Free Download Microsoft Safety Scanner’s latest version standalone for Windows. It is a scan tool designed to find and remove malware from Windows computers.
Overview of Microsoft Safety Scanner
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a valuable, free tool for detecting and removing malware on demand. While it’s not meant to replace your primary antivirus software, it’s an excellent resource for getting a second opinion, for use in emergencies, or when dealing with suspected infections. Always remember to download the latest version before each scan to ensure you have the latest protection.
You’ll be asked to select a scan type from three options: Quick, Full, and Custom. A Quick scan only analyzes areas where malware or files are likely to be found. You may be prompted to run a more comprehensive scan if any threats are found.
Key Features:
- On-Demand Scanning: Unlike traditional antivirus programs that run continuously in the background, Security Scanner only scans when manually launched. This makes it ideal for situations where you suspect a problem or want a one-time scan without affecting your existing security software.
- Portable and Installation-Free: You don’t need to install Security Scanner from Microsoft. Simply download and run the executable file. This portability makes it suitable for use on potentially infected systems, where installing new software may be difficult or risky.
- Up-to-Date Definitions: Security Scanner uses the latest malware definitions from Microsoft Security Intelligence Updates, ensuring it can detect a wide range of current threats, including viruses, spyware, and other malware.
- Three Types of Scans: You can choose from three scanning options to suit your needs:
- Quick Scan: This checks the most common areas where malware might be present.
- Full Scan: This performs a comprehensive scan of your entire system.
- Custom Scan: This allows you to select specific folders or drives to scan. Malware Removal: If the security scanner detects any threats, it will attempt to remove them and reverse any changes that may have been made to your system.
How to Use Microsoft Safety Scanner:
- Download: Visit the official Microsoft Safety Scanner download page and download the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit) for your system.
Run: After the download is complete, locate the msert.exe file (or similar name) and double-click it to run the scan. - Accept the License Agreement: Read and accept the license terms.
Choose Scan Type: Select the type of scan you want to run (Quick, Full, or Custom).
Start Scan: Click “Next” to begin the scan.
Review Results: After the scan is complete, Safety Scanner will display the results, indicating which threats were found and whether they were removed. You can also view a detailed log file (msert.log) in the %SYSTEMROOT%\debug folder. - Close: After reviewing the results, you can close Safety Scanner. You can delete the executable file if you no longer need it.