Microsoft releases Security Essentials 2.1

Microsoft has announced the release of version 2.1 of Security Essentials (MSE), the company's anti-malware and virus protection software for Windows. According to Windows Valley, the point update includes performance improvements and an updated anti-malware engine, which is the same engine used in Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection, and Windows Intune Endpoint Protection.

Unlike the previous version, a separate installer package for Windows XP is no longer required; users with XP systems can install Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 with the same 32-bit installer as Vista and Windows 7 users.
Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 on Windows XP Once installed, users are advised to update their anti-malware definitions. Those with slow connections or systems without an internet connection can download the offline updates manually (32-bit, 64-bit direct downloads) on another system, copy them to a USB drive and then install them on the target system.

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.1 (build 1116.0) is available to download (32-bit, 64-bit direct downloads) for Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later (x86 only), Vista and Windows 7. At the time of writing, the Microsoft Download Center still shows the older version. Small businesses can install MSE on up to 10 Windows PCs free-of-charge – the application has always been free for home (personal) use.

See also:

• Microsoft releases free AV software that boots from CD or USB, a report from The H.
• Anti-virus to go: Microsoft makes portable anti-virus tool available to download, a report from The H.
• Microsoft releases Security Essentials 2, a report from The H.

(crve)