Free Download Microsoft Security Essential Antivirus

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is an exceptional antivirus solution crafted by the tech giant Microsoft. This cost-free program offers live protection against a variety of harmful software like viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojan horses. Having its roots in Windows Defender, it’s a fitting security solution for users having Windows 8 or later versions. If you’re using an older version, fret not. You can still free download Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus to shield your PC from malware.

A Sneak Peek into Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft’s attempt to delve into the realm of antivirus programs resulted in the creation of the Microsoft Security Essentials. Despite it being their first attempt, the program has proven to be effective for most users. However, some users believe that it’s an outdated security solution for obsolete operating systems.

The best part about MSE is its ability to provide you with year-round antivirus protection at zero cost. It keeps you updated with real-time alerts regarding any security threats to your system. You can run quick scans to check for hidden threats and full scans to scrutinize every part of your system. You also have the option of a custom scan if you want to inspect specific folders or drives.

Although Microsoft strives to keep the MSE updated, it falls short when compared to other antivirus programs. It lacks features like private networks, identity theft protection, and password manager. But if we talk about its protection against viruses, spyware, and other malware, MSE does a commendable job.

Key Features of Microsoft Security Essentials

• Regular and automatic updates of virus definitions
• Balances ease of use and functionality
• An on-demand scanner to manually check for viruses and malware
• Option to schedule scans daily or at a specific time every week
• Suggests a range of security actions after each scan
• Allows exclusion of certain file types, locations, and actions from scans
• Option to limit CPU usage for running scans, from 10–100%
• Option to create restore points before performing actions on detected items
• Default actions can be chosen for threats of various alert levels

How to Download and Install Microsoft Essentials on Your PC for Free

Getting the Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus free download is a pretty straightforward process. Follow the steps below:

• Open the Microsoft Essentials download page by clicking the Download button.
• Click on the ‘Download’ button to start downloading the software. You can choose a language of your preference from the drop-down list.
• Select one of the two files and click next to proceed.
• Wait for the download to finish, then initiate the installation by double-clicking on the downloaded file.
• If you already have Windows Defender installed on your PC, you don’t need to install MSE. Just update your Windows Defender.

Note: An updated version of Windows Defender provides the same level of security as Microsoft Security Essentials.

How to Uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials

Unsatisfied with MSE? You can easily uninstall the software from your system and try out other free alternatives. Here’s how to do it:

1. Via Control Panel

• Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
• On your Windows Control Panel, select “Uninstall a program”. Choose Microsoft Security Essentials and click uninstall.

Note: If you’re using Windows 7, 8, or 10, you might not be able to remove MSE directly as it’s integrated into the OS. You can either disable it permanently or temporarily.

2. Temporarily Disable Windows Defender

• Click on the Start button and look for Windows Security.
• Go to “Virus and threat protection.”
• Click on ‘Manage Settings” and turn off “Real-time protection”, “Cloud-delivered protection”, and “Automatic sample submission”.

3. Permanently Disable Windows Defender

• Go to your Windows search bar, type regedit.exe, and hit Enter.
• Copy and paste the following key into the address bar:
• “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender”
• The “Disable Anti-Spyware” option will appear. If not, right-click the Windows Defender folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and rename it as “Disable Anti-Spyware.”
• Set the value of the new registry file to 1.

Remember: You can always reverse these changes and restore your Windows Defender if you want to.

Free Alternatives to Microsoft Security Essentials

Considering other options? Here are a few free alternatives to Microsoft Security Essentials:

Norton: Rated as one of the best antivirus software on the market, Norton 360 can block 100% of malware. It also features a password manager, parental controls, VPN, and cloud backup. Try Norton 360 for a 60-day risk-free trial.

Bitdefender: Known for impressive malware protection, Bitdefender offers other features like parental controls, firewall protection, webcam and microphone blocking, and password manager. Try Bitdefender with a 30-day free trial.

McAfee: As one of the oldest antivirus software on the market, McAfee boasts a high malware detection rate and offers device optimization features. Try it free for 7 days.