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Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool vs Microsoft Safety Scanner: catalog facts
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool	Microsoft Safety Scanner
Free Free from Microsoft.	Free Free download from Microsoft.
Windows	Windows
Updated monthly by Microsoft Reverses changes made by removed malware	Portable on-demand scanner that needs no installation Attempts to reverse changes made by detected threats
Only targets specific prevalent malware families Not a replacement for an antivirus product	No real-time protection; scans only when you run it Windows only, and requires SHA-2 signing support
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License: Freeware	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.