Microsoft is deep into the spyware market. If you have Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7, you can download antispyware software from Microsoft for free. If you have Windows 8, the security software is already included.
Microsoft and spyware–historically the two just seem to go together like a horrible marriage. However, over the last few years, Microsoft has rapidly increased the security options available for Windows users. To their credit, they have made these options easily available for free.
Microsoft’s current antispyware software is very highly rated and is typically the antispyware software that I recommend the most. It prevents the majority of infections and is the least likely to affect a system’s performance.
The Microsoft Security Essentials is available for Microsoft XP, Vista, and Windows 7. You can download and install it for free.
After a new installation, this security package is typically the first thing I load. Many viruses and other malware will prevent the user from installing this software. Therefore, if you have issues installing it, you likely have an ongoing existing infection already.
Security Essentials is not available in Windows 8 because Microsoft already has it baked into the operating system as Microsoft Defender. Additionally, you should uninstall Security Essentials before upgrading to Windows 8 from any prior Windows versions.
