High CPU and Memory Usage by MRT.exe [Quick Solution for Windows 10/11]

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1. Download and install the software.
2. It will scan your computer for problems.
3. The tool will then fix the issues that were found.

MRT.exe is a malicious software which causes high CPU usage. This is a very dangerous threat because it can slow down your computer performance. If you are facing such issue, then follow the steps given below.

Step 2 : In Command Prompt window, type taskmgr and hit Enter.

Step 3 : You will see the process list. There will be many processes listed here. Find out the name of the process which is consuming most of the memory and CPU resources. For example, I found Process ID 518 is taking maximum resources. So, I am selecting it and pressing Ctrl + A key combination to select multiple items. Then, I am clicking End Task button to kill the selected process.

Now, restart your PC and enjoy smooth computing experience again.

What Is MRT.exe

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool is a free anti-malware program that scans your PC for malware and removes it. This tool does not replace antivirus programs because it doesn’t detect viruses, spyware or adware. Instead, it looks for malicious files such as Trojans, rootkits, keyloggers and worms. You can use this tool to clean up infected computers running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10.

If you want to manually install the tool, here are some steps:

Step 1: Run the extracted folder and double-click on mrt.exe to start the installation. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Restart your computer once the installation completes successfully.

Then select “Turn windows features on or off”. Click on OK.

Step 3: Select “Windows Update” and click on “Check for updates”. Once the update finishes downloading, restart your computer.

Is MRT.exe File a Virus

The MRT.exe file is usually located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder by default. However, some people may place it into a subfolder of the Windows temp folder. If you are one of those who put the MRT.exe into a subfolder ofthe Windows temp folder, you might want to know whether it is safe or not.

Usually, the MRT.exe is rated as “safe.” But what happens when the MRT.exe resides in a subfolder of the windows temp folder? Is it still safe? Let us find out…

When the MRT.exe lives in the system32 folder, it is considered to be safe because there is no chance of infection. However, if the MRT.exe exists in a subfolder ofthe windows temp folder, it is rated as 86% dangerous because it could potentially infect your computer.

This is why we advise you to avoid placing the MRT.exe in a subfolder of your Windows temp folder. You should always keep your files in the system32 folder.



How to Fix MRT.exe Taking Up a Lot of CPU and Memory

The MRT.exe process uses more memory and CPU cycles than normal. This happens because it runs continuously while Windows is running. If you are seeing high usage of MRT.exe, you need to find out why. Here’s how to fix the problem.

1. Open Task Manager.

2. Click Processes tab.

3. Right-click MRT.exe and choose End task.

4. Close Task Manager.

5. Run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.

6. Scan your PC for malware.

7. When completed, restart your PC.

8. After rebooting, open Task Manager again.

9. Check MRT.exe again. You should see no longer use up a lot of CPU or RAM.

10. Reinstall the software if needed.

Fix 1. End the MRT.exe-Related Processes

If the MRT.exe file keeps running even though you disabled it, you might want to end the processes related to it. This will help prevent further damage to your computer. To do this, open the Windows Task Manager and look for the MRT.exe application. Right-click on it and select Open File Location. Once the location opens, locate the following folder: %systemroot%\System32\drivers\mrtd. Delete the mrt.sys file inside this folder. Then restart the computer.

You can also use the CCleaner tool to delete the MRT.exe files. Download the latest version of CCleaner from here. Run the program and go to the Advanced tab. Select the option called Clean Registry. Click OK. Now run CCleaner again and check under the System section. There should no longer be any entries related to MRT.exe.

Fix 2. Delete the MRT.exe Files

MRT.EXE files are malicious software used to steal personal information and/or money from users. They are usually downloaded onto computers via email attachments or links. Once installed, these files may cause problems like slow performance, system crashes, and security breaches.

In order to remove MRT.EXE files, follow these instructions:

1. Remove Malware Using Windows Defender

Windows Defender is built into all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. It provides protection against malware, spyware, viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, rootkits, dialers, keyloggers, spyware, and other potentially unwanted applications.

2. Scan Your Computer for Infected Software

Run the scan tool and select “Scan Now” when prompted.

3. Delete the MRT.EXE Files

Open the folder where the MRT.EXEs were found and delete them.

4. Restore System Settings

Restore the default settings for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari browsers. 5. Update Antivirus Software

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Delete mrt.exe?

The Malicious Software Removal Tool (mrt.exe) is a legitimate program that helps clean up malware infections. But it can cause problems for some people.

If you’re running Windows 10, you might want to keep mrt.exe around. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t delete it.

1. MRT.EXE ISN’T A VIRUS

Malicious software removal tools like mrt.exe aren’t viruses. They don’t replicate themselves or spread to other computers. Instead, they help detect and remove malware.

2. THE DELETED FILE CAN BE REINSTALLED

You can install mrt.exe again even if it’s been removed. Just run the Windows System File Check utility or use the SFC command to re-download and re-install mrt.exe.

3. IT HELPS SECURE YOUR COMPUTER

How to Recover MRT.exe File?

Step 1: Open Command Prompt window. To do this, type cmd into the Run box and press Enter key.

Step 2: Now, enter the following command into the Command prompt window:

cd %systemroot%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319

Now, press Enter key.

Note: Replace %systemroot% with the path where the System32 folder exists.

Step 3: After entering the above mentioned command, now type the following command into the same Command prompt window: