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What’s Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe (Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool)? Is it safe or a virus?

Microsoft Safety Scanner (msert.exe) is a free security tool provided by Microsoft to scan and remove malware or other malicious software from Windows computers. It is designed for on-demand use and operates as a standalone executable without replacing antivirus software.

The tool helps users identify specific threats, fix infections, and repair affected files. However, it does not provide real-time protection or automatic updates, and its virus definitions expire 10 days after downloading, requiring a fresh download for updated use.

Commonly referred to as the Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool, it is particularly useful for addressing urgent, temporary malware issues.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

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More about Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe (Microsoft Support Emergency Response Tool)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of Microsoft Safety Scanner 040425.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: August 14, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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