Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 Beta (Morro) Updated

Microsoft has updated the security solution designed to replace Windows Live OneCare, taking it to version 1.0.1500.0. The company has been extremely quiet on the evolution of Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 following its debut into testing in mid-2009, and the latest update offered makes no exception. There are no details available on the Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 Beta, and fact is that the update introduces little changes, at least the modifications reverberating to the surface, and visible, are extremely limited.

Earlier today, I received a heads up from a reader via email (Thank you!). Here it is, “Today Microsoft Security Essentials was updated to version 1.0.1500.0. I only notice that the tray icon is a solid color. The forum has no changelog yet, but bug fixes are expected. Still closed beta.”

And indeed there is no changelog available at the time of writing this article, or any official information from the Redmond-based company detailing just what the update brings to the table. Current testers of Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 will notice that the Tray icon of the security product has been “upgraded.” And, indeed, under-the-hood bug fixes are the only explanation for the refresh.

All indication points to the fact that Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 Beta, formerly condenamed Morro version 1.0.1500.0, is not a second Beta development milestone, but simply an update designed to push the solution along the development process. There are two ways to access it. Current users of Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 Beta can either check Windows Updates for KB972958 (the associated article is not published yet). In addition, testers can also access Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 Beta Help and then the Upgrade option in order to ensure that the update will be installed.

Stephen Boots, Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator, confirmed the update (via LiveSide): “It was made available within the last hour. You should be receiving automatic notification of the availability of the updated version by MSE within the next week, typically earlier if you reboot the machine and it does the check for updates. The installer files will be updated on Connect today. I don't know what has changed, but I assume that it includes bug fixes. I won't be able to update mine until later this evening at the earliest. I have no information about when the beta will be expanded for new participants, unfortunately.”

However, the update is not available for download via Microsoft Connect. Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.1407.00 Public Beta was introduced on June 23, 2009 and the downloads were discontinued just one day later. Only 75,000 testers were permitted access to the Beta.