

And it only checks for some of the most common malware (see the full list here), currently around 150 specimens in total) - a good antivirus tool will detect hundreds of thousands of threats. The Malicious Software Removal Tool has no real-time detection features, for instance, so it can't stop you getting infected in the first place.

While useful, this is no substitute for an antivirus package. Just choose the type of scan you need - quick (takes a few minutes), full (takes ages, usually) or custom (scan only the areas you specify) - then leave the program to check your hard drive for threats, and remove any that it finds. The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is a quick and easy tool to uncover and eliminate malware from your system.
