

MSRT finds and removes threats and reverses the changes made by these threats. Here’s how Microsoft describes MSRT on its Download Center page: Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) helps keep Windows computers free from prevalent malware. However, if malicious software infected the computer before you installed an up-to-date antivirus program, your antivirus program may not detect this malicious software until the tool tries to remove it.Invariably, each Patch Tuesday includes an item named Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, a.k.a. In this case, you can use your antivirus program to remove the malicious software.īecause the MSRT does not contain a virus or a worm, the removal tool alone should not trigger your antivirus program.

However, if prevalent, malicious software has infected your computer, the antivirus program may detect this malicious software and may prevent the removal tool from removing it when the removal tool runs.

You do not have to disable or remove your antivirus program when you install the MSRT. Note The MSRT focuses on the detection and removal of malicious software such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses only. However, an antivirus product can perform this task.įor more information about how to protect your computer, go to the Microsoft Safety & Security Center website. The tool cannot remove malicious software that is not running. Active malicious software is malicious software that is currently running on the computer.
