Additional Microsoft Defender tools and services that provide security across various platforms and environments
FRST and custom fixlists are not Microsoft tools and are not covered in the provided context. Guidance for creating or sending FRST fixlists is therefore out of scope.
For malware such as MaleficAms.W on Windows, the supported options in the context are:
- Run Microsoft’s malware removal tools
- Run the built-in Malicious Software Removal Tool:
- Press Windows logo key + R.
- Type
%windir%\system32\mrt.exeand select OK. - Allow the program to make changes if prompted.
- Choose a full scan and follow the prompts to remove detected malware.
- If no antivirus is installed or existing AV is damaged, use Microsoft Safety Scanner, which can clean viruses from the computer. (See the “Microsoft Safety Scanner” references in the context.)
- Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus and keep definitions updated
- Ensure Microsoft Defender is enabled and run a full scan. A full scan checks all locations where malware can hide.
- Make sure security intelligence (definitions) is current:
- Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection updates, select “Check for updates”.
- If Defender cannot update, manually install the latest definitions from the definitions page referenced in the context.
- If threats are only partially removed
- When a threat is reported as “partially removed”, run a full scan with the Malicious Software Removal Tool as above.
- Restart the PC and manually install the latest Windows and Defender updates.
- If problems persist, use advanced troubleshooting guidance or Microsoft Defender Offline as referenced in the context.
- If malware caused irreversible changes
- If the system remains unstable or slow after cleaning, Windows may have irreversible changes.
- Back up important files to an external location (for example, OneDrive or external drive).
- Use Windows recovery options (Reset this PC, restore, or reinstall) as described in the recovery options article referenced in the context. Prefer “Keep my files” first to avoid data loss.
- Where to get trustworthy help
- Use official Microsoft support channels and communities:
- Microsoft Community Virus and Malware website for community help.
- Contact Microsoft Support page for direct assistance.
- If a file is suspected to contain malware, submit it for analysis using the official file submission portal referenced in the context.
These steps avoid reliance on third‑party custom scripts and keep remediation within supported Microsoft tools and channels.
References: