News

Windows AntiSpyware Beta Updated

Microsoft this week delivered a new version of the Windows AntiSpyware beta. The beta release comes weeks after a controversy over whether Microsoft gave preferential treatment with the antispyware software to an adware vendor, Claria (formerly known as Gator) that it was reportedly in talks with about an acquisition.

A Microsoft spokesperson said the new version makes no changes with regard to the way Windows AntiSpyware handles Claria. "This refresh provides additional new signature updates to customers; provides them with more information about programs and processes running on their PC; and solves an issue regarding the delivery of new anti-spyware signatures for some customers," the spokesperson said in an e-mail to reporters.

Windows AntiSpyware was greeted positively upon its release in January, outside the community of antispyware vendors that the currently free product threatens. However, Microsoft gave its pre-release product a major black eye and renewed conspiracy theories against Microsoft when media reports that it was in buyout talks with Claria coincided with reports that Microsoft had changed the way AntiSpyware handled Claria software.

Originally, the Windows AntiSpyware beta recommended removal of Claria software upon detection. The recommendation was changed to "ignore" in the last few months. In response to the controversy, Microsoft released a statement earlier this month that argues that AntiSpyware gives Claria no special treatment.

According to the statement, Claria filed a request in January for Microsoft to review its classification within Windows AntiSpyware. Microsoft communicated to Claria at the end of March that "adjustments should be made to the classification of Claria software in order to be fair and consistent with how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) handles similar software from other vendors."

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.