Antivirus products block malicious software from running on a computer. The tool removes malicious software from an already-infected computer. The MSRT differs from an antivirus product in three important ways:

Therefore, Microsoft strongly recommend that you install and use an up-to-date antivirus product. It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. You should also consider turning on the hidden adware blocker for extra protection.The MSRT does not replace an antivirus product. Now that the Windows malware scanner has done its work, you may want to check if Windows Defender has been disabled and turn it back on. How to Open, Find, and Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool # How to Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool via Command Prompt #

With that said, let’s get into how you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to run a manual scan. As a result, it’s not a replacement for typical virus scanning software. It’s important to note that it does not remove spyware – only viruses, worms, and trojans, and does not stop malware from running in the first place. The version you have will vary depending on your processor and OS type.

It comes in two forms: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 64-bit, and Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool 32-bit. It receives updates quarterly and automatically runs once per month. It only removes a concise list of the most prevalent malicious software and is designed to do so while the malware is active. The Microsoft Malware Removal Tool: A Targeted Windows Malware ScannerThe Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, then, is more targeted. Why would you use this instead of Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Safety Scanner, or a piece of third-party software? The answer is that some malicious software may disable your anti-virus capabilities or be difficult to remove via traditional means. 1 How to Open, Find, and Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool2 How to Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool via Command Promptįirst, though, a little more about what this malware removal tool from Microsoft is all about.

Malicious software removal