Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free malware detection and removal tool for Windows. Unlike a traditional antivirus program, it does not run continuously in the background. Instead, it can be launched manually when you want to check a computer for malware or investigate a possible infection.
Malware Scanning
Microsoft Safety Scanner does not require installation. After launching the executable, you can choose between a quick scan of critical system areas, a full scan of files and folders, or a custom scan of specific locations.
After the scan is complete, the tool displays detected threats and provides options to remove them. It can also help revert certain changes made by detected malware.
Portable Security Tool
Because Microsoft Safety Scanner runs on demand without installation, it can be used as a supplementary malware scanning tool alongside existing security software. It is available for supported Windows desktop and Windows Server environments.
Microsoft Safety Scanner is designed for on-demand malware detection and removal when you need to check a Windows system without installing a full antivirus application.
