Microsoft Windows Live OneCare Review

What the reviewers like:
Some reviewers say Windows Live OneCare provides good antivirus protection. Free support is an asset. Reviewers like the unique PC health features. The price includes service for one year for up to three computers.

What the reviewers don't like:
Lab tests show Windows Live OneCare provides only average antivirus protection. Windows Live OneCare can't co-exist with other security software; that matters because the program doesn't have all the components of a security suite. Users cite enough problems to conclude that the software is buggy.

Microsoft Windows Live OneCare review highlights

Most reviewers give Windows Live OneCare average or better ratings, but still have many criticisms of the service. Most agree that antivirus protection is good in spite of the program's weaknesses in other areas. However, the lab test results show it is average or below-average in that regard. User reviews lean to one extreme or the other. If you want software that combines antivirus and antispyware functions, we found better reviews for Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus (*est. $25).

Windows Live OneCare is a service, rather than a product, and it falls halfway between being an antivirus program and an Internet security suite. That confuses many reviewers, so they don't compare it with the obvious competitors, which are antivirus programs and the new breed of semi-suites. WebUser.co.uk is the only source to peg the market niche. Washington Post columnist Rob Pegoraro offers a revealing and comparative review. PC Magazine and CNet.com have meandering reviews; only the strong negativity in each review leads to reader guidance. Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows has a long detailed review that lacks performance evaluation or comparison.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. WebUser.co.uk
Windows Live OneCare
Andy Shaw
Mar. 2007

U.K. Internet magazine Web User regularly reviews security software. Andy Shaw reviews four semi-suites, including Windows Live OneCare. Each program earns overall ratings and sub-category ratings for features, performance, and ease of use. Although Windows Live OneCare performs well, it earns the lowest overall score.

2. The Washington Post
The Price Is Right, Security Imperfect
Rob Pegoraro
June 18, 2006

The Post's personal technology columnist tested Windows Live OneCare on his computer, and the software failed to catch three viruses. He compares Live OneCare with security suites from Symantec and McAfee.

3. PC Magazine
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Windows Live OneCare Review
Neil J. Rubenking
June 13, 2006

Neil Rubenking thoroughly evaluates Windows Live OneCare, but doesn't offer much comparison because he sees the service as unique. While Windows Live OneCare has too many weaknesses and flaws, the antivirus component is its strength. In a year-end article, the magazine lists Windows Live OneCare as one of the five worst products of 2006.

4. Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
Windows Live OneCare Review
Paul Thurrott
May 31, 2006

Paul Thurrott's description of Windows Live OneCare can lead readers to believe that the subscription service is essentially paid tech support for Microsoft Windows with protection against malware as a value-added feature. Although the review comprehensively evaluates features and use, Thurrott doesn't tell us how effective Windows Live OneCare is.

5. CNet.com
Windows Live OneCare Review
Robert Vamosi
May 30, 2006; revised Feb. 26, 2007

CNet revisits its coverage of Windows Live OneCare in context of newer competition, but Robert Vamosi's lengthy recital of issues and criticisms still does not jibe with CNet.com's overall "good" rating. Without the rating, we would conclude that Windows Live OneCare causes more problems than it solves.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software

Microsoft Windows Live OneCare Review