Windows 10 AV Changes Afoot As Microsoft, Kaspersky Make Nice

Antivirus maker Kaspersky Lab is dropping its antitrust complaints against Microsoft in Russia and Europe after the software giant announced a series of changes to ensure third-party cybersecurity products will no longer face compatibility issues on Windows 10.

Kaspersky claimed that Microsoft disabled and removed its antivirus software during a Windows 10 upgrade. The software was apparently disabled and then replaced with Microsoft's own Windows Defender, a software security solution Kaspersky claims is inferior.

Now, Microsoft has agreed to provide cybersecurity developers more time to prepare for Windows updates, and give them final Windows builds earlier. This way, vendors will be able to test their products against the new version of the operating system prior to its release, to ensure compatibility.

"That … means that there should be no switch-offs due to incompatibility issues," Kaspersky Lab's Vice President of Consumer Products Andrei Mochola wrote in a Thursday blog post. "If you've paid for a security solution, you can expect it to be updated on time, so that it can work smoothly with all the OS updates you install."

Microsoft will also now allow cybersecurity companies to show their own notifications in Windows 10, prompting users to renew their security software before and after it has expired. On top of that, Microsoft is modifying how Windows will inform users when their security software has expired. Now, instead of displaying a discreet notification that users could ignore, Windows 10 will display a persistent notification that will stay on your screen until you: renew your existing security solution, opt for Windows Defender, or choose another solution. These changes are slated to roll out as part of Microsoft's Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update.

"We are absolutely satisfied with the changes that will be implemented in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, and we will be taking all necessary steps to withdraw our claims and inform all regulatory bodies that we no longer have any matters for Microsoft to address," Mochola wrote. "We have a long history of cooperation with Microsoft, and we sincerely believe that these changes will make the cybersecurity market healthier, resulting in better protection for all users."

In a Thursday blog post, Microsoft's Partner Director for Windows and Enterprise Security Rob Lefferts said the company is "pleased to have found common ground with Kaspersky Lab on the complaints raised in Russia and Europe."

"We look forward to our continued partnership with the industry," Lefferts wrote. "Customers deserve the best and most up-to-date protection possible. Microsoft and our security partners share a commitment to keep them safe."

Meanwhile, Kaspersky recently released a free version of its software globally. The free version is based on Kaspersky's paid product, but is "lighter on system resources" and lacks features such as parental control, online payment protection, and a secure VPN connection, the company said. It includes "all the bare essentials," including file, email, instant message, and web antivirus. The software will scan incoming web traffic; incoming and outgoing IM messages; emails; and all the files that you open, save, or run.