One of the best defenses against viruses and other kinds of malicious software is ensuring that all of your built-in security settings are turned on and running smoothly. Microsoft offers a free tool that will help diagnose and fix Windows security...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. Skip the details and go to Microsoft Update to download the latest updates. This bulletin announces the release of 10 security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the May security updates. On Tuesday, May 14 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 10 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available...

For years, hackers have targeted computer users by infecting websites. And based on recent reports, we have confirmed that cyber criminals are up to the same, no good behavior—this time targeting Internet Explorer 8. If you use Internet Explorer...

A great Mother’s Day gift idea: help your mom guard against viruses , fraud , and identity theft . Unless she's a super geek or an IT professional (or both), we know she’ll appreciate it. Make sure that your mother: Has antivirus...

Microsoft has long believed that you should get to decide what information you share online and what you keep private. That’s why we've made privacy settings for our products a priority. Learn how Microsoft can help you protect your online privacy...

After April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates for Windows XP SP3. Learn about upgrading to Windows 7 or Windows 8 . The Microsoft Support...

Although Microsoft was founded 38 years ago this month, don't fall for a widespread scam that offers free “Xbox points” for wishing the company a happy birthday. Online offers that seem too good to be true probably are. Learn more about common...

Today is Earth Day in 192 countries. What better time to learn how you can recycle computers and other devices more safely and where you can recycle hardware, packaging, and batteries . The Environmental Protection Agency reports that recycling 1 million...

The latest volume of the Security Intelligence Report (SIR) highlights the importance of using antivirus software . Antivirus software helps protect your computer from malicious software (malware) and can be downloaded or installed inexpensively or...

If you’re traveling with your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other device this spring break, the following tips can help you stay safer online with a mobile device. Make sure your laptop or tablet has up-to-date antivirus and antispyware software...

We know the many ways that mobile phones can help enhance our work life, family life, and social life. But all of us probably have at least one story about the questionable, annoying, or sometimes bizarre mobile phone behaviors that we’ve observed...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. This bulletin announces the release of 9 security updates for Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Windows. Download the April security updates Watch a video...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the April security updates. On Tuesday, April 9 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 9 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available...

On April Fools' Day you might have fun being the recipient or the instigator of a harmless prank or two, but it's good for you to know about online pranks we’ve seen that are far from harmless. Phone scams. Cybercriminals don’t just email...

Results of a recent study conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC) found that one in three consumers with counterfeit software installed on their home computer will be infected with malware in 2013. Additionally, consumers worldwide will...

Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail ) is the newest version of free webmail from Microsoft. More than 60 million people have signed up for it since we released the beta version last summer. Whether you make the transition from Hotmail to Outlook.com now...

We’ve received increased reports of a new phishing scam email message that uses the name and official logo of the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit (DCU). The wording varies, but it looks like a security measure and says you need to validate your account...

If you have Windows Phone 8 you might be aware of our strong security stance of offering only digitally signed apps you can download from your phone or from the web in Windows Phone Store . Now we’ve taken another step to help reduce risk and...

Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of every month. This bulletin announces the release of 7 security updates. Download the March security updates Watch a video about the updates To get more information about security...

Are you the parent or teacher of a tech-savvy teen who plays it safe online and loves to act, write, draw, sing, or crunch numbers? Or maybe you're a talented teen who would jump at a chance to serve the greater good and win a cool prize? Learn more...

Today the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) posted details about the March security updates. On Tuesday, March 12 at approximately 10 AM Pacific Time Microsoft will release 7 bulletins. The easiest way to get the updates when they're available...

If you're running Windows 7, you can now get the newest version of Internet Explorer that comes with Windows 8 and Windows RT . Download Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7 New security and privacy features To help give you more security and increased...

Jo Anne writes: I received a message that said that my Microsoft security software is turned off and I am not protected. What can I do? I even ran the scan. The warning says that I can buy antivirus protection, but I don’t want to pay for it...

It’s tax season in the United States, which means it’s time for us to remind you about tax scams—especially email messages that appear to come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or another legitimate organization. These seemingly...