Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
v5.146FreeReleased 13 Oct 2026
Microsoft's monthly scanner that removes specific widespread malware families. By Microsoft Corporation
- Windows
By the ToolsBharat teamUpdated 13 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is free software for Windows from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft's monthly scanner that removes specific widespread malware families. Download it only from microsoft.com. The latest version we track is 5.146 (13 Oct 2026). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- 5.146 (13 Oct 2026)
- Publisher:
- Microsoft Corporation
- Official site:
- microsoft.com
- Licence:
- Free — Proprietary — free
- Requirements:
- Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2012–2016 (per Microsoft's list)
Our verdict
Windows Update already runs MSRT quietly every month, on the second Tuesday, so most people never need to download it. The standalone download is useful on a PC that's offline or not updating, or when you want to run a scan by hand. It targets specific prevalent malware rather than everything, and Microsoft is clear that it doesn't replace an antivirus such as Microsoft Defender.
Key features
- Removes specific prevalent malware families and reverses their changes
- New version each month alongside Patch Tuesday
- Standalone 64-bit download for offline or manual use
- Also delivered automatically through Windows Update
Pros
- Pro: Official and free
- Pro: Good second opinion on an infected PC
- Pro: No installation needed
Cons
- Con: Not real-time protection
- Con: Only detects a limited list of malware families
- Con: 64-bit only on the download page
What's new in 5.146
See what changed in 5.146 in the official release notes
Version history
Version 5.146Latest
13 Oct 2026 · 83.7 MB- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Requirements
- OS
- Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2012–2016 (per Microsoft's list)
- Architecture
- 64-bit
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Proprietary — free
- Publisher
- microsoft.com
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
Do I need to download MSRT if I have Windows Update on?
Usually not. Microsoft delivers and runs MSRT through Windows Update each month. Download it only for offline PCs or a manual scan.
What does 'Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool x64' in Windows Update mean?
It's this monthly tool being installed and run in the background. It's normal and safe.
User reviews
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Alternatives
- Microsoft Safety ScannerCurrent security intelligence (re-download before each scan) · FreeFree on-demand malware scanner from Microsoft that expires after 10 days. Official No bundles
- Malwarebytes5.7.3 · FreemiumWell-known malware scanner that cleans up infections other tools miss. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Malwarebytes AdwCleaner8.8.1 · FreeSmall no-install tool that strips adware, toolbars and browser hijackers. Official No bundles
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
5.146 · 83.7 MB