windows 7 malicious software removal tool

It doesn't protect your system from infection it merely finds and removes any known threats. Microsoft is quick to point out that the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is no substitute for antivirus software. The standalone version available on this page is delivered at the same time.Īfter the standalone version of MSRT scans the computer and removes threats, it displays a report that lists the threats.The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a small, portable utility that checks Windows XP, 2000, Server 2003, Vista, and 7 for infection by a range of known threats, including Blaster, MyDoom, and Sasser, and removes any threats it finds. Microsoft generally delivers MSRT with Windows Update the second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to run MSRT on demand, run the standalone version. The integrated version automatically runs in the background. For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Microsoft Safety Scanner.Įnable automatic updates to regularly get MSRT with Windows Update. MSRT targets prevalent malware families only. This tool does not replace full-fledged antimalware such as Windows Defender Antivirus. To complement your antimalware product.If you suspect an infection from prevalent malware families.

Windows Update automatically downloads and runs MSRT in the background.

If you have automatic updates for Windows turned off.

The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update, and the Microsoft Download Center.

Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. 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. The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software-including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom-and helps remove any infection found.

Windows 7 malicious software removal tool