MSERT (Microsoft Safety Scanner) Mistake

Anonymous
2025-01-06T08:50:00+00:00

So I recently installed Microsoft Safety Scanner, MSERT, for a full scan. During the scan, it said “files infected: 4” but after it said no malicious software was detected. Is this because it thinks a program is malware, but after checking again for malicious scripts, it turns out to be safe? I’m a little paranoid. I’ve ran a full scan with Windows Security and Malwarebytes and neither of them found threats. I think it was a false alarm but im also concerned it could be sneaky malware that is designed to not be detected by regular antivirus. I’m just a little unsure

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 929.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-01-06T09:22:09+00:00

Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner works in a different way to other anti-virus software, during the scan it marks files it thinks may be infected, then at the end of the scan those files are compared to the malware database and if the end of the scan indicates no malware was found, then your system is malware free, there is nothing further you need to do.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-06T09:43:19+00:00

    Ok, that’s a relief! Thank you for clarifying, I was a bit unsure. That all makes more sense now

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments