mrt.exe - what is it?

If you find a file called "mrt.exe" on your computer, you can usually open it safely. We'll show you what's behind the mysterious file.

mrt.exe: Part of Microsoft's security software

• The explanation is short and sweet: The file "mrt.exe" runs the "Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool" from Microsoft.
• The Windows tool is called "Malicious Software Removal Tool". The name "mrt.exe" is abbreviated. The file is usually around 50 MB in size.
• It serves the security of your Windows system, since the Microsoft tool can detect and remove viruses and Trojans. For some time now, the tool has been offered monthly by the Windows Udates and brought up to date.
• Since the scan is usually only performed once a month with the Windows Update, the tool does not replace permanent virus protection. The free virus scanner "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" or the free alternative "Avira AntiVir" works much more carefully:

In the next practical tip we will show you how to start Windows without login.