Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Used Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool for Windows?

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 29, 2024

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 is quick to point out that the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is no substitute for antivirus software. It doesn't protect your system from infection; it merely finds and removes any known threats. It's available in separate downloads for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows versions, but the tool won't let you use the wrong version so there's little risk of getting it wrong. This program is fully portable, so it can run on any compatible Windows machine without having to be installed.

The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is utter simplicity to use. Its dialog-style interface offers three scan options: Quick, Full, and Customized. The Quick scan targets those areas most likely to be infected by malware. If none is found, the tool prompts you to run a Full scan, which scans your entire system thoroughly but can take several hours on large systems. The Customized scan performs a Quick scan and also scans user-specified folders. We started with the Quick scan. A green bar graph tracked the tool's progress as it rapidly scanned critical areas of our C drive. The Quick scan took less than a minute and found no malicious software, though we could view detailed results anyway, if we wanted to. But we moved on the Full scan. This took much longer, of course, but it was worth it to be sure than no crudware lurked in our system's deep dark corners.

Obviously Microsoft didn't waste a lot of resources on a zooty interface or a snappy market-tested name for this simple but effective scanner and cleanser, but it does release an updated version of it on the second Tuesday of each month. We strongly recommend downloading and running the latest version now and then, and every few months at a minimum.

What’s new in version 5.62

Version 5.62 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Used Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 24, 2018

Latest update: February 29, 2024

Version: 5.62

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows Vista
Windows 2003
Windows 10
Windows 7
Windows XP
Windows 8

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 136,956

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.5/5

30 User Votes

Absolutely Amazing.
JasonAntClarkSeptember 4, 2013
Pros
*Simple to use. *Thorough. *From Microsoft. *FREE
Cons
*None that I can think of.
Summary
A great malware removal tool. It does not run in the background (nor is it intended to) - it's an on-demand scan that expires 10 days after the initial download. This is to keep the file integrity in check and to ensure that the latest definitions are used. I have seen that scan time takes a 'long time' - I wouldn't say that as such. You tend to only run an on-demand scan if you're suspicious that you have malware; or it's part of a weekly/monthly maintenance schedule. I believe this is an underrated tool and has helped me out (a professional IT Technician) in numerous circumstances! A+
The best malicious software removal tool.
neilgonzales10January 7, 2013
Pros
When this software is scanning, it scans all programs including Windows files. Full Scan scans all your computer including all your files on your system. Custom Scan scan only custom including removable drives. This tool does not slow down my computer.
Cons
No disadvantages.
Summary
To run this tool, if your are running windows vista or 7, click start, search MRT and if your UAC is running, click Yes. And computers running Windows XP, click start, run, type this: MRT and then click OK. Wait for the tool to open. For Windows 8, Find Malicious removal tool manually. i think its difficult to find. ^__^<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jan 7, 2013<p/>Applies all to 32-bit and 64-bit versions running Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 editions. NOTICE: Don't forget this tip including running malicious removal tool in Windows. It may be confusing if you forget this including running malicious removal tool in Windows.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jan 8, 2013<p/>Applies all 32-bit and 64-bit running Windows Server 2003.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jan 8, 2013<p/>CAUTION: This tool is not a replacement or substitute of an antivirus product. To help protect your computer, you should use an antivirus product. See Protect Your PC in Microsoft Security and Safety Center.
I Run This Every Month and Am Very Happy with It
Iseult19December 19, 2012
Pros
It works, and that's all you need to know.
Cons
These are really not big-deal probs in the least: 1. You need to download the updated version each time you use it, which is to your own beneffit. It's a super-quick download and does not really qualify as a "con."
Summary
IMPORTANT: While the quick scan is nice...and quick...I found yesterday night that it's best to select the Custom Scan and have it go over the C drive--yes, it takes a couple hours, but...this is the first time it found malware. From now on, with any antivirus, antimalware, anti-this and anti-that, I will have the entire C drive scanned at least once a month. And so, I recommend this, yes, but not as a quick scanner.
Just like the monthly version
jaybt52April 23, 2012
Pros
Its free I have downloaded previous version from Microsoft and the scans run full scans and find no problems my computer is running Avast free Super Antispyware and Spybot search and destroy.
Cons
It takes a log time for a full scan
Summary
I probably wont download it again because I dont think I need it.
Never Works
Lance BFebruary 23, 2012
Pros
This used to work great but now it never runs. I always get the not compatible message.
Cons
Doesn't work anymore for me. Been trying for the past 6 months to get it to work with no luck.
Summary
The name says it all
Nicholas53December 13, 2011
Pros
Ran it from my flashdrive and the program removed threats other anti-virus program did not even detected.
Cons
Ran on full scan that took a huge amount of time.
Summary
I recommend this program.
useful at times
again01June 29, 2011
Pros
cleans out non routine infections
Cons
not as easy to use like Malwarebytes'
Summary
see bottom line summary
sickmickdiscotrickJune 26, 2011
Pros
see bottom line summary
Cons
see bottom line summary
Summary
You guy's are the grooviest with your free downloads and special offers!
This program went all rogue on my computer.
memawdeeJune 25, 2011
Pros
It is free-BEWARE FREE Ain"T always good!!!!!!
Cons
It does not even come with an uninstall feature, I had to use another antivirus program to quarantine this program before I could even use my computer.
Summary
Terrible program!!!!!
Its free so why not run it?
charlessmall18June 17, 2011
Pros
It's free, comes from The Great Satan, His Evil Minions, and Their Dastardly Words (aka Bill Gates, Microsoft, and Windows) and runs in the background. So why not run it in addition to Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Spybot Search and Destroy?
Cons
None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None
Summary
With malware attacks up 40% over last year according to Symantec and most malware not being symptomatic, run this jobber and anything else you can get your hands on.

Developer’s Description

Protect your system from different virus attacks.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks Windows Vista, WIndows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 computers for and helps remove infections by specific, prevalent malicious software--including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. 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 tool creates a log file named mrt.log in the %WINDIR%\debug folder.