Windows 7, though, has been stuck with MSE.Ĭomputerworld previously speculated that Microsoft would provide updates to MSE even after Windows 7's retirement, slated for Jan. Since then, Defender has been baked into each follow-up version of the OS, including Windows 10.
Two years after that, MSE was replaced by Windows Defender with the launch of Windows 8. However, in 2010, Microsoft expanded the licensing to small businesses, defined as those with 10 or fewer PCs. Security Essentials, a free antivirus (AV) program that launched in 2008, was originally limited to consumers. 'MSE is unique to Windows 7 and follows the same lifecycle dates for support.' 'No, your Windows 7 computer is not protected by MSE ((Microsoft Security Essentials)) after January 14, 2020,' the company said in a support document mainly concerned about the Extended Security Updates (ESU) being shilled to enterprises.
Microsoft will not provide new malware signatures for its home-grown Security Essentials software after it retires Windows 7 in five weeks.
