Talk about free antivirus programs for Windows and a name that instantly crosses our mind is Microsoft Security Essentials.

MS Security Essentials is an antivirus program designed only for the Windows users. This program quickly scans our system files and destroys viruses while providing real-time, resource-friendly protection against malware and spyware.

Skip to the direct download links.

Updated Version of Microsoft Security Essentials

The good news is that Microsoft has updated the program recently, bringing performance improvement and dropping down the beta tag finally.

The final version goes by the name Microsoft Security Essentials 4.0, and it can be downloaded on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 and Windows 8 computer.

Compare MSE with some of the top-notch antivirus programs, and it turns out that MSE is a clear winner in terms of performance.

Source: AV-Test.

Benefits of Microsoft Essentials Antivirus 2012

Some of the noteworthy features and advantages of Microsoft Essentials are as follows:

• A free antivirus from Microsoft that is easy to use.
• Make quick, full and custom scan and eliminate virus from the system.
• Real time protection against viruses, malwares and spywares.
• Scheduled scanning option.
• Ability to exclude specific files, folders and drives.
• System restore point is created automatically.
• Windows Firewall integration and faster system cleaning.
• Dynamic signature service.
• Rootkit protection.
• Protection against real threats and high-risk infections.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials 2012 Release

You can head over to the Microsoft’s download page to get the latest version of Security Essentials on your Windows system. You have to choose your preferred language for the download to begin.

Direct Download MS Essentials Full Version:

Looking for a complete offline installer for your Windows 32-bit and 64-bit machine? Below you will find the direct download links with the latest definition updates:

• MSE offline installer for 32-bit system (Size: 60.5MB)
• MSE offline installer for 64-bit system (Size: 61.1MB)

Upgrade Microsoft Security Essentials:

If you don’t want to reinstall the program again, that is if you already have an older version of Microsoft Security Essentials running on your machine, you can always download updates.  If you are running Microsoft Security Essentials build 2.0.0375.0 or higher, download these extra Network Inspection System definitions:

• Network Inspection System Definition Updates (32-bit)
• Network Inspection System Definition Updates (64-bit)

Note: Windows 7 users should run the program as administrator. Right-click on the .exe installer > Run as administrator. Also, sometimes Microsoft Security Essentials refuses to install, and the installer spits out an error 0×8004FF83. Microsoft is currently working on fixing this problem.

You can read the original blog post here Download Microsoft Security Essentials 2012 Antivirus Program.