Should I replace Microsoft Security Essentials?

Struggling7 said:

I’m running MSE and don’t plan on replacing it, because it will continue to get definition and engine updates until 2023. Also Windows firewall is still working on my win 7 OS. I suspect you also have Windows Firewall as it came with win 7, just check >Control Panel>System and Security>Windows Firewall


I’m sure others will recommend different software but this setup has always worked well for me.

You may already know this, S7, but as a general statement to those wishing to increase security in win 7:



WFW is good, but only deals with in-bound traffic. Unless you plan on writing outbound rules for your system, you should get a firewall that deals with outbound traffic. My solution for several years now has been Windows 10 Firewall Control, which works with WFW (not affiliated with MS). Everything but system files are black listed and you whitelist on the fly. The paid version provides a much greater degree of control. There's a learning curve, but well worth it, and even if you don't get into those details, just whitelisting as you go is big.


Also, Firefox with security addons does a great job of bolstering browser security. I recommend NoScript, Cookie AutoDelete and Ad Blocker Original.

msalton1 said:

WFW is good, but only deals with in-bound traffic. Unless you plan on writing outbound rules for your system, you should get a firewall that deals with outbound traffic. My solution for several years now has been Windows 10 Firewall Control, which works with WFW (not affiliated with MS). Everything but system files are black listed and you whitelist on the fly. The paid version provides a much greater degree of control. There's a learning curve, but well worth it, and even if you don't get into those details, just whitelisting as you go is big.

Also, Firefox with security addons does a great job of bolstering browser security. I recommend NoScript, Cookie AutoDelete and Ad Blocker Original.

Great info thanks, will consider "Windows 10 Firewall Control" depending on system demand. My outbound traffic might not be as critical as many, unless I would pickup something malicious which I minimize with good internet practices.

I use Firefox with some security addons will have to check settings but do know Ad Blocker is Ultimate instead of Original.

Many thanks for your recommendations.

Struggling7 said:

Great info thanks, will consider "Windows 10 Firewall Control" depending on system demand. My outbound traffic might not be as critical as many, unless I would pickup something malicious which I minimize with good internet practices.

I use Firefox with some security addons will have to check settings but do know Ad Blocker is Ultimate instead of Original.

Many thanks for your recommendations.

W10FWC has a free version that functions well (less control than the paid). I recommend downloading and playing with it to see if it's something you should consider. There are pop up balloons for every program that tries to access the internet that isn't whitelisted (system files that require access are whitelisted by default). These balloons will give you an idea of what apps are trying to access the internet. You may be surprised how many apps are phoning home, often reporting your activity.


Also, you may be interested to know that Ad Block Original is the original developer and tries to keep the program on the up and up. Good luck!