How to Fix MRT.exe High Disk and CPU usage in Windows PC

Is MRT eating up a huge amount of disk and CPU resources on your computer? It isn’t malware or computer infection. Indeed, it is the opposite. MRT or Malicious Software Removal Tool is a tool designed by Microsoft for detecting any eliminating malware or trojans on your Windows machine. This is actually a primitive version of the Windows Security app, designed to run on Windows 7. Follow these solutions to reach a resolution quickly.

Workarounds –

1. The first thing you should check that whether an MRT scan is going on or not. Usually, when MRT scans, it will use a higher amount of CPU and disk power.

If that is the case, all you can do is wait for the scanning process to be complete.

2. You can just restart your system. After restarting the system, you won’t see the

 

Fix 1 – Test for malware

Check the actual location of the file. It should be located in the System32 directory.

1. At first, use the Win key+X keys together to pull up the context menu.

2. Then, tap “Task Manager” to open that utility.



 

Task Manager Min

 

3. When the Task Manager appears on your screen, look for the “Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal tool” process that is eating a high amount of resources.

4. Then, right-click that and tap “Open file location“.

 

Open File Location Min

 

Now, the location of the tool will open up. So, check whether it is located here –

C:\Windows\System32

 

If that isn’t the case, and you are finding it in any other location, it itself can be malware.

Though as the tool is available in a portable version, it can be in another location. However, use the second solution to stop and get rid of it.

 

Fix 2 – End MRT process

The easiest process is to kill the MRT tool from the Task Manager. This will instantly end the scanning process and free up CPU, Disk, and other occupied resources.

1. If you press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc hotkeys together, you can directly open up the Task Manager.

2. Now, on the Task Manager page, look for the “Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal tool” process. You may find it in the Background Apps section.

3. Once you have located it, right-tap that and tap “End task” to kill it.

 

End Task Mrt Min

 

After killing the process, you won’t face the issue again.

 

Fix 3 – Use Windows Security

Another thing you can do is to use Windows Security to clean your computer.

1. Simply tap the Windows key and S key to bring up the search box.

2. Then, type “security security” in the search box.

3. Next, click “Windows Security” to open the Windows Security utility.

 

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4. When the Windows Security page opens up, click on “Virus & threat protection” to access that.

 

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5. On the next page, you will notice several settings related to protection services.

6. Then, tap “Scan options” to access that.

 

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5. Next, choose “Full Scan” on the settings page.

6. After that, click “Scan now” to scan the computer files for viruses, and malware.

 

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Now, all your files will be checked. This way, Windows Security will identify any affected file and will prompt for the removal of it.

 

Fix 4 – Download & run the latest MRT

You should download and run the latest MRT tool to scan the files on your computer.

1. Open the Task Manager from the context menu.

 

Task Manager Min

 

2. When the Task Manager page appears, find the “Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal tool” process.

3. Then, right-click it and tap “Open file location“.

 

Open File Location Min

 

4. Once you identified the location, minimize the File Explorer. Go back to Task Manager.



5. Here, right-tap the same MRT process and kill it.

6. Now, scroll down and look for more Microsoft Windows Malicious Software-related process threads and end those as well.

 

End Task Mrt Min

 

7. Then, come back to File Explorer again.

8. Now, select the MRT tool and tap “Delete” to delete it.

 

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9. Next, open a browser and go to the webpage to download the latest MRT.

10. There, tap “Download“.

 

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That’s it! Now, you can use this tool as you want. MRT won’t be eating huge CPU or Disk resources.