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How to Fix MRT.exe High CPU & Disk Usage: 3 Quick Ways
Learn how to easily stop the Malicious Software Removal Tool
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
MRT.exe, also known as theMalicious Software Removal Tool, is a program that Microsoft adds to protect your computer from malware. It’s a pretty handy tool but has the issue of usinga lot of CPU resources.
Normally, this isn’t really a problem because MRT only runs every once in a while. The problem lies when MRT begins to run for an extended period of time; even days on end. Now, something’s wrong.
What causes MRT.exe to malfunction and use a lot of the CPU?
Besides high CPU usage, other notable symptoms include your computer becoming really hot and scanning errors. To understand why this happens, it’s important to look at the likely culprits.
How can I stop MRT.exe from using CPU resources?
In order to stop the Malicious Software Removal Tool from malfunctioning, you need to first figure out what’s wrong with it. You can do this by checking the software’s logs.
Before you delve into your computer’s files, there are a couple of quick solutions we recommend you try out:
1. Check MRT logs
If it says no infection was found, there’s nothing else you can do. The problem lies elsewhere. If it does say something was found, proceed to the next solution.
2. Delete and reinstall MRT.exe.
3. Use Autoruns to clear up errors
The Component-Based Servicing (CBS for short) log file has been reported to become suddenly corrupt after a Windows update. It is pretty important since it keeps track of whenever new updates are installed.
However, you canclean it up or outright delete CBSwithout causing harm to your computer. You should also learn aboutfixing Error 0x800f091f. The name may be awkward, however, it’s a serious issue.
This error prevents the dotNet Framework from updating your Windows computer. Running an SFC scan can fix this, but you might also have to update drivers manually.
Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other native Windows software. And please tell us if there’s a specific guide for any Windows error you’d like to see.
More about the topics:High CPU usage,malware,windows 10
Cesar Cadenas
Networking & Security Specialist
Cesar has been writing for and about technology going on for 6 years when he first started writing tech articles for his university paper. Since then, his passion for technology blossomed into a prosperous writing career. He first started writing about tech in the entertainment world and would later move on to write about smart life tech and social media. He was recently a Technical Writer for tech company Extron where he wrote user guides for audio and video equipment.
He has since moved on to being a freelance writer looking to have a career in copywriting and hopes to share his love and knowledge of technology with the world. Recently, Cesar has written for the cryptocurrency news site, BTCPro and helping people understand tech.
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Cesar Cadenas
Networking & Security Specialist
Cesar is a tech expert passionate about Windows, Microsoft, and anything surrounding the world of PCs.
