Using Security Essentials in Windows 10, vs. Windows Defender?

Question

So I upgraded from Windows 7 to 10, last month. I was running Security Essentials in 7, and to my surprise it is still running in 10. I was under the impression that MSE was incompatible with 10 and that it would be removed automatically and replaced by WD. Well, it's still running, it seems to be still updating its definitions, and doing its automatic scheduled scans just as it has always done before.

I didn't think too much about this before, but I notice that after every reboot, I always get the message "Windows Defender has been turned off and isn't monitoring your system. If you're using another app to check for malicious or unwanted software, use Action Center to check that app's status." So checking Action Center shows that MSE is running properly, but if so, why should I get the warning about Defender?

Answer 1

(Sending this post again because a link was not working...)

Perhaps Option d) in this wiki works for you?: Uninstalling Microsoft Security Essentials From Windows 10 After An Upgrade

If not, perhaps option a) or b)...

You might want to read: Everything You Need to Know About “Reset This PC” in Windows 8 and 10

Yes, I also tried uninstalling it while making the uninstaller run in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

As for resetting the PC, that's not going to happen, I'll just wait for Microsoft to come up with a real solution at that point. It is their responsibility afterall.

Answer 2

I, personally, do have my doubts that Microsoft is working on any fix for this issue.

Seems that they have quite a few more pressing problems to tackle...

Oh well.

Answer 3

Please use a third party uninstaller.  The removal of legacy Trojan removing registry information, is all important here.  Use revo if you are prepared to pay after the trial or the open source choice:

http://geekuninstaller.com/download

When all else fails hard delete the registry entries through the above software and then scan for leftovers.

I have downloaded and installed the Revo uninstaller, how safe is it? When I tried to run it, it actually ran the MSE's own uninstaller, which is the one that's not working right now. Then when the MSE uninstaller failed as expected, it scanned the registry and came up with a bunch of entries that in there that it wants to delete. Obviously, I'm concerned when something wants to remove registry entries. I didn't let it do anything, of course. Until I know if is trustworthy.

Answer 4

REPOSTING...

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the Win7 computer?

1b. Who manufactured the computer (e.g., Dell; HP; Lenovo; Acer)?

2. When (exact date, preferably) did you upgrade to Win10?
3. Was the Win10 upgrade offered & installed via Windows Update or did you upgrade manually?
4. Have you ever run the Norton Removal Tool and/or the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

Answer 5

REPOSTING...

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the Win7 computer?

1b. Who manufactured the computer (e.g., Dell; HP; Lenovo; Acer)?

2. When (exact date, preferably) did you upgrade to Win10?
3. Was the Win10 upgrade offered & installed via Windows Update or did you upgrade manually?
4. Have you ever run the Norton Removal Tool and/or the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

1a & 1b: I custom built this computer myself.  I am the manufacturer.

2: Install time: 8/15/2016 2:51:38 AM

3: It was offered via Windows Update, but I had updated through an installation DVD created through Media Creation Tool.

4: No, as I don't have those products.