Microsoft Security Essentials support has ended for Vista, but why has the software shut down and locked me out?

See https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/mse-protect_updating/mse-stopped-for-vista-which-is-the-recommended/3965f1ef-f93d-4d9b-9aaf-0b7892150818

I understand that continued support for antivirus software like this takes time and money, and covering old versions of an OS is not cost effective. When I got the notice that support would be ending, I understood that I would no longer be getting updates from Microsoft and the like, but why is the software now paralyzed? It costs nothing for me to just use whatever is already on my PC, so why has a kill-switch been thrown on the software? I cannot activate it, I can't scan with it, I can't go into the settings, I can't activate it through Windows Security Center, I can't do anything but follow the link for the "End-of-support guide"; what is the purpose of this?

Evidently MSFT would like to make a clean break(end of support) for Vista.

They can't be blamed for malware or spyware without a functioning AV.

Avast free AV for 32bitVista is available. One click Registration gives 365 days

protection. I chose the custom install and unchecked most of the "extras".

avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe       Look for the Vista compatible link.

https://www.avast.com