Microsoft rejects security bundling complaints

Microsoft has dismissed allegations that it’s unfairly bundling free security software with Windows.

The software giant recently added Microsoft Security Essentials to the optional Microsoft Update programme, sparking fury from antivirus firms who accused Microsoft of anti-competitive behaviour.

In an exclusive interview with PC Pro, PandaLab’s technical director Luis Corrons even called for a Windows security software ballot, in a similar fashion to the browser ballot.

However, in a statement sent to PC Pro, Microsoft denies any wrongdoing. “Microsoft Security Essentials has been available for more than a year as an option for Windows users, who for whatever reason, have not installed an antivirus program from the large and robust ecosystem of security products available on the market,” the company stated.

“Customers can download it themselves or choose to install it as an optional update through Microsoft Update. This option is not available if they already have an antivirus solution installed on their PC. It also is not available to customers who only receive operating system updates through Windows Update.”

Panda has threatened to raise the issue with the EU, which effectively forced Microsoft to offer the browser ballot after Opera complained that Microsoft had unfairly tied Internet Explorer to Windows.