Microsoft updated its free AntiSpyware tool Wednesday, although it stopped far short of pushing the software into the second beta that company executives have promised will appear before it goes final.

"Since releasing Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) on January 6, 2005, we have enhanced some of the real-time protection agents, added new threat categories, and improved stability and performance," said Microsoft in an online notice.

Users who downloaded the original can upgrade to what Microsoft's dubbing a "refreshed version" from this Web site. The newest edition is tagged as "1.0.509" in the "About Microsoft AntiSpyware" on the Help menu.

AntiSpyware, which Microsoft said this week will remain free to consumers, is a cornerstone of its latest security push to lock down Windows and prevent attackers from stealing identities and other confidential information.