OneCare subscribers currently enjoy the benefits of always-on virus, spyware and malware protection, centralized backup to keep personal information safe, and management features to keep PC’s optimized and running smoothly. But a majority of consumers around the world do not have up-to-date antivirus, antispyware and antimalware protection.

In hopes of getting more consumers protected, this week, Microsoft announced that it will offer a new security solution to consumers at no cost beginning in the second half of calendar year 2009. This new offering will focus on getting the majority of consumers the essential protection they need by providing comprehensive, real-time anti-malware protection, covering such threats as viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, and other emerging threats, in a single, focused solution.

In order for us to focus on delivering this new security solution to millions of customers around the world, we have decided to phase out Windows Live OneCare and will discontinue retail sales of Windows Live OneCare subscription service beginning June 30, 2009.

If you are a current OneCare subscriber, there is no action that you need to take at this time. 

OneCare will continue to be available online at http://onecare.live.com to new and renewing subscribers at least until the new solution is available, for use on Windows XP and Windows Vista PCs.  And Microsoft has committed to making sure you are protected for the life of your subscription.  We'll provide more information and details as we get closer to June and the availability of the new solution.  But again, there is no action that you need to take at this time.

Ultimately, we believe the decision to offer a security solution at no additional cost to consumers and phase out Windows Live OneCare is the right step to broaden PC protection and improve the Windows experience for more users around the world.  Microsoft will continue to deliver on its commitment to provide consumers around the world with a world-class security solution.

We anticipate you may have some questions about these changes and so we have addressed some of the commonly asked questions below. 

Q: Will I continue to receive up-to-date virus signatures through the end of my paid subscription?

A: Yes! Microsoft will ensure all current customers remain protected through the life of their subscriptions.

Q: Will my subscription automatically be converted to the new no-cost offering?

A: You will be given the opportunity to opt in to using our new offering when the new solution is available.

Q: What do you recommend if my OneCare subscription ends before the free solution is available?

A: Having current anti-virus and anti-spyware protection is important. You can renew your Windows Live OneCare subscription until the new solution is available. We will ensure you remain protected through the life of your subscriptions.

Q: What do you recommend I do at the end of my OneCare subscription if I am running Windows XP?

A: You can renew your OneCare subscription until the new solution is available. After that, you can choose our new offering for core antimalware protection. A variety of third-party consumer security offerings are also available.

Q: Will the new solution be available in my country?

A: At a minimum, the new solution will initially be available to consumers in all markets where Windows Live OneCare is currently available.

Q. Will I still be able to store my photos with OneCare online backup?
a.  Yes.  If you are current online backup subscriber, you can continue to back up copies of your photos using the Online Backup feature. 

Should you still have additional questions about this announcement, please visit the OneCare help center for free online support.