Antivirus software for versions of windows

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses or other malicious software.
Microsoft Windows does not come with antivirus software. You must purchase and install it
separately.

To find out if you already have antivirus software or to purchase antivirus software from
Microsoft, click the link that corresponds to the operating system you use.

* Windows Vista
* Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
* Windows XP
* Windows 2000

* Windows Vista

Your computer might already have antivirus software. If you don't have antivirus software
installed, Windows Security Center should alert you in the notification area at the bottom of
your screen.


You can also find out if you already have antivirus software installed by clicking the Start
button and pointing to All Programs. Then look for an antivirus program.

Many major computer manufacturers include at least a trial version of a popular antivirus
software package, such as McAfee or Symantec. But just because the software is installed,
doesn't mean it's turned on or being updated regularly.

If your antivirus software is not up-to-date, Windows Security Center should alert you in the
notification area at the bottom of your screen. To help ensure that your software is
up-to-date, open your antivirus program from the Start menu or the taskbar notification area
and look for update status. If you still aren't sure if your antivirus software is up-to-date,
contact your antivirus software provider.

If you don't see antivirus software or if Windows Security Center tells you that your
antivirus software is not up-to-date, you should download or purchase new antivirus software
or update yours.


* Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Windows XP does not come with antivirus software. If you want to scan your computer for
viruses, malware, or other unwanted software you have two free options from Microsoft:

* Windows Live safety scanner. The safety scanner checks for and removes viruses, eliminates
junk on your hard drive, and improves your PC's performance.


* Malicious Software Removal Tool. Checks computers for infections by specific, prevalent
malicious software and helps remove any infection found.


For links to other antivirus programs that work with Microsoft, see Microsoft Help and
Support List of Antivirus Vendors.


Windows 2000

Windows 2000 does not come with antivirus software. To try antivirus software from another
company, see Windows Marketplace.