Microsoft generally delivers MSRT with Windows Update the second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to run MSRT on demand, run the standalone version. The integrated version automatically runs in the background. For comprehensive malware detection and removal, consider using Microsoft Safety Scanner.Įnable automatic updates to regularly get MSRT with Windows Update. MSRT targets prevalent malware families only.

This tool does not replace full-fledged antimalware such as Windows Defender Antivirus.

To complement your antimalware product.

If you suspect an infection from prevalent malware families.

Windows Update automatically downloads and runs MSRT in the background.

If you have automatic updates for Windows turned off.

The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update, and the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. 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 Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software-including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom-and helps remove any infection found.

Microsoft malicious software removal