If you think your Windows 11 computer has a virus but your regular security app isn’t working, the Microsoft Safety Scanner can help. This is a temporary tool designed to find and remove hidden threats.
Why use this tool?
Sometimes malware can block your regular antivirus from running. Microsoft Safety Scanner is a portable, one-time-use tool that can run even when your main security software is failing or if you cannot connect to the internet.
What happens when done?
The tool will identify and attempt to remove any malicious software it finds. It also creates a log file that shows you exactly what was detected on your system.
Note: This tool expires 10 days after you download it. You must always download a fresh copy to ensure it can detect the newest viruses.
Important: This tool does not replace your regular antivirus program. Use it only as a backup.
How to download and use Microsoft Safety Scanner
You can download the tool from the official site Microsoft Safety Scanner Download.
- Select the 64-bit version for Windows 11.
- Locate the file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the file to run it. Requires admin privileges.
- Accept the license agreement when prompted.
Once the app is open, you will see three scan options:
- Quick scan: Checks common areas where viruses hide. This is fast but less thorough.
- Full scan: Checks every file on your computer. This may take several hours.
- Customized scan: Allows you to pick specific folders to check.
For the best results, we recommend a Full scan. Click Next to start the process. Once the scan finishes, you can review the results on the screen.
If you need to see a detailed report of what the tool found, you can check the log file located at %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log.
Summary
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a helpful, temporary tool for cleaning malware when your main antivirus is not working. It is easy to use, offers three types of scans, and can be run from an external drive if necessary. Always remember to download the latest version from Microsoft, as the tool expires after 10 days.
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