Manually Running the Malicious Software Removal Tool Antivirus software will prevent malware from ever installing on your system, while the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool is a last resort after you suspect your system has already been infected. Antivirus and antimalware software run non-stop in the background to prevent malicious software from getting installed on your system in the first place.Įven running the tool on a regular schedule weekly or even daily will still leave your computer at risk. Never run the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool as an alternative to running antivirus software.

If you’re running antivirus software that you don’t trust is doing a thorough job protecting your computer.

Accidentally leaving your computer connected to the internet without any antivirus software for a significant period of time.

When switching antivirus software, your computer will be running and possibly connected to the internet without any protection.

After a Windows Update, if the latest version of the tool is included, it’ll run automatically in the background.

However, there are times when the tool is useful to run. If you are running such software, you never have to manually run the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool. You should also make sure Windows Firewall and Windows Defender are enabled. There are even free antivirus tools that work effectively at protecting your system, like Malwarebytes. You should always install and run an antivirus tool in the background. Never depend solely on regularly running the malicious software removal tool to protect your system. How You Should Use the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool Microsoft recommends using the Microsoft Safety Scanner for a complete, comprehensive scan for the latest malware threats.

Note: This tool only focuses on what Microsoft calls “prevalent malware families only”.

Microsoft safety scanner infected files