Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a security tool developed and released by Microsoft for Windows PCs. It reverses any infection caused by viruses or malicious software on Windows PCs. Microsoft updates its regularly and sends updates to every Windows user which gets installed with Windows updates. Some users are reporting that the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is not downloading, installing, or working on their PC. This guide will help you fix it.
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool not downloading, installing, or working
If the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is not downloading, installing, or working on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can use the following methods to fix the issue easily. Before going into the below fixes, do restart your PC and see if has made any change. If not try the following.
- Check Internet Connection
- Clear SoftwareDistribution folder contents
- Check for updates manually in Virus & threat protection
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Install in Safe Mode
- Manually download and install MRT
Let’s get into the details of each method.
1] Check Internet Connection
For the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to download, you need to have a good internet connection. It fails to download when your internet connection is not working properly. Do run speed tests and check if the speeds are good. Check if there are any issues with the connection and contact your internet service provider to fix any service-related issues.
Read: Fix Network & Internet connection problems in Windows 11/10
2] Clear SoftwareDistribution folder contents
Clear the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder and then try again and see if that works.
3] Check for updates manually in Virus & threat protection
If the download or installation of the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is stuck or the tool is not working, you need to check the updates manually.
To check for updates manually,
- Click on the Start menu and search for Windows Security
- Open Windows Security from the results
- Then, click on Virus & threat protection on the left side panel
- Scroll down to Virus & threat protection updates and click on Protection updates
- It will take you to the Protection updates page. Click on Check for updates button
- It will automatically check and install the available updates
4] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
The other way to fix the issues with Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is to run Windows Update Troubleshooter as they get installed with Windows updates. If there are any issues with the Windows and related updates, running the Windows update troubleshooter will fix it.
To run Windows Update Troubleshooter,
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down in the System tab to Troubleshoot tile and click on it
- Then, click on Other troubleshooters
- Find Windows Update and click Run beside it.
It will fix the problems related to Windows updates.
5] Install in Safe Mode
If you are still facing issues with the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, you need to install it in Safe Mode. In the Safe mode, only Windows and its related programs work, which makes it hard for the interfering programs to mess with the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Read: How to Install & Uninstall programs in Safe Mode in Windows 11/10
6] Manually download and install MRT.exe
If none of the above solutions helped you fix the issue, you need to install the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool manually. You can download it from the Microsoft website and run it.
These are the different ways you can use to fix the issues with the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows 11/10.
Does the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool?
Yes, it works well in reversing infection and removing malicious software. But, it is not an alternative to antivirus software which is confirmed by Microsoft. You still need to have a third-party antivirus to protect your PC fully.
How long does it take to install Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool?
It does not take much time to install the Windows malicious software removal tool. It can get installed within 30 minutes after starting the download. If it fails to install, you can use the above methods to fix and install it.
