Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREEMicrosoft Security Essentials 4.0 User Reviews
A newer version of Microsoft Security Essentials is available.
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Excellent
-
"MSE failed to remove trojans"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
Easy interface, great price
Cons
Completely failed to detect and remove a trojan from my machine
Summary
Although I have been using MSE for years, I, much to my surprise, found my computer infected by a trojan that slowed my computer down to a crawl and turned my e-mail accounts into spambots. Multiple scans, including several in safe mode, turned up nothing.
After I downloaded a free trial of a paid antivirus, it only took one scan to remove a trojan.
I ended up having to cancel credit cards and change all of my passwords, all because of this one little virus.
I can't recommend this program as a first line of defense. -
"Avoid if using Thunderbird!"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
Has a clean, sensible interface.
Cons
My complaint is that it slows down all of Mozilla Thunderbird's functions to a crawl. If you don't use that for your email, I don't know its effect on other software. I had to uninstall MSE to get back my decent email speeds. I never had an alert from MSE so I don't know how effective it is.
Summary
May be OK but not for Thunderbird users.
-
"Can't believe it's Microsoft!"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
Works exactly as advertised.
Cons
None I can think of.
Summary
Haven't had a virus/Trojan since installing. Seems to work as good as the pay for companies for free.
-
"not bad for free"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
easy to use
Cons
is supposed to update automatically, doesn't u have to do it manually. shuts off when computer is offline
Summary
there is a free version of 10-bit malware fighter, prefer it
-
"the best free antivirus"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
powerfull detect virus
Cons
simple,slow scan but it is deep scan
Summary
the virus which avast dosent detect
-
"Much Improved"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
Easy to use, free, automatically updates, light on resources
Cons
Lacks some tools, but that is what makes it great
Summary
I had been using Avast and was a die hard fan of it until my one machine got hit with a nasty virus. Avast had also become buggy. I saw that Microsoft had released the new version of security essentials, and decided to give it a try. I ended up loving it and swithcing all of my machines over to MSE. The computers immediately became more resonsive, and whats great is that MSE doesn't require maintence. Just set it up once and forget about it!
I have been using this product for 2 weeks now, and have not experienced any annoyances. This program really is anti-annoying! It has been updating itself a few times each day, and has been scanning at the scheduled time. Still after 2 weeks I would recommend this!
Updated on May 11, 2012 -
"Never Again!"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
this program have 0 pros
Cons
this program has millions of cons
Summary
this program isn't worth talking about.
-
"Still Lacks protection"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
Free, Made by Microsoft so it protects the windows system well just not other installed programs
Cons
RESOURCE HOG, Slow scans, lengthy and naggy updates, lacks detection rates necessary to be a stand alone antivirus (I recommend if you do want to run this you run it along side Avira Free AntiVirus)
Summary
For a free program it is ok I guess... Has many issues and much work needed to improve doesn't leave advance users with much to play with. I have self tested every major and minor av, spyware, and malware scanner this one is in my top 10 but i would not recommend it to a customer.
-
"It still sucks!!"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
none!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cons
clunky and slow!!!
Summary
2 years without antivrus and still infection free.
also, i can tell if there is something wrong by the way my computer acts.
(safe browsing habits = the best antivirus on the market)
Updated on Apr 27, 2012 -
"Microsoft Did This One Right!"
Version: Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0
Pros
My computer runs much faster on MSE than it did on any free or paid AV software...go figure. Easy install, easy to use, pretty much a set-it-and-forget-it program. Nothing,repeat, nothing has gotten past it. Ever wonder just who owns these so-called "AV Review Labs" that put out all those "reviews" of AV software? Who pays them? Who are they working for? I do know their "reviews" don't match what they say about this program. I think they are just bought-and-paid-for agents for some of the AV software makers to set-up a third-party to knock the competion.
Cons
First scans take awhile, second scans go much faster.
Summary
Do your own research - don't take some "AV Lab's" "results as gospel. You wouldn't buy a car without driving it first, would you?
Note: be sure you remove all traces of any other AV/Malware software on your computer before installing MSE.
Updated on Apr 26, 2012
Updated on Apr 28, 2012What you are saying is you are the AV program. Most people don't have the ability to do that but it's an interesting idea. Good for you!
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.
All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.
