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What’s MSERT.exe (Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool)? Is it safe or a virus?

MSERT.exe, or the Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool, is a security tool developed by Microsoft to detect and remove malicious software from Windows devices. It functions as an on-demand malware scanner and does not offer real-time protection. Typically used in emergency situations or specific malware-related issues, it scans a system for viruses, spyware, and other threats, removing any detected malicious files. MSERT is regularly updated with the latest security definitions and is intended to complement existing antivirus solutions rather than replace them. It is lightweight, easy to run, and often used by IT professionals for targeted malware remediation.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

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More about MSERT.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes MSERT.exe (Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of MSERT.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: March 19, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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