

In this case, you can use your antivirus program to remove the malicious software.īecause the MSRT does not contain a virus or a worm, the removal tool alone should not trigger your antivirus program. However, if prevalent, malicious software has infected your computer, the antivirus program may detect this malicious software and may prevent the removal tool from removing it when the removal tool runs. You do not have to disable or remove your antivirus program when you install the MSRT. The MSRT focuses on the detection and removal of malicious software such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses only. 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.

For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Microsoft Safety Scanner. You can use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes they have made (see covered malware families). Starting May 2020, Microsoft releases the MSRT on a quarterly cadence as part of Windows Update or as a standalone tool. The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a post-infection removal tool that helps remove malicious software from your computers that are running Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, or Windows 7. How to Use Malicious Software Removal Tool in Windows
