Microsoft has just rolled out a new beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0. The current stable version of Microsoft Security Essentials is 1.0.2498.0. So when the final version 2 arrives, it will be a major upgrade. The current beta version is 2.0.522.0 which is available through Microsoft Connect meaning that you will need to have a Windows Live ID in order to download Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0.522.0.
This Beta version of Microsoft Security Essentials includes these new features and enhancements to better help protect your computer from threats:
- Windows® Firewall integration: Microsoft Security Essentials setup allows you to turn on Windows Firewall.
- New and improved protection engine: The updated engine offers enhanced detection and cleanup capabilities and better performance.
Although when I go to Microsoft Connect, I see the following notice from Microsoft:
This beta is available only to customers in the United States, Israel (English only), People’s Republic of China (Simplified Chinese only) and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese only).
But I was able to download both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Security Essentials.
For your reference, here are the minimum system requirement that you must keep in mind before installing Microsoft Security Essentials:
- 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 256 MB 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
Finally, if you want to download Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0.522.0 Beta, you can go here and login with your Windows Live ID and then go to the download section for selecting your version of MSE (32-bit or 64-bit).
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