Additional Information
What is the Malicious Software Removal Tool and Do I Need It?
| Latest Version | Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool 5.130 (64-bit) |
| Requirements |
Windows Vista64/Windows 7 64/Windows 8 64/Windows 10 64/Windows 11 |
| Updated | November 13, 2024 |
| Author | Microsoft Corporation |
| Category | Anti-Virus |
| License | Freeware |
| Language | English |
| Download | 826 |
Overview
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a free security software provided by Microsoft that helps remove malicious software from computers running Windows. It is not a replacement for antivirus software, but rather a complementary tool that helps protect against certain types of malware that may evade traditional antivirus protection. The tool is updated monthly and is available for download from the Microsoft website.
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows 11, 10, 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, and Windows Vista computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. 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.
This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MMSRT)is an Amazing Anti-Spyware tool for Windows PC!
This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product.
Features
The MSRT is designed to detect and remove specific types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It uses signature-based detection to identify malicious files and registry entries on a computer and then removes them. The tool also scans for prevalent malware families, such as Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom, as well as newer threats that may be circulating on the internet. In addition, it checks for common vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system and provides recommendations on how to fix them.
How to Use
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is easy to use and requires no installation. Once downloaded, simply double-click on the executable file and follow the prompts. The tool will automatically scan your computer for malware and provide a report on any threats found. If malware is detected, the tool will attempt to remove it. Users can also customize the scan by selecting specific drives or folders to scan, or by running a quick scan or full scan. The MSRT can be run in the background while you continue to use your computer, and it will alert you if any malware is found.
FAQ
Is the MSRT a replacement for antivirus software?
No, the MSRT is not a replacement for antivirus software. It is a complementary tool that helps protect against certain types of malware that may evade traditional antivirus protection.
How often is the MSRT updated?
The MSRT is updated monthly, usually on the second Tuesday of the month, along with other Microsoft security updates.
Does the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool remove all types of malware?
No, the MSRT is designed to detect and remove specific types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It may not detect or remove all types of malware.
Can I run the MSRT alongside my antivirus software?
Yes, it can be run alongside antivirus software without any conflicts.
Does the MSRT slow down my computer?
No, the MSRT is designed to run efficiently in the background without slowing down your computer. However, a full scan may take some time to complete depending on the size of your hard drive.
Alternatives
There are several alternative malware removal tools on the market, including Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, and HitmanPro. However, the MSRT is unique in that it is provided by Microsoft and is updated monthly to detect and remove specific types of malware that may evade traditional antivirus protection.
System Requirements
The MSRT is compatible with computers running Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2008. It requires at least 1 GB of RAM and 200 MB of free hard disk space.
PROS
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows 11, 10, 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, and Windows Vista computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. 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.
This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MMSRT)is an Amazing Anti-Spyware tool for Windows PC!
This tool is not a replacement for an anti-virus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an anti-virus product.
Features
The MSRT is designed to detect and remove specific types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It uses signature-based detection to identify malicious files and registry entries on a computer and then removes them. The tool also scans for prevalent malware families, such as Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom, as well as newer threats that may be circulating on the internet. In addition, it checks for common vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system and provides recommendations on how to fix them.
How to Use
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is easy to use and requires no installation. Once downloaded, simply double-click on the executable file and follow the prompts. The tool will automatically scan your computer for malware and provide a report on any threats found. If malware is detected, the tool will attempt to remove it. Users can also customize the scan by selecting specific drives or folders to scan, or by running a quick scan or full scan. The MSRT can be run in the background while you continue to use your computer, and it will alert you if any malware is found.
FAQ
Is the MSRT a replacement for antivirus software?
No, the MSRT is not a replacement for antivirus software. It is a complementary tool that helps protect against certain types of malware that may evade traditional antivirus protection.
How often is the MSRT updated?
The MSRT is updated monthly, usually on the second Tuesday of the month, along with other Microsoft security updates.
Does the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool remove all types of malware?
No, the MSRT is designed to detect and remove specific types of malware, including viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It may not detect or remove all types of malware.
Can I run the MSRT alongside my antivirus software?
Yes, it can be run alongside antivirus software without any conflicts.
Does the MSRT slow down my computer?
No, the MSRT is designed to run efficiently in the background without slowing down your computer. However, a full scan may take some time to complete depending on the size of your hard drive.
Alternatives
There are several alternative malware removal tools on the market, including Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, and HitmanPro. However, the MSRT is unique in that it is provided by Microsoft and is updated monthly to detect and remove specific types of malware that may evade traditional antivirus protection.
System Requirements
The MSRT is compatible with computers running Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2008. It requires at least 1 GB of RAM and 200 MB of free hard disk space.
PROS
- Free and easy to use
- Complements antivirus software by detecting and removing specific types of malware
- Updated monthly to detect and remove prevalent malware families
- Checks for common vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system and provides recommendations on how to fix them
- Can be run alongside antivirus software without conflicts
CONS
- Only detects and removes specific types of malware, may not detect or remove all types
Conclusion
The MSRT is a valuable addition to any computer security toolkit and is recommended for all Windows users. However, it is important to note that the MSRT may not detect or remove all types of malware, and users should still exercise caution when downloading and opening files from the internet. In addition, the tool is not a substitute for good security practices such as keeping software up-to-date, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments.
Overall, the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is a solid security tool that can help protect against certain types of malware. Its ease of use and regular updates make it a valuable addition to any computer security toolkit.
