microsoft windows malicious software tool

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software, including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom-and helps remove any infection found. The version of the tool delivered by Windows Update runs in the background and then reports if an infection is found. Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, as needed to respond to security incidents. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. However, an antivirus product can perform this task. The tool cannot remove malicious software that is not running. Active malicious software is malicious software that is currently running on the computer. The tool focuses on the detection and removal of active malicious software.Specific prevalent malicious software is a small subset of all the malicious software that exists today. The tool removes only specific prevalent malicious software.It is significantly more desirable to block malicious software from running on a computer than to remove it after infection. Antivirus products block malicious software from running on a computer. The tool removes malicious software from an already-infected computer.The three key areas in which the MRT.exe tool differs from an antivirus application are: It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool does not replace an antivirus product.

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, located in the System32 folder, helps remove specific, prevalent malicious software from computers that are running Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista & Windows Server.

Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT.exe)

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT.exe) is yet another one of the many free security tools from Microsoft for Windows users – just like the Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Defender, Windows Defender Offline Tool, and Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Microsoft windows malicious software tool