Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Microsoft Security Essentials Offered via Windows Update

One of the forums where I am active had a post asking about Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) being offered as an optional update via Windows Update.  In checking the image posted leads to Microsoft KB Article 2267621 which explains that MSE is being offered as as an optional update to Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users who subscribe to Microsoft Windows Update.

The KB Articles continues to explain:
"If you are not currently running anti-malware software on your computer then you may be vulnerable to spyware, viruses, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is free anti-malware software and it is strongly recommended that you download and install it. Microsoft Security Essentials is licensed for use on home PCs and by small businesses with 10 or fewer PCs."
If you do not have an antivirus software installed on your computer, you may elect to install MSE.  The software is free for personal use as well as small businesses with ten or fewer PCs. 

What do you do if you do not want to install MSE on your computer?

Hide the update.  Right-click the update and choose Hide Update. If you later change your mind, on the main Windows Update page, click Restore Hidden Updates.  Even if you elect to install MSE on your computer, you will probably want to hide any unneeded language packs.


For problems with Windows Update and other Windows Security settings, consider the appropriate Microsoft Fix it solutions:





Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you know if this can be done via a script? I would like to use a script to hide it, because I am doing this step manually everytime I install the OS for a customer...

Corrine said...

All you need to do is go to Control Panel > All control Panel Items > Windows Update > Change Settings.

Under the "Recommended updates" section, uncheck the box "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates".

Note: If the box under Recommended updates is checked, MSE won't be offered as an optional update if an antivirus software is installed.

BTW, if you are a small business owner setting up computers for customers, I would think you would leave that decision to your customers.