Granted, Microsoft's response was indirect - probably looking to distance themselves from the matter as much as possible - but it was a response of sorts. In a blog post, Microsoft reiterates that Windows Defender is shipping with Windows so users have a fallback protection on at all times, before they have been able to install their third-party security program of choice, or even in case such a protection expires for any reason. In a blog post, Microsoft states that it is in the consumers' best interest to always have an extra security solution being available without user input, so as to reduce exposure time while customers look for and choose another (or the same) security third party.
The company mentioned the WannaCry debacle, and how it is their mission to provide a full-blown, safe computing environment for users, on top of which they can then add third party solutions. Remember the browser antitrust investigation which resulted in Microsoft including a browser choice window for new installations? That could be one of the possible future solutions by Microsoft to avoid an antitrust investigation - if it really is found that Microsoft is using somewhat underhanded tactics. But that, like most things, is open to debate.
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