What is msert.exe? Should I remove it?

Msert.exe – a legit executable that can be exploited by malware creators

Msert.exe is a Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool that belongs to Microsoft Anti-Malware Signature Package, Microsoft Safety Scanner or Microsoft Malware Protection. Originally, this executable is legitimate, but often causes problems to Windows users. Additionally, it might be affected by malware.

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a program that is compatible with all major Windows OS versions, starting from Windows Server 2008 and finishing with Windows 10. This tool is used for finding and removing malware. However, it can be used only for ten days after download.

Therefore, after the ten days period, the executable might start causing problems. However, users can remove msert.exe from the machines because it’s not a critical Windows file. If you ever need this tool ever again, you will be able to download it. Microsoft recommends always using the latest version of the program.

Originally, msert.exe is located in “C:\Program Files” or other C:\ subfolder. However, if you see the file in other locations, for instance, C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folders, it might be a sign of malware infection. Hence, system scan with FortectIntego or other anti-malware is needed.

You can suspect that your machine was infected with a computer virus if you find some of these symptoms:

• msert.exe file in the task manager uses lots of computer’s CPU;
• you can open some of the files due to unknown file extension;
• unknown programs or browser extensions are being installed without your knowledge;
• an increased amount of ads appear when browsing the web;
• browser redirects to questionable websites;
• the general sluggishness of the computer;
• unknown errors appear on the screen.

In this case, you might consider msert.exe removal because this file might be related to a specific trojan horse. However, it’s better to make sure that this file is responsible for such activity by scanning Windows with a reputable malware removal software.

Computers can catch infections because of incorrect users’ behavior online

As you can understand, the legit and safe msert.exe arrives on the system together with Microsoft’s application. Meanwhile, the corrupted version of the file spreads like a trojan horse and might trick users into downloading it.

The trojan horse might be presented as a useful program, update or similar content. Keep in mind that malicious software often hides in freeware or shareware download sites. Hence, it’s highly recommended to stay away from such sources and always stick to official developer’s websites.

Additionally, you should never click ads or pop-ups that warn about available software updates, detected viruses or suggest system scan for viruses with unknown tools. These ads are usually malware-laden.

Uninstall Microsoft Safety Scanner and delete msert.exe entirely

To remove msert.exe from Windows computer, you have to uninstall Microsoft Safety Scanner from your machine. To do so, you have to navigate to Control Panel, access the list of installed programs and uninstall it as an ordinary application.

However, if you suspect that you have a malicious executable installed, you should opt for the automatic msert.exe removal. It means that you need to obtain anti-malware software and run a full system scan to clean the infection entirely. We suggest using FortectIntego for a system check and malware elimination.