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So, I'm about to try Windows 8 Release Preview (I've been using Developer Preview and Consumer Preview), I've heard that Microsoft Security Essentials is built-in. However, should I try to install it or I should install another antivirus (Obviously, I would have MSE + the other antivirus)?

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3 Answers

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Windows 8 has Security Essentials built-in, but renamed to Windows Defender. You don’t need to install another antivirus.

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Yes, but i've heard that it's not actually MSE but the old Windows Defender. – Blastcore Jun 10 '12 at 9:00
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It’s called Windows Defender, but it’s the new MSE. – kinokijuf Jun 10 '12 at 9:19
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Correct, Windows Defender in Win8 = MSE. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Defender#Windows_8 – Indrek Jun 10 '12 at 9:52
Another Microsoft name game, drives me nuts. – Moab Jun 10 '12 at 14:44
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MSE is a perfectly reasonable AV for Home use, and besides, installing multiple AV alongside each other is never a good idea. If you decide to swap, make sure you uninstall MSE first.

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I don't think it's possible to unistall the MSE or Windows Defender that it comes with Windows 8. – Blastcore Jun 10 '12 at 9:01
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You can disable it to install another AV software of your choice, but there is no approved method for uninstall. – Moab Jun 10 '12 at 14:43
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If you want. MSE should eventually, least with release versions disable itself when another AV is installed and up to date. There will very likely be a way to manually disable it i suppose.

Internet scuttlebutt also indicates many common AVs seem to work, but you may need to find a windows 8 specific version for some.

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