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What is Mrtstub.exe & Is It Safe to Delete it?
If needed, you can disable it using the Task Manager
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Do you want to learn more about the Malicious Software Removal Tool, or have you encountered random disappearing andreappearing fileson your system? You’re in luck. Today, we’ll cover mrtstub.exe.
The software component is part of the Windows system that finds and removes malware. But is it safe? Keep reading to find out.
What is mrtstub.exe in Task Manager?
The mrtstub.exe process is part of a native Windows software that protects your PC from malware. MSRT performs automatic monthly scans and helps remove malicious software if any is found.
Remember that this does not replace an actualantivirus program, as it cannot protect your device from real-time threats.
While MSRT inspects your files, it creates many temporary ones, each in a specific directory. After a completed scan, the tool deletes these temporary files (including mrtstub.exe). The next time it performs a search, it recreates them again.
This leads to the files disappearing and reappearing on their own. Moreover, it can sometimes leave behind a random file. All this surely raises the average user’s eyebrows.
You’re probably now wondering whether you can delete mrtstub.exe and similar files on your own. Removing them the old-fashioned way is nearly impossible – even if you do, they’ll reappear on their own after some time. You can try the following instead:
Most likely, no. mrtstub.exe is a benign executable automatically installed with the rest of the MSRT software. However, that doesn’t mean complications cannot arise or the file cannot be infected.
First, you may notice somehigh CPU usage when running MSRT. Usually, this means it has detected some malicious software on your PC and is working to remove it. However, if it consumes anextra amount of your CPU and memory resources, it may mean that the tool is corrupted.
Even if you do not notice any suspicious behavior, it doesn’t mean you’re safe from malware. We advise you to perform antivirus scans and ensure your information is well-protected regularly.
How do I determine if mrtstub.exe is safe?
1. Verify mrstub.exe location and digital signature
The file should be stored in a folder with a long alphanumeric name located in the following directory:C:\Windows\System32
Since it’s a temporary file meant to be deleted, it’s sometimes possible to find residuals in random locations. However, in most cases, mrtstub.exe is to be located in the System32 folder.
If it passes both tests, it’s most probably not malware. However, if it’s not in the right location or especially if it doesn’t have a valid digital signature, it could be a virus camouflaging itself as a legitimate file.
2. Search for mrt.log
The mrtstub.exe and mrt.log processes go hand in hand. If you have the one on your computer, you should also have the other. The latter comprises the logs in which the tool’s scan reports are stored.
It’s a cause for concern if mrt.log is missing or empty (after you’ve seen some activity from mrtstub.exe on your PC). This is the safest way to check whether mrtstub.exe is legitimate!
3. Perform a virus scan on your computer
If you still have concerns or even after you’ve verified its legitimacy, performing a deep scan of your system is recommended. This quickly takes care of any damaging files or actions on your PC.
And that’s all on mrstub.exe for today! We hope our guide provided relief and helped you learn something new. Additionally, you might be interested to understand how to fixcorrupted system fileson Windows 11.
Do you have any further comments or questions? Let us know in the comment section below:
More about the topics:exe file,Fix EXE file errors,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
