Microsoft Safety Scanner
vCurrent security intelligence (re-download before each scan)Free
Free on-demand malware scanner from Microsoft that expires after 10 days. By Microsoft Corporation
- Windows
By the ToolsBharat teamLink checked 30 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
Microsoft Safety Scanner is free software for Windows from Microsoft Corporation. Free on-demand malware scanner from Microsoft that expires after 10 days. Download it only from learn.microsoft.com. The latest version we track is Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan)
- Publisher:
- Microsoft Corporation
- Official site:
- learn.microsoft.com
- Licence:
- Free — Proprietary — free
- Requirements:
- Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2–2019
Our verdict
A portable scanner (msert.exe) with Microsoft Defender's current signatures, useful as a second opinion when you suspect an infection or Defender isn't working. Download a fresh copy each time: Microsoft makes it expire 10 days after download. Pick the 64-bit version on modern PCs. Results are logged to %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log, and you remove it by deleting the file.
Key features
- Choice of scan types
- Uses Microsoft's latest security intelligence at download time
- Portable: no installation, delete to remove
- Detailed log at %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log
Pros
- Pro: Official and free
- Pro: Runs alongside your existing antivirus
- Pro: 32-bit and 64-bit builds
Cons
- Con: Expires 10 days after download
- Con: No real-time protection
- Con: Full scans are slow
What's new in Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan)
See what changed in Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan) in the official release notes
Version history
Version Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan)Latest
date not stated- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Requirements
- OS
- Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2–2019
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Also needs
- SHA-2 code-signing support (installed by Windows Update)
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Proprietary — free
- Publisher
- learn.microsoft.com
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
Why does Microsoft Safety Scanner stop working after a few days?
By design it expires 10 days after you download it, so you always scan with up-to-date definitions. Download it again from Microsoft's page.
Safety Scanner or MSRT: what's the difference?
MSRT targets a short list of widespread malware and runs monthly via Windows Update. Safety Scanner uses the full Defender signature set and is something you run by hand.
User reviews
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Alternatives
- Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)5.146 · FreeMicrosoft's monthly scanner that removes specific widespread malware families. 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
- HitmanProBuild 346 · TrialTiny cloud-assisted scanner for a second opinion alongside your antivirus. Official No bundles
Microsoft Safety Scanner
Current security intelligence (re-download before each scan) · Not stated