A very basic malware removal tool from Microsoft that includes a wizard interface to remove a list of known malicious applications on Windows.
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is a freeware spyware remover app and antivirus program, developed by Microsoft for Windows.
The download has been tested by an editor here on a PC and a list of features has been compiled; see below. We've also created some screenshots of Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool to illustrate the user interface and show the overall usage and features of this spyware removal program.
A freeware spyware tool developed by Microsoft
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a security utility designed to remove malware from your computer. It is typically updated on a monthly basis and runs automatically on Windows systems when you install the latest updates.
It's not a substitute for an antivirus program, but rather a complementary tool that can be used to help remove certain types of malware that may not be detected by an antivirus program.
It's suggested to also have an antivirus application installed on your system despite having this tool installed.
To have the newest versions automatically delivered and installed as soon as they are released, set the Automatic Updates feature to Automatic. The version of this tool delivered by Windows Update runs on your computer once a month, in the background. If an infection is found, the tool will display a status report the next time you start your computer.
If you would like to run this tool more than once a month, run the version that is available from this Web page or use the version on the Malicious Software Removal Tool Web site.
Features of Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
- Command line: In addition to being run automatically during Windows updates, it can run manually from the command line.
- Does not interfere with other security software: MSRT is designed to complement existing security software.
- Is available for free: MSRT is available for free for personal or commercial use.
- Removes malware that might not be detected by other software: Designed to remove malware that might not be detected by other security software.
- Removes specific threats: Focuses on removing specific, prevalent malware and does not provide ongoing protection against new threats.
- Scans for and removes malware: Scans your computer for specific, prevalent malware and removes any infections it finds.
Compatibility and License
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is provided under a freeware license on Windows from antivirus with no restrictions on usage. Download and installation of this PC software is free and 5.130 is the latest version last time we checked.
What version of Windows can Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool run on?
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
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