How to Scan for Viruses with Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, downloadable security tool from Microsoft designed to provide on-demand scanning and help remove malware from Windows systems. It works independently from your regular antivirus software, offering an extra layer of security when you suspect a malware infection. If you are looking for a way to quickly check your system for threats, similar to searching for “Cara Scan Virus Dengan Microsoft Security Essentials” in other languages, Microsoft Safety Scanner is a valuable tool to consider. This guide will walk you through how to use Microsoft Safety Scanner to effectively scan your computer for viruses and malware.

Understanding Microsoft Safety Scanner

Before diving into the scanning process, it’s important to understand what Microsoft Safety Scanner is and what it is not.

On-Demand Tool: Safety Scanner is not a real-time antivirus. It only scans your system when you manually run it. It doesn’t provide continuous protection.
Complementary Security: It’s designed to work alongside your primary antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Think of it as a second opinion or a tool for occasional deep scans.
Expiration: A key feature of Safety Scanner is its temporary nature. The download expires 10 days after you download it. This ensures you are always using the latest virus definitions when you perform a scan. For each scan, you should download a fresh copy.
Portability: Safety Scanner is a portable executable file (msert.exe). It doesn’t require installation and doesn’t leave behind installed components after use. You simply delete the executable file to remove it.

Alt text: Microsoft Safety Scanner download page header, emphasizing it as a free malware removal tool.

System Requirements for Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is compatible with a wide range of Windows operating systems. Ensure your system meets these minimum requirements before downloading and running the tool:

Operating Systems: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, or Windows Server 2008 R2.
SHA-2 Support: Your Windows device must support SHA-2 code signing. Most modern Windows systems do, but if you are using an older, unupdated system, you may need to install updates to support SHA-2. Microsoft provides information on SHA-2 support for older systems if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Run a Scan with Microsoft Safety Scanner

Using Microsoft Safety Scanner is a straightforward process:

Download Safety Scanner:
- Visit the official Microsoft Safety Scanner download page. A quick web search for “Microsoft Safety Scanner download” will easily lead you to the correct page on Microsoft’s website.
- Download the appropriate version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit). If you are unsure, most modern Windows systems are 64-bit.
Run the Executable:
- Once the download is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the msert.exe file (usually your Downloads folder).
- Double-click the msert.exe file to run it.
- Windows may prompt you with a User Account Control (UAC) warning. Click “Yes” to allow Safety Scanner to run.
Choose Scan Type:
- After accepting the license terms, you will be presented with different scan options. Understanding these options is crucial for effective scanning:
  - Quick Scan: This is the fastest scan option. It checks areas of your system most likely to be infected by malware, such as the system files, registry, and running processes. It’s a good option for routine checks or if you suspect a recent infection.
  - Full Scan: This option performs a comprehensive scan of your entire system, including all files and folders. A full scan takes significantly longer than a quick scan but is more thorough. It’s recommended for in-depth checks or if you suspect deeply embedded malware.
  - Customized Scan: This allows you to specify which folders and drives you want to scan. This is useful if you want to target a specific area of your system, such as a USB drive or a particular directory you suspect might be infected.
Alt text: Microsoft Safety Scanner interface showing Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Customized Scan options.
Start the Scan:
- Select your desired scan type and click the “Next” button to start the scanning process.
- Safety Scanner will begin scanning your system for malware. The progress will be displayed on the screen. The scan duration will vary depending on the scan type and the size of your hard drive. Full scans can take several hours.
Review Scan Results:
- Once the scan is complete, Safety Scanner will display a summary of the scan results. This will indicate if any threats were detected.
- For detailed information about detected threats, click the “View detailed scan results” link or navigate to the log file located at %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log. You can open this log file with Notepad to see a detailed list of any malware found and actions taken.
Take Action on Threats:
- If Safety Scanner detects malware, it will attempt to remove it. Review the scan results and the log file to understand the detected threats and ensure appropriate actions were taken.
- In some cases, manual steps may be required, especially for complex or deeply rooted infections. If you are having trouble removing threats, consider using a dedicated malware removal tool or seeking professional help.

Important Considerations When Using Safety Scanner

Regular Antivirus is Essential: Remember that Safety Scanner is not a replacement for your primary antivirus software. For continuous, real-time protection, ensure you have a robust antivirus solution like Microsoft Defender Antivirus or another reputable third-party product installed and running.
Keep Definitions Updated: Always download a fresh copy of Safety Scanner before each scan to ensure you have the latest malware definitions. Because it expires every 10 days, this encourages you to use the most up-to-date version.
Log File for Details: The msert.log file is crucial for understanding the scan results in detail. Refer to this log for specific information about detected threats, even if the summary screen seems straightforward.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues using Safety Scanner, Microsoft provides a support article on troubleshooting problems. This resource can be helpful for resolving common errors or issues you might encounter.

Conclusion

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a useful tool for performing on-demand malware scans on Windows systems. By following these steps, you can effectively use Safety Scanner to check for and remove malware, adding an extra layer of security to your digital life. While it’s not a substitute for real-time antivirus protection, it’s a valuable asset in your cybersecurity toolkit, especially when you need a quick, thorough check or suspect a malware infection. Just like regularly maintaining your car, occasionally scanning your computer with tools like Microsoft Safety Scanner can help ensure smooth and secure operation.