A reader writes: Can I use Microsoft Security Essentials with Windows 8? No—but you don’t need to. Windows 8 includes Windows Defender, a program that provides enhanced protection against viruses and spyware. Learn more about Windows 8 If your computer is running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, we recommend downloading Microsoft Security Essentials or […]
A Microsoft account (formerly known as a Windows Live ID) is a single email address and password you use to sign in to various Microsoft products and services. If you have a device that runs Windows 8 or Windows RT or you use a service like Hotmail, Outlook.com, or Xbox LIVE, you probably already have […]
You may have seen reports about security alerts for Java recently. Java is a commonly used piece of software from Oracle, so there’s a good chance you have it installed on your computer. Cybercriminals often use fake virus alerts to lure you into buying fraudulent antivirus software. These alerts state that your computer or other […]
We’ve received reports of a recent email scam that spoofs the Microsoft Services Agreement. The scam email message replaces legitimate links in the agreement with links that can compromise your computer when clicked. If you receive mail that looks like the real agreement or asks you to click a suspicious link or to provide personal […]
Today we released a downloadable tool called a “Fix it” for Internet Explorer. On September 21, we will release a cumulative update for Internet Explorer through Windows Update. We recommend that you install this update immediately. If you have automatic updating enabled on your computer, you won’t need to take any action – it will […]
Rogue security software (also known as "scareware") creates pop-up warnings that look like legitimate security updates. It provides limited or no security and generates erroneous or misleading alerts.
Think your computer might have a virus? The Microsoft Security scanner is a free download that will scan your computer and help you remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner The scanner is not a replacement for antivirus software. It contains the latest anti-malware definitions, but it works with your antivirus […]
To get updates for Windows and other Microsoft programs at the same time, including updates for Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and more), go to the Microsoft Update website.
If you think you’re a target of a phishing scam or other fraud in an email, Xbox instant message, or on a website, you can report it. Most Microsoft products have built-in tools that make this easier. Hotmail. If you receive a suspicious email message that asks for personal information, click the check box next to […]
The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice announced an operation to take down the Coreflood botnet. The term bot is short for robot. Criminals distribute malicious software (also known as malware) that can turn your computer into a bot (also known as a zombie). When this occurs, your computer can perform automated tasks over the Internet, without […]
It pays to keep your email address as private as possible, but sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to keep it out of the hands of spammers.
Microsoft is aware of a vulnerability that affects only Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. If you use Windows 2000, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, you are not affected. If your computer is running Windows XP, visit this Microsoft Fix it page to fix this problem automatically. Don’t know what version you’re running? If you’re […]
