Windows · Security & Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up-to-date so you can be assured your…
Version 4.5.0216.0 · by Microsoft
Official site: microsoft.com
About Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up-to-date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology.
Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you’re free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.
Before installing Microsoft Security Essentials, we recommend that you uninstall other antivirus software already running on your PC. Running more than one antivirus program at the same time can potentially cause conflicts that affect PC performance.
How to install Microsoft Security Essentials
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Chocolatey you can install and update it with: choco install microsoft-security-essentials
- Open Microsoft Security Essentials once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Security Essentials free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to microsoft.com, the developer's official site, where Microsoft Security Essentials is available to download. Grabware doesn't host or modify any files.
What is the latest version of Microsoft Security Essentials?
The version listed here is 4.5.0216.0, published /Date(1407. The developer's site always has the newest release.
How do I install Microsoft Security Essentials from the command line?
With Chocolatey, run: choco install microsoft-security-essentials. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is Microsoft Security Essentials safe?
Microsoft Security Essentials downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.
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