Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, downloadable security tool designed to help you find and remove malware from Windows computers. This easy-to-use scanner can identify and attempt to reverse any changes made by threats it detects in your system.
Important Information About Safety Scanner
It’s crucial to understand that the Microsoft Safety Scanner is not a replacement for your regular antivirus software. Think of it as a second opinion or a tool for occasional checks. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Up-to-date Definitions: Microsoft Safety Scanner uses the same security intelligence updates as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, ensuring it’s equipped to detect the latest threats.
- Manual Scan Only: Unlike real-time antivirus programs, Safety Scanner only scans when you manually run it. It does not offer continuous protection.
- Tool Expiration: For security reasons, the download of Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after you download it. For the most effective scans, always download the newest version before each use to ensure you have the latest malware definitions.
- Portable and Temporary: Safety Scanner is a portable executable file (msert.exe). It doesn’t install like typical software, meaning it won’t appear in your Start menu or as a desktop icon. Remember where you save the downloaded file so you can run it when needed.
- Not a Substitute for Antivirus: For ongoing, real-time protection that automatically updates to defend against new threats, Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8. These full antimalware solutions also offer robust malware removal capabilities. If you are struggling to remove persistent malware, Microsoft provides resources to help with removing difficult threats.
System Requirements
Microsoft Safety Scanner is compatible with a range of Windows operating systems, including:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 10 Tech Preview
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server Tech Preview
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2008 R2
For detailed lifecycle information regarding these operating systems, please refer to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy.
How to Run a Malware Scan with Safety Scanner
Running a scan with Microsoft Safety Scanner is a straightforward process:
- Download the Tool: Download Safety Scanner from a trusted source (like the official Microsoft website).
- Run the Scanner: Open the downloaded file to launch Safety Scanner.
- Choose Scan Type: Select the type of scan you want to perform (Quick Scan, Full Scan, or Customized Scan) and initiate the scan.
- Review Scan Results: Once the scan is complete, Safety Scanner will display the results on screen. For more in-depth details, you can find a log file at
%SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log.
To uninstall Safety Scanner, simply delete the executable file (msert.exe).
For additional support and troubleshooting information, consult Microsoft’s article on how to troubleshoot problems using Safety Scanner.
