Windows Defender: Microsoft backtracks. Microsoft has just announced that it will make a series of changes to the way its operating system treats third-party antivirus software, following an antitrust complaint filed by security firm Kaspersky in Russia and Europe.
Starting with the Fall Creators Update, security vendors will have the opportunity to be aware of compatibility issues before each update to Microsoft's operating system, although no further clarification has been provided by the company at this time.
Microsoft says, however, that it will "increase the amount of time AV partners need to review final builds before the next Windows 10 update.".
Kaspersky also complained that after the license of third-party security software expires, reminders to renew licenses are blocked by the operating system, leaving most users without protection. Also, once the license expires, Windows Defender is automatically activated, replacing the third-party software.
This won't be the case starting with the Fall Creators Update. Microsoft says that each antivirus vendor will be able to display their own license renewal notifications before and after they expire.
“We’ve changed how Windows notifies users when their antivirus application is out of date and no longer protects them. Instead of providing an initial, momentary notification that users might ignore, the new notification will remain on screen until the user either chooses to renew their existing solution or chooses to use Windows Defender or another security vendor,” Microsoft says.
There is currently no official statement from Kaspersky, but a reaction from the Russian security company is expected.
