Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft's monthly scanner for specific widespread malware families. It runs automatically through Windows Update; the standalone download is for manual scans.
- Publisher
- Microsoft
- Version
- 5.146 (October 2026)
- Type
- Download tool
- Runs on
- Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2012–2016
- Price
- Free download from the official site
Official download links
- Download toolMalicious Software Removal Tool (64-bit)www.microsoft.comOpen official page
The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) checks for a set of prevalent malware families and removes them. Microsoft releases it monthly through Windows Update, usually on the second Tuesday, and publishes the standalone file at the same time.
It is not an antivirus. Microsoft states that it does not replace full antimalware such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which already protects Windows 10 and 11 in real time.
System requirements
- Windows 10, Windows 11 or a supported Windows Server version
- Local administrator rights
How to install
- Download
Windows-KB890830-x64-V5.146.exefrom the Microsoft Download Center. - Run it as an administrator, choose Quick scan or Full scan, and follow the prompts.
- For a broader on-demand scan, run a full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection as well.
Download safely
We link only to the publisher's own site and do not host installers or disk images. Avoid "pre-activated" or modified builds and third-party mirrors: they are a common way to spread malware, and they cannot be verified.