

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.

The MSRT differs from an antivirus product in three important ways: Therefore, we strongly recommend that you install and use an up-to-date antivirus product. It is strictly a post-infection removal tool. The MSRT does not replace an antivirus product.
