Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool 5.107
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool helps you get rid of bad software from computers that run Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool gets a new version every month. After you download the tool, it will run once to check your computer for common malicious software like Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. If it finds any, it will help you get rid of them.
This article tells you how the tool is different from antivirus software, how to download and run it, and what will happen if the tool finds malicious software on your computer. The section for advanced users has information for the IT administrator and more details on how to run and manage the Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Note In line with the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy, the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) will no longer be offered for or supported on Windows 2000-based systems after July 13, 2010. This date is the same as the end of Windows 2000’s Extended Support phase. Go to the Microsoft Support Lifecycle site to learn more about the Support Lifecycle policy.
How the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is different from an antivirus product
Antivirus programs cannot be replaced by the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. It is only used to clean up after an infection. So, we strongly suggest that you install and use an antivirus program that is up to date.
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is not an antivirus program in three important ways.
The tool gets rid of malicious software from a computer that already has it. Malicious software can’t run on a computer because of antivirus software. Stopping malicious software from running on a computer is much better than getting rid of it after it’s already there.
The tool only gets rid of a few common types of harmful software. Malicious software that is widely used is only a small part of all the malicious software that is out there today.
The tool’s main purpose is to find and get rid of active malware. Malicious software that is running on a computer is called “active malicious software.” Malicious software that is not running can’t be removed by the tool. But this can be done with an antivirus product.
Go to the Microsoft Safety & Security Center website to learn more about how to keep your computer safe.
Note The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool only looks for and gets rid of bad programs like viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It can’t get rid of spyware. But you can find and get rid of spyware if you use Microsoft Security Essentials.
To get Microsoft Security Essentials, click here.
When you install the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, you don’t have to turn off or remove your antivirus software. But if widespread malicious software is on your computer, the antivirus program may find it and stop the removal tool from getting rid of it when the removal tool runs. In this case, you can get rid of the bad software by using your antivirus software.
Since the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool doesn’t have a virus or worm, it shouldn’t cause your antivirus program to go off by itself. But if malicious software got on the computer before you installed an up-to-date antivirus program, your antivirus program might not find it until it tries to get rid of it.
