Microsoft has released a beta version of its Windows Defender Offline, which offers protection against malware and rootkits during the Windows boot process. This new tool allows you to remove malicious files using already-downloaded definition files.
As Microsoft explains it, “Sometimes, malicious and other potentially unwanted software, including rootkits, try to install themselves on your PC. This can happen when you connect to the Internet or install some programs from a CD, DVD, or other media. Once on your PC, this software might run immediately, or it might run at unexpected times.”
Windows Defender Offline Beta will detect malicious and potentially unwanted software and files and notify you of the risks.
The process to use Windows Defender Offline Beta is pretty simple, here’s how to use it:
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Download Windows Defender Offline Beta and create a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive.
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Restart your PC using the Windows Defender Offline Beta media.
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Scan your PC for malicious and other potentially unwanted software.
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Remove any malware that is found from your PC.
As Neowin reports, Microsoft has plans for even more sophisticated anti-virus defenses for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system and this Offline tool is just a start.
