Malicious software can compromise a computer system and the sensitive data stored on it.
It can be used to steal confidential data, cause damage to files, and even hijack your system.
The damage it causes can vary depending on the machine it infects.
Microsoft’s answer to prevalent threats is its Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).
Heres more on what it does and how you could use it.
What Is the Microsofts Malicious Software Removal Tool?
Its meant to be run if your machine has already been compromised by malware.
It candetect and remediate Trojan horses, viruses, and worms.
It will not help youremove spyware from your PC.
Heres how the MSRT differs from traditional antivirus software.
If the full scan detects any malware, youll be prompted to remove the files from your system.
you’re free to do this for specific files or all infected files.
you’re free to even send a report to Microsoft, which is used to track virus prevalence.
Note, however, that some data loss is possible during the disinfection process.
you’re able to either get it through Windows Update or download it manually.
Downloading the MSRT
The MSRT is updated regularly and included in Windows Update.
ensure that Windows Update is turned on to get the latest version of MSRT.
To download the tool manually, visit the Microsoft Download Center.
Microsoft offers both the32-bit x86 MSRT packageand the64-bit x64 MSRT package.
If you have MSRT in your Windows toolset, stick to this to run it manually.
Clean Malware Using Bootable Antivirus Disks
Microsofts MSRT works when the malware infection isnt catastrophic.
These come in the form of bootable antivirus disks.
They help you clean the malware from your box when its boot files have been corrupted.
