14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft today rolled out an update for its Security Essentials anti-virus app for Windows, implementing a series of fixes, but also removing support for Windows XP.
Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216.0 is the first version of Redmond’s anti-virus app that no longer works on Windows XP, as the company has warned that, after April 8, consumers can no longer download and install it on computers running the operating system launched in 2001.
And still, those who are still running Security Essentials on Windows XP will continue to receive virus definition updates until mid-2015, the company said.
“Microsoft Security Essentials will not be available for download on Windows XP after April 8, 2014. If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates through July 14, 2015. However, please note that PCs running Windows XP after April 8, 2014 should not be considered protected,” the company noted.
Of course, you can still download and install an older version of Security Essentials if you’d like to use Microsoft’s anti-virus app to keep your computer protected, but no future updates will be released.
Overall, this is an update that comes in handy to many users, so download Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216.0 if you're running either Windows Vista or Windows 7.