Free Antimalware Replaces Live OneCare

A free antimalware application for protecting Windows client PCs, Microsoft Security Essentials (previously code-named Morro), replaces the antimalware part of Live OneCare and may encourage more PC users to install security software. However, it requires Windows Genuine Advantage validation and offers basic capabilities but not complete protection. Security Essentials is aimed at consumer markets, especially in developing countries, while businesses will be encouraged to use Forefront Client Security. A limited public beta was released in June 2009 with general availability planned for the second half of 2009.

Free but Not Complete Protection

Security Essentials installs on PCs running Windows XP (SP2 or later), Vista, and Windows 7 (including both the current release candidate and the final release version of the product, expected in Oct. 2009) and will be available as a free download separate from Windows. It replaces the antimalware parts of Live OneCare and Windows Defender: new retail subscriptions to Live OneCare were terminated on June 30, 2009, and Defender will be phased out once Security Essentials is released, but updates for both products will continue until Security Essentials is released.