs quietly in the background and schedules a scan when your computer is most likely idle. You only see alerts when you need to take action.

Resources

Security, privacy, and online safety how-to videos

Find out more about how to protect your computers and networks from the threats posed by viruses, malware and rogue web sites.
- Watch the video
Perform a Validation Check on Your Software

Verify that Windows 7 running on your PC is genuine and stays that way.
- Validate now
Protect Against Email and Web Scams

When you read email or surf the Internet, you should be wary of scams that try to steal your personal information (identity theft), your money, or both. Many of these scams are known as "phishing scams" because they "fish" for your information.
- Learn more