Microsoft has incorporated into its operating system an effective and free tool that, although little known, offers an additional layer of security: MSRT (Malicious Software Removal Tool, or Malicious Software Removal Tool). This add-on feature built into Windows allows you to detect and remove common malware threats quickly and without the need for additional software. Although MSRT does not replace Windows Defender Antivirus, it acts as a booster to improve computer security.
MSRT: What is it and how does it work?
Microsoft defines the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) as a resource designed to keep computers free of frequent malware, locating and eliminating threats and restoring the changes they have produced. Unlike a full-time antivirus like Windows Defender, MSRT does not protect in real-time or replace an ongoing security tool, but rather runs manually and acts as an extra check.
Activating the malware removal tool in Windows is a simple process that requires only a few steps, starting with opening the system run window and using a key combination to start the scan. | Photo: Screenshot taken from Windows
MSRT is released monthly via Windows Update or can be downloaded independently. To use it, the user must open a run window with the key combination Win + R and write the corresponding command which is “mrt” (without the quotes). Once activated, the tool allows you to select the type of analysis and proceeds to scan the computer in search of common malicious codes. By detecting and eliminating threats, MSRT contributes to greater system security without the need for an internet connection.
Steps to run MSRT on Windows
To activate MSRT, the user can access the feature directly from the operating system. When you start the tool, you can choose the level of analysis you want to perform on your computer, and then MSRT performs a thorough scan for common malware. It is important to remember that this tool does not replace a complete antivirus, but rather offers a second opinion to detect specific threats that may have gone unnoticed in previous scans.
To access the malware removal feature in Windows, users need to open the run window and type a specific command, which will allow them to perform a full system scan for malicious threats. | Photo: Screenshot taken from softzone
As the IT portal Softzone points out, MSRT is useful but has important limitations: it does not offer constant protection in the background nor is it capable of identifying all malware variants. For this reason, it is essential that users keep activated Windows Defenderas it remains the first line of defense by providing real-time protection.
Likewise, it is mentioned that MSRT provides an additional layer of security that is useful for quick scans and manual system reviews. For those who have disabled automatic Windows updates, It is recommended to activate the tool regularly through Windows Update, thus ensuring that MSRT is always updated to respond effectively to new common threats.
