What is mrt.exe in Windows and Is It Safe?

I pity the fool that doesn’t know the answer

It’s normal to question the legitimacy ofunknown system files, especially when they abnormally consume system resources. If you launch the Task Manager and discover that a process dubbed MRT.exe has unreasonably high CPU usage, you have every reason to be concerned.

In this guide, we’ll explain what mrt.exe means and what it does. Likewise, you’ll learn how to determine if you have a safe copy of the file on your PC.

What Is mrt.exe?

mrt.exe is the executable file for theMicrosoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. You’ll find this file on every computer running the Windows operating system. Microsoft designed the Malicious Software Removal Tool to occasionally scan your computer for popular malware, viruses, and worms.

By default, the Malicious Software Removal Tool hibernates in the background and only runs once a month. You can also manually use the tool to run aQuick scan,Full scan, orCustomized scanof your computer.

To access the interactive interface of the software removal tool, typemrt.exein the Windows Search bar and selectOpen. Follow the prompt and select the type of scan you want to perform.

If the tool detects any infection, it removes it immediately and creates a report containing the number of files scanned, files infected, and files removed.

The report is automatically generated and saved in a text file dubbed mrt.log. Go toLocal Disk (C:)>Windows>debugand double-click themrt.logfile to view the scan reports.

How to Reduce mrt.exe High CPU Usage

Sometimes, a temporary system glitch could cause the software removal tool to consume excessive system resources. Right-click MRT.exe in the Task Manager and selectEnd task.

If the process reappears in the Task Manager and continues to abnormally consume CPU and memory footprint, restart your PC and check again. Should the problem persist, the software removal tool is probably infected and unsafe.

Is mrt.exe Safe? 3 Ways to Check

The Malicious Software Removal Tool is built into the Windows operating system by Microsoft. It is safe and won’t cause any problem on your computer.

However, if mrt.exe is always active when you check the Task Manager, a virus could be camouflaged as the Malicious Software Removal Tool. The techniques listed below will help you determine if the mrt.exe file on your PC is genuine or a fraudulent imitation.

The executable file of the Malicious Software Removal Tool is housed in the system32 folder (C:WindowsSystem32) on Windows 10 devices. If the file is located elsewhere, then it’s probably a virus or malware. Follow the steps below to check the location mrt.exe file on your computer.

PressCtrl+Shift+Escto launch the Windows Task Manager.
Go to theDetailstab, right-click onMRT.exeand selectOpen file locationon the context menu.

If you can’t find the file in the Task Manager, typemrt.exein the Windows Search bar and selectOpen file location.

That’ll open a new File Explorer window highlighting the MRT.exe file.

Click the File Explorer’s address bar to check the file location.

Some trojans and worms can create malicious copies of the MRT.exe file when they infect your PC. A good example is theTROJ_TIBS.DC trojan, as reported by Trend Micro—a data security and cybersecurity company.

Examining the MRT.exe’s digital signature is also an effective way to detect whether or not you have a genuine copy of the file. Right-clickMRT.exein the File Explorer or Task Manager and selectProperties.

Go to theDigital Signaturestab and check theName of signercolumn.

If the signer or publisher isn’t Microsoft Windows, you have a malicious copy of the MRT.exe file. Run the file through your antivirus software or delete it from your PC.

Note:It’s possible to find multiple instances of MRT.exe in the Task Manager. If that’s the case with your PC, make sure you check the file location and digital signature for each occurrence.

In the absence of anti-malware software, useonline virus scannerslike VirusTotal to check if the MRT.exe file on your computer is malicious. Visit theVirusTotal website, navigate to theFilesection, and upload the MRT.exe file to the website.

VirusTotal will scan and analyze the file for malware, worms, and other types of malicious content.

Should You Delete mrt.exe?

You should remove the Malicious Software Removal Tool from your computer if mrt.exe is outside the system32 folder. Likewise, delete the file if it isn’t signed by Microsoft, or if your security software flags it as malicious.

As long as you have a dedicated anti-malware tool or virus scanner, you can do without the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. However, we recommend having the tool on your computer for extra security. If you deleted the file because it’s problematic or ingenuine, you should download and reinstall anofficial copy of mrt.exe from the Microsoft website.

Running the WindowsSystem File Checker (SFC)or theCheck Disk Utilitywill also reinstall a genuine mrt.exe file on your PC. Likewise installing a Windows Update—go toSettings>Update & security>Windows Update>Check for updatesand install any available update on the page.

Stay Protected

Although the Malicious Software Removal Tool helps to eliminate specific malicious software from your PC, Microsoft stresses that it isn’t a replacement for antivirus software. You need a dedicated antivirus program running on your PC for around-the-clock protection.

Have a look at our compilation of free and paid virus and malware scanners. Additionally, check out this article onremoving malware completely on Windows. These resources contain some great tools that’ll help terminate malware processes and other security threats on your device.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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What is mrt.exe in Windows and Is It Safe?#

What Is mrt.exe?#

How to Reduce mrt.exe High CPU Usage#

Is mrt.exe Safe? 3 Ways to Check#

Should You Delete mrt.exe?#

Stay Protected#

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