The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT), a free Computer Scan And Removal Tool, helps protect Windows computers against prevalent malware. This article explains how MSRT works, when to use it, and provides resources for further information.
When to Use the MSRT Computer Scan and Removal Tool
MSRT is a valuable tool in specific situations:
- Disabled Automatic Updates: If Windows automatic updates are off, utilize the standalone MSRT version. With automatic updates enabled, MSRT runs silently in the background.
- Suspected Malware Infection: If you suspect your computer is infected with common malware families, MSRT can help identify and remove them. A list of targeted malware families is available in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article linked below.
- Supplementing Antimalware Software: MSRT can complement your existing antivirus software, such as Windows Defender Antivirus, but it doesn’t replace the need for comprehensive real-time protection.
MSRT focuses on widespread malware families. For a more thorough scan and removal, consider the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
MSRT Integration with Automatic Updates
Enabling automatic updates ensures regular MSRT updates through Windows Update. This integrated version runs automatically in the background, providing continuous protection. For on-demand scans, download and run the standalone MSRT version.
MSRT Release Schedule and Log Files
Microsoft typically releases MSRT updates on the second Tuesday of each month, both through Windows Update and as a standalone download. After a scan, the standalone version provides a report listing detected and removed threats. A log file detailing the scan results is also created: %windir%\debug folder\mrt.log.
Additional Information and Resources for IT Professionals
Microsoft provides extensive documentation on MSRT:
- KB890830: This Knowledge Base article details MSRT functionality, command-line switches, supported malware families, data collection practices, and removal instructions.
- KB891716: This article guides IT administrators on deploying MSRT in enterprise environments.
- Microsoft Malware Protection Center Blog: This blog provides insights into the latest MSRT detections and malware trends.
MSRT Language Support
MSRT supports numerous languages. If your operating system language isn’t supported, the tool defaults to United States English (en-us).
