Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft • System Utility
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The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a specialized utility designed to detect and remove specific, widespread, and dangerous threats from your Windows operating system. It targets aggressive infections such as Blaster, Sasser, and MyDoom, helping to clean systems that may appear stable but are actually infected. This tool is not a full antivirus program but rather an auxiliary solution for eliminating already known worms and Trojans.
Working with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is straightforward and accessible to every user, requiring no complicated settings or prior configuration. You simply start the process and await the results. After completion, the tool provides a clear list of any detected and removed harmful programs. Microsoft recommends using this tool regularly, even if your system appears to be running normally, as many modern viruses operate silently.
In This Post
Pro Tips
Running a Manual Scan with MSRT
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
- Type mrt and press Enter.
- Approve the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if it appears, granting the tool administrative rights.
- Choose your desired scan type: Quick Scan (checks common malware locations), Full Scan (scans the entire system), or Customized Scan (allows you to select specific folders or drives).
- Click Next to begin the scan and wait for the results.
Reason To Do This: Performing a manual scan allows you to check for prevalent malware on demand, especially if you suspect an infection or have automatic updates disabled. It provides immediate feedback on your system’s security status and complements your regular antivirus protection.
Download Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
File size: 81.6 MB
OS support: Windows
Windows
Download Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool 5.141 for Windows – x86
Download Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool 5.141 for Windows – x64
Software Specifications
| Software Name | Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool |
|---|---|
| Version | 5.141 |
| License | Freeware |
| File Size | 81.6 MB |
| OS Support | Windows |
| Language | English, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian (Bokmål), Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Homepage | https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/890830/ |
| Changelogurl | https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/890830/ |
| Last Updated | May 13, 2026 |
Notable Features
- Targeted Malware Removal: The MSRT is specifically designed to detect and remove a select list of prevalent and dangerous malware families, including well-known threats like Blaster, Sasser, and MyDoom. It focuses on active infections to clean compromised systems.
- Simple and Easy to Use: This tool boasts a user-friendly interface with no complicated settings, making it accessible for all users. The process involves simply launching the tool, initiating a scan, and reviewing the results, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Regular Monthly Updates: Microsoft updates the Malicious Software Removal Tool every second Tuesday of the month, often delivered automatically through Windows Update. This ensures the tool is equipped with the latest definitions to combat newly identified prevalent threats.
- Complements Antivirus Software: The MSRT is intended to work alongside your existing antivirus software (like Microsoft Defender), providing an additional layer of defense. It acts as a post-infection cleanup utility, rather than a real-time protection solution.
- Detailed Scan Reports: Upon completion of a scan, the tool generates a comprehensive report listing any detected and removed malicious programs. This log file, typically found at %windir%\debug\mrt.log, provides valuable insights for users and administrators.
- Automatic Background Operation: For most users with automatic updates enabled, the MSRT runs silently in the background as part of the monthly Windows Update cycle. This ensures continuous, effortless protection against prevalent malware without user intervention.
System Specifications
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022
Setup Instructions
Installation Steps
- Click the download button above to get the installer for your Windows operating system.
- Locate the downloaded executable file (e.g., Windows-KB890830-x64-V5.141.exe) and double-click it to run the tool.
- Approve the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if it appears, as the tool requires administrator privileges to run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate a scan (Quick, Full, or Customized) and review the results upon completion.
Compatibility: The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is compatible with Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11, as well as various Windows Server editions. It requires local administrator privileges to run effectively.
Common Issues & Fixes
- Issue: Tool fails to run or complete scan → Solution: Ensure you are running the tool with administrator privileges. Temporarily disable any conflicting security software if necessary, though it’s designed to run alongside antivirus programs.
Questions & Answers
Is Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool a full antivirus program?
No, the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is not a full antivirus program. It is an auxiliary tool designed to detect and remove specific, widespread malware after an infection has occurred. For comprehensive, real-time protection, Microsoft recommends using a regularly updated antivirus solution like Microsoft Defender.
How often is the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool updated?
The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is generally updated and released by Microsoft on the second Tuesday of every month, often delivered automatically through Windows Update. This monthly cadence ensures the tool stays current with detections for prevalent malware families.
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