Windows Security provides robust protection against security threats like viruses, malware, and spyware. However, Microsoft offers an additional tool to further protect your system: the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).
What is the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)?
The MSRT is a security tool integrated into Windows that helps detect and remove specific known malware. Microsoft updates the tool regularly, usually every three months, to address the latest security threats. It runs automatically in the background after a Windows update and provides a report if it finds any infections.
How is MSRT Different from Windows Security?
The MSRT is designed to work on systems that are already infected. Unlike Windows Security (Microsoft Defender), it doesn’t offer real-time protection and can’t remove malware that’s not actively running. MSRT is used to remove specific malicious software that may have bypassed Windows Security.
After running a scan, MSRT provides a list of any detected malware along with instructions for removing it. It’s useful for cleaning up a system but is not a replacement for a full antivirus solution.
How to Download and Run MSRT on Windows
If you suspect your computer has been compromised, you can manually download and run the MSRT to check for and remove malicious programs. Here’s how:
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1. Download the MSRT: Visit the official Microsoft page and click the Download button.
2. Run the tool: Since it’s portable, no installation is required. Just double-click the downloaded file.
3. Choose scan type: You’ll be presented with three scanning options:
– Quick Scan: Scans common folders where malicious software is likely to be found.
– Full Scan: Scans the entire system for malware.
– Customized Scan: Scans a specific folder of your choice.
4. Select the scan: Pick the scan type that suits your needs and let the tool run.
5. View scan results: Once completed, click on the View Detailed Results of the Scan to see any detected malware.
6. Log file: MSRT creates a log of the scan, which you can access at `C:\Windows\Debug\mrt.log` for more details.
Important Note
While MSRT is a useful tool, it’s not a full replacement for dedicated antivirus software. It doesn’t offer real-time protection and only addresses specific types of malware. For comprehensive protection, consider using a premium antivirus suite in addition to MSRT.
This guide covers using Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows to clean your system from malicious software. Learn More
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