Microsoft Security Essentials Offered via Windows Update

One of the forums where I am active had a post asking about Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) being offered as an optional update via Windows Update.  In checking the image posted leads to Microsoft KB Article 2267621 which explains that MSE is being offered as as an optional update to Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users who subscribe to Microsoft Windows Update.

The KB Articles continues to explain:

"If you are not currently running anti-malware software on your computer then you may be vulnerable to spyware, viruses, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is free anti-malware software and it is strongly recommended that you download and install it. Microsoft Security Essentials is licensed for use on home PCs and by small businesses with 10 or fewer PCs."

If you do not have an antivirus software installed on your computer, you may elect to install MSE.  The software is free for personal use as well as small businesses with ten or fewer PCs. 

What do you do if you do not want to install MSE on your computer?

Hide the update.  Right-click the update and choose Hide Update. If you later change your mind, on the main Windows Update page, click Restore Hidden Updates.  Even if you elect to install MSE on your computer, you will probably want to hide any unneeded language packs.

For problems with Windows Update and other Windows Security settings, consider the appropriate Microsoft Fix it solutions:

• How do I reset Windows Update components?
• Diagnose and fix Windows security problems automatically
• Action center in Windows 7 reporting that antivirus is not installed

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft Security Essentials, MSE, Windows Update, Security, Antivirus, Family Safety, Microsoft, Updates, Microsoft Fix it, Information,

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