Windows 10: Microsoft Security Essentials vs. Windows 10 Defender effectiveness ?

The Norton subscription expired on my Windows 7 HTPC & I installed Microsoft Security Essentials.

I noticed the Antivirus & Antispyware definitions were the same version as the latest security intelligence update for Windows 10 Microsoft Defender.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/defenderupdates

I understand Windows 10 Microsoft Defender is quite good. If MSE uses the same Antivirus & Antispyware definitions does that mean MSE is just as robust as Windows 10 Microsoft Defender?

This appears to be the last Windows 7 security ratings from AV-Test, and MSE is right up there with the other top ones.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/february-2018/

I'm not going to put MSE on a Win10 PC, but am curious if MSE functions as effectively as Windows 10 Microsoft Defender? IOW am I fooling myself thinking MSE any good to use?

Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks

:)

 

Windows 10 Windows Defender versus Microsoft Security Essentials

Hi Bryan,

Microsoft Security Essentials was upgraded to Windows defender and it was a default security software from Windows 8. You cannot have both as they are one.

Since you get this annoying popup at the startup i suggest you to disable any Microsoft Security Essentials entries in Startup tab.

• Open the Task manager. by pressing Press CTRL+Shift+ESC.
• click on Startup tab
• Right click on Microsoft Security Essentials entry and click on Disable.

Restart the computer and check if that helps.

 

Windows 10 Windows Defender versus Microsoft Security Essentials

I do not have Microsoft Security Essentials in that startup list. I only have Ms Security Client User Interface and Windows Defender User Interface in the list.

Bryan

 

Microsoft Security Essentials Fails AV-Test Certification

That's confusing indeed but what's done is done. At least when you try to install MSE in Windows 8 it won't let you do so.

From MSE Site:

I've read W8 defender reviews by PCMAG and Techlogon and maybe someone else they all say that Win8 defender and MSE are almost equal. Defender is more robust though.
Neither is perfect against zero days but neither is the worst.