Computer Protection

[society]

Is it okay to use Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender together?

Thanks

[society]

Thank you, Methyl. I do have both and was wondering...

[VHG]

Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender are NOT the same product, at least in Windows 7 and earlier.

Defender was mostly about malware, MSE was mostly about viruses.

In Windows 7 and earlier I think most people had Defender (but maybe did not know it) but MSE was an optional download.

So if running Windows 7 or earleir you can install MSE even if you have Defender installed.

But in Windows 8 then Defender and MSE have merged and it is now called just Windows Defender (which includes MSE).

And I believe it now installs as your default security software when Windows 8 is installed.

You dont need MSE in Windows 8 as it is part of Defender.

[VHG]

I should add that I if you install MSE on Windows 7 and Vista it turns off Windows Defender and does its job as well.

[society]

Thanks VHG. I use XP professional. I have Windows 7 also, but, I like XP more.

[society]

Thanks Methyl

[mightyZ]

Windows Defender is default antivirus software in Windows 8. It didn't even let me to install MSE, said that I'm already using it > Windows Defender. So, I guess they are the same.

[danswer2013]

Windows defender is one stop solution for all security related issue in latest windows 8 OS.

[society]

Thanks MightyZ and Dan.