Microsoft Security Essentials Installation

Requirements

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is a free antivirus/malware tool developed and distributed by Microsoft for home users and businesses with less than ten computers (see FAQ).  University of New Hampshire faculty and staff should use Forefront Endpoint Protection for University owned computers.

  • Windows XP (32-bit)
  • Windows Vista (64-bit or 32-bit)
  • Windows 7 (64-bit or 32-bit)

Remove Existing Antivirus Programs

Before installing MSE, it is important to make sure you do not already have another antivirus program installed.
McAfee removal instructions for Windows 7 and Windows Vista are available here.
McAfee removal instructions for Windows XP are available here.

Download

Click here to download.

Installation

Microsoft recommends backing up data and ensuring Windows is fully up to date prior to installation. For instructions on how to back up data, please visit this page.
 

  1. Download the installer to desired location on your computer. The installer can be downloaded from Microsoft here.
  2. Locate the Installer (mseinstall.exe) and double click it.MSE Installer Icon
  3. Open the installer.  Windows Vista and Windows 7 users should right click the installer and choose Run as administrator.  Windows XP users should double click the installer.
  4. The installer will open. Click Next.
    First screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials installation wizard. There is a link to the Privacy Statement available. Click the Next button to proceed.
  5. Read the License Agreement page. Click I Accept to agree to the terms of use.
    Second screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials installation wizard. The terms of the software license are displayed. Click the I accept button to proceed.
  6. You will be asked to “Join the Customer Experience Improvement Program.” Joining is optional. Click the Learn more link if you are interested. Choose your preference and click Next.
    Third screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials installation wizard. This screen has an option to participate in the customer experience improvement program. Click the Next button to proceed.
  7. Choose whether or not you want your firewall turned on and click Next.
    The fourth screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials Installation wizard. This screen has an option to automatically enable the Windows Firewall. Click the Next button to proceed.
  8. Select Install to start the installation process.
    The fifth screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials installation wizard. This screen suggests that other antivirus software be removed prior to installation and provides a link to instructions. Click the Install button to proceed.
    This screen displays a progress bar during the installation process. Click cancel to abort installation.
  9. Once the installation is complete, it will ask you if you want to scan your computer. Select your choice, and click Finish.
    This is the final screen of the Microsoft Security Essentials installation wizard. It has a checkbox that, if checked, will initiate an update and scan after exiting. Click the Finish button to exit.
  10. Microsoft Security Essentials is now installed, active, and ready for use. Refer to the MSE Usage Instructions for information on how to update your definitions, scan your computer, and remove malware.