Great news. Thanks A Guy for posting it.
Thank you Microsoft for taking such action.

King Arthur said:

AndyHK said:

I think they are decent standards.. however given that Microsoft are more or less advising people to use a third party anti-malware solution.. does it matter ?

I am unaware of where Microsoft is encouraging users to use something other than Microsoft Security Essentials (7 and prior) or Windows Defender (8 and up).

See this link:
Microsoft Malware Protection Center - Security Products

Edit: King Arthur only listed two apps. This post/link was meant to expand that list. I think that all of the MS apps listed in that link can now be used to remove adware. This post was not meant to support AndyHK's claim that MS encourages user to use 3rd party solutions. My bad.

I don't believe any of those are 3rd party programs.
All those are programs from Microsoft to suite various customers with various needs.

Jonguy30 said:

This is great news. Hopefully we will begin to see less intrusive ads in software..

I'll believe it when I see it!

King Arthur said:

AndyHK said:

I think they are decent standards.. however given that Microsoft are more or less advising people to use a third party anti-malware solution.. does it matter ?

I am unaware of where Microsoft is encouraging users to use something other than Microsoft Security Essentials (7 and prior) or Windows Defender (8 and up).

Now, Microsoft has said it sees Security Essentials as merely the first layer of protection, advising customers to use additional, third-party antivirus - although the company stressed that wasn't because the product wasn't good enough to stand on its own.

Source

A Guy