Despite its name, the Malicious Removal Tool (aka MRT.exe) is a safe and legal Windows software. This program’s execution will cause a significant increase in CPU and Memory Usage since it requires a large amount of system resources to carry out its intended tasks.
There are multiple potential reasons why the mrt.exe process is using so much CPU. Mrt.exe, short for Malicious Software Removal Utility, is an official Windows tool for removing malware.
Therefore, it is not always a virus if the mrt.exe process is visible in the Task Manager. Malware Removal Tool receives monthly updates through Windows Update (in the Tuesday update of every month).
This programme should execute during updates but not at any other time. For the next 30 days or until the next update, it won’t function at all. If mrt.exe has been utilising excessive CPU only occasionally, you generally don’t need to worry about it.
High resource usage by mrt.exe is expected and normal behaviour. As long as it doesn’t constantly operate, there’s no need to worry. But if mrt.exe has been running nonstop for days, that’s cause for concern.
Since mrt.exe shouldn’t be running constantly or even every day, a virus could be masquerading as it in the Task Manager.
Method 1: Delete Mrt.exe.
C:\Windows\system32 contains the official Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. Any other mrt.exe is a virus or malware impersonating the actual one. First, delete all non-C:\Windows\system32 mrt.exe files.
How to find and delete harmful mrt.exe files
- Windows+E
- CTRL + F.
- Enter mrt.exe.
- Let Windows find the file.
- One mrt.exe should appear in search results. If you see more, right-click and choose Open file location. Right-click and delete. Repeat this for all mrt.exe files except C:\Windows\system32.
- Avoid deleting C:\Windows\system32. Write the file location below (in the search results).
- Open the Task Manager by pressing CTRL, SHIFT, and Esc. Choose mrt.exe. Quit. Retry deleting the file using the instructions above.
After mrt.exe has finished, it should no longer use excessive amounts of system resources. If you really care about the security of your system, nevertheless, we advise you to go with Option 2.
Method 2: Computer Scan
Your PC is infected if mrt.exe is running constantly. After following approach 1, scan your computer with a trusted security programme.
- You are free to use any anti-malware software you like, but if you are unsure, we suggest Malwarebytes. Get Malwarebytes for Windows right now!
- After installing Malwarebytes, perform a full system scan.
Once you’re done, your computer should be safe from viruses.
