MSRT (Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool) is indeed a component of Windows Defender. Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus and antimalware solution for Windows operating systems. It provides real-time protection against various threats such as viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software.
MSRT, on the other hand, is a free utility developed by Microsoft that helps to detect and remove specific types of malware from Windows systems. It is designed to target and eliminate prevalent malicious software that may be present on a computer, even if the computer is already running an up-to-date antivirus program.
While Windows Defender provides ongoing real-time protection, MSRT is typically released on a monthly basis as a stand-alone tool. It is primarily aimed at tackling specific and prevalent malware threats that may have evaded detection by regular antivirus software.
MSRT is often included in the monthly Windows Update releases from Microsoft, and it runs automatically in the background during the update process. It scans the computer for known malware and attempts to remove any detected threats.
It’s worth noting that MSRT is not a full-fledged antivirus program like Windows Defender. It is more of a supplementary tool that specifically targets prevalent threats that may have slipped through the cracks of regular antivirus software. Therefore, it is recommended to have Windows Defender or another reliable antivirus program installed alongside MSRT for comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats.
To summarize, MSRT is indeed part of Windows Defender, but it serves a specific purpose of targeting prevalent malware that may have bypassed regular antivirus software. Including MSRT in the Windows Update releases ensures that users have an additional layer of protection against known threats.