How-to Install Microsoft Security Essentials

Learn where to download and how to install Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).

System Requirements

Operating System: Genuine Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3); Windows Vista (Gold, Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2); Windows 7

For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.
For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.
VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.
140 MB of available hard disk space.
An Internet connection is required for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.
Internet Browser: Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.
Microsoft Security Essentials also supports Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. For more information see the system requirements for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Download Microsoft Security Essentials from Microsoft.
When MSE has finished downloading choose to run it.
Click Yes when prompted by user account control.
Select Next in the welcome screen.
Accept the license agreement.
Select Validate to let MSE validate that your copy of Windows is genuine.
Select Install to start the install process.
When MSE has finished installing itself, leave Scan my computer… checked and then click Finish.
MSE will download virus and spyware definitions and then perform a quick scan for viruses and spyware.

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