In a Microsoft AMA on the company’s official Community Forums, employee Mike Cure confirmed ongoing support. He said Microsoft Security Essentials will receive signature updates beyond January 14th. “Will Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) continue to protect my computer after the end of support? No, your Windows 7 computer is not protected by MSE after January 14, 2020. MSE is unique to Windows 7 and follows the same lifecycle dates for support.” It’s unclear why Microsoft made the change and decided to continue support. However, it makes some sense because the company is providing extended support for Windows 7 users who pay for security updates.

Win7 Support Warning

Earlier this month, Microsoft started to warn users more aggressively about the end of support for Windows 7. Microsoft announced it is now placing a full-screen prompt that warns users about the end of Windows 7. Microsoft is using the warning to tell users about the risk of continuing to use the platform once security support is ended. According to the company, the warning is appearing on the following Win7 versions:

Home Basic Home Premium Users with Extended Security Update (ESU) will not see the warning Microsoft Extends Support for Microsoft Security Essentials - 1Microsoft Extends Support for Microsoft Security Essentials - 74Microsoft Extends Support for Microsoft Security Essentials - 98Microsoft Extends Support for Microsoft Security Essentials - 84Microsoft Extends Support for Microsoft Security Essentials - 73