Now Windows 7 is out of support, should I replace Microsoft Security Essentials with another antivirus/firewall? I will be replacing my current laptop soon, but I want to do some maintenance before I do that.
Any recommendations for replacements would be welcome, preferably with links.
Thank you in advance.
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.
Yes @Tracey Lowndes, Microsoft confirmed that MSE will continue to be updated until 2023 here....
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ity-essentialsMicrosoft said:
Well, I've read articles suggesting replacing Microsoft Security Essentials with another security application. Were these articles right?
That’s a personal decision; I’m not sure what articles you’re referring too. I’ve seen one going around site that is several years old, but I’ve read much newer ratings where MSE is rated higher than back then. It was up like ~ 2009, down like ~2014 and last couple years heading back up in free antivirus program ratings.
As I said previously I’m going to continue to use it, I’ve use it for many years thru the ups/downs/ups on different Windows versions and never had any kind of virus, spyware, malware or anything I can remember. The main security components (AFAIK) is signature (definitions) and engine (workings) updates that will continue until 2023, The only thing that won’t be updated (changed) is like the control panel layout, etc.. If I understand that correctly I’m good to go, if not I might be making a mistake. I also like it doesn’t slow down my system and don’t nag about buying upgraded versions like most free antivirus programs.
As I said in the beginning it’s a personal decision, what ever you feel most comfortable with. Some might say if you don’t change the sky will fall (like on 1/14/2020), it’s more about opinions which like -------- everybody has one.
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Last edited by Struggling7; 19 Jan 2020 at 21:33. Reason: Change - me to my system
Depends on how old the articles were. MSE used to be poor, but these days it uses the same engine and definitions as Windows 10's Defender. That gets top ratings now.
Your choice in the end, but MS will continue to update MSE out to 2023. You need to ask how long will other AVs support W7?
Ditto all of the above. You should also take into account your safe-surfing habits, and your general level of knowledge re: security and computers in general. Not to mention how paranoid you are. Me, I usually have good habits. My general knowledge is rather sketchy; I wing most things. and I'm a bit paranoid. So I choose to run Malwarebytes Premium. Have it on three machines. But when they stop supporting W-7 I will switch to MSE, except for the one machine we have that is Windows 10 (not mine -ugh - but my wife makes her own decisions, and usually gets her way).
Hi @michael diemer
Malwarebytes PREMIUM, V4, is now classified as a fully fledged AS/AV.
Dont run it myself but this will auto-dissable MSE
Latest Version of Malwarebytes
Roy
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