In the vast landscape of computer threats affecting Windows users, security has become a top priority; traditionally, users relied on third-party tools like Malwarebytes to protect yourself from malware, spyware and other online threats.
However, with the constant improvement of the security features built into the Windows operating system, the question arises whether Microsoft’s native tool, the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT), can take the place of Malwarebytes.
What is Windows MRT?
The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT) is a security tool built into all modern versions of the Windows operating system. It is constantly updated by Microsoft and released monthly through Windows Security Updates. The main goal of MRT is to detect and remove known malware, such as worms, trojans, rootkits and other common threats.
Malwarebytes, a trusted name in cyber security
For many years, Malwarebytes has been a benchmark in cyberattack protection. It offers a wide range of features that go beyond simple malware removal. Its product suite offers real-time protection, exploit blocking, ransomware protection, and more. Malwarebytes has become a household name and trusted option for millions of users looking for advanced protection beyond what Windows itself offers.
MRT vs. Malwarebytes: A Comparison
When it comes to evaluating whether Windows MRT can completely replace Malwarebytes, it is important to consider a few key aspects:
- Threat coverage: MRT is designed to detect and remove specific known threats, while Malwarebytes offers broader coverage, with an ever-expanding malware database and advanced detection algorithms.
- Advanced features: Malwarebytes offers advanced features such as real-time protection, exploit blocking, and ransomware protection. MRT mainly focuses on removing existing threats.
- Ease of use: MRT runs automatically as part of Windows updates, making it a no-nonsense solution for novice users. Malwarebytes requires manual installation and configuration, but offers more control and customization of security options.
MRT and the impact on the operating system
Although MRT is less invasive than Malwarebytes and lighter because it is integrated into the operating system, Malwarebytes, even if paid, allows malware protection in real time; this means that Malwarebytes constantly monitors the system to detect and block any threats in real time, offering proactive protection that goes beyond simply removing known malware. This real-time functionality can be crucial in preventing cyber attacks before they can damage your system or steal sensitive data
How is MRT different from Windows Defender?
This is a substantial difference that is not very easy to understand and must be explained step by step.
While discussing the possibility that Windows MRT could replace Malwarebytes, it’s also important to consider the difference between MRT and the classic Windows Defender, which is another security tool built into Windows.
Windows Defender it is the default antivirus provided by Microsoft with the Windows operating system. It offers real-time protection, a full system scan, malware and spyware protection, as well as protection against phishing and other online threats. On the other hand, MRT focuses specifically on removing existing threats, rather than real-time protection or preventing new threats.
A distinctive aspect of “Windows native” antimalware is that it is released and updated monthly through Windows Security Updates. This means that users will receive new malware definitions from Microsoft on a regular basis, enabling them to find and remove known threats. On the other hand, Windows Defender is an application that is constantly updated and improved, providing continuous protection and real-time updates.
Both tools play an important role in protecting Windows systems, but with slightly different purposes and functionality. MRT focuses on removing known threats, while Windows Defender offers more comprehensive protection with real-time capabilities and prevention of new threats.
In short: the choice between MRT, Windows Defender and Malwarebytes will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the users. Some might opt for a built-in solution like MRT or Windows Defender, while others might prefer third-party software like Malwarebytes due to its broader coverage and advanced features.
It is important to carefully evaluate the available options and choose the solution that best fits your specific cybersecurity needs.
How to behave and what to use?
A complete scan takes a really long time to be done, we can talk about timing that varies 4 to 8 hours if the computer is in bad shape.
The only is (unfortunately) to go by trial and error to see which of the two between MRT and Malwarebytes is actually able to detect the threat; it should be noted that Malwarebytes already with the free version it can still do a full scan on demand and has, as mentioned before, an avalanche of malware definitions.
Curious how both can be valid options at the same time, the only thing is that you have to make them go one at a time, making them go together would weigh down the computer too much and it would take double, if not triple the time.
It must also be said that Malwarebytes, despite the name it also reveals all types of threats (Trojans, standard viruses, adware, etc.) and is absolutely not something to be underestimated.
In conclusion
Windows MRT is definitely a valuable addition to Windows security, as it offers basic protection against known threats. However, Malwarebytes continues to boast advanced features and broader coverage of malware. For users who want complete and personalized protection, the use of Malwarebytes as a computer security solution against viruses and malware.
Always remember one thing: before doing damage and having to spend hours and hours scanning your computer, malware and viruses are not downloaded “at random” because for some mysterious reason they target your PC, the first antivirus is you you.
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