uninstall malicious software removal tool

Be aware that some data loss is possible during this process. You can clean specific files or all the infected files that the tool finds. If the malicious software modified your browser settings, your homepage may be changed automatically to a page that gives you directions on how to restore these settings. If malicious software has modified (infected) files on your computer, the tool prompts you to remove the malicious software from those files. However, mapped network drives are not scanned. This scan can take several hours to complete because it will scan all fixed and removable drives. A full scan performs a quick scan and then a full scan of the computer, regardless of whether malicious software is found during the quick scan. If the tool finds malicious software, you may be prompted to perform a full scan. If it detects malicious software on your computer, the next time that you log on to your computer as a computer administrator, a balloon will appear in the notification area to make you aware of the detection. The Malicious Software Removal Tool runs in quiet mode in the background. 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. The tool focuses on the detection and removal of active malicious software. Specific prevalent malicious software is a small subset of all the malicious software that exists today. The tool removes only specific prevalent malicious software. It is significantly more desirable to block malicious software from running on a computer than to remove it after infection. Antivirus products block malicious software from running on a computer. The tool removes malicious software from an already-infected computer. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool differs from an antivirus product in three key ways: If you like, Windows 10 already has Windows Defender Antivirus included for antivirus. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you install and use an up-to-date antivirus product. It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool does not replace an antivirus product. For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Microsoft Safety Scanner. Use this tool to find and remove specific prevalent threats and reverse the changes they have made (see covered malware families).

Microsoft generally releases the MSRT monthly as part of Windows Update or as the standalone tool. The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) 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, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008

Uninstall malicious software removal tool