Is Microsoft still providing security updates?

Hi all, I'm new here.
I run Windows 7 on 3 older PC's. It's one of my favorite o/s for many reasons. Support ended Jan 2020, but I still see security updates on both my main PC's, and there was an update this past Tuesday called Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool x64 - v5.93 (KB890830). I saw this one in the news as well I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The updates are in my computer under windows update. My wife's father, an IT told me a long time ago to just use defender that Windows comes with. Is this adequate?

I am guessing Microsoft is still supporting it, but quietly as they're trying to get people to move to 10, which I dislike, and waiting for 11 to be released to try.

Thanks

timothyg61 said:

Hi all, I'm new here.
I run Windows 7 on 3 older PC's. It's one of my favorite o/s for many reasons. Support ended Jan 2020, but I still see security updates on both my main PC's, and there was an update this past Tuesday called Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool x64 - v5.93 (KB890830). I saw this one in the news as well I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The updates are in my computer under windows update. My wife's father, an IT told me a long time ago to just use defender that Windows comes with. Is this adequate?

Welcome to Seven Forums.

No, the Windows 7 Defender is not adequate. It's not as full blown AV, it just detects some forms of malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). For full protection in W7 you need a proper AV. There are some 3rd-party AVs that still suport W7, but Microsoft's own AV 'Microsoft Security Essentials' is still available to download and install. MSE actually uses the same scan engine and definitions as Windows Security does in Windows 10.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/down...s.aspx?id=5201

There are two download available, the larger one of the two is for 64-bit W7, the smaller one for 32-bit.

Windows 7 no longer gets any new security patches for the OS itself, but the MSRT, virus definitions and AV engine updates will continue to be updated through Windows Update until 2023.

Microsoft said:

Microsoft will continue to release signature updates (including engine) to service systems currently running Microsoft Security Essentials until 2023.

What is Microsoft Security Essentials?

Thank-you for the information. I like the simplicity of 7 and the old fashioned start menu. I also like the aero theme. I run SSD's on my pc's, and I have zero issues with the stability or the speed of Windows 7.