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

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