Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Advanced System Diagnostic Utility

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) is a portable diagnostic application used to identify and fix complex malware issues on Windows.

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Key Features of Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

  • Farbar Recovery Scan Tool, or FRST, is an advanced, portable diagnostic application designed to run on Windows in normal or safe mode, as well as the Windows Recovery Environment.
  • It displays detailed information about Windows Registry loading points, services, drivers, and known DLLs to help users and trained experts identify and remediate deeply rooted malware infections.
  • In 2026, it remains the industry standard for manual malware removal and system troubleshooting when automated antivirus solutions fail, offering a reliable, lightweight solution for complex security diagnostics.

How to Use Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST)

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) is a portable diagnostic application that provides detailed information about system configurations to help identify and fix malware issues. Follow these steps to generate a system report:

  1. Download the Correct Version
    Download either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of FRST to your Desktop. It is essential to run the tool from the desktop for the "Fix" functionality to work correctly later.
  2. Launch as Administrator
    Right-click the FRST.exe (or FRST64.exe) file and select Run as administrator. When the tool opens, click "Yes" to the disclaimer to proceed to the main interface.
  3. Run the Initial Scan
    Ensure the "Addition.txt" checkbox is selected, then click the Scan button. The tool will begin analyzing your Registry, services, drivers, and system files. This typically takes 1-5 minutes.
  4. Review Your Logs
    Once the scan is complete, two text files (FRST.txt and Addition.txt) will be saved to your desktop. These logs contain technical data used by experts to create a custom "fixlist" to remove specific threats.
Pro Tip: FRST can also be run in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is extremely useful for fixing computers that are stuck in a boot loop or cannot load the desktop due to severe malware infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a false positive. Because FRST interacts with deep system components and the Windows Registry, many antivirus programs flag it as a "potentially unwanted program" or generic threat. FRST is a safe, highly-respected tool used globally by malware removal specialists.

The Fix button should only be used if you have a fixlist.txt file provided by a trained helper. You must place that file in the same folder as the FRST executable and then click Fix. Warning: Attempting to create your own fixlist without expert knowledge can permanently damage your operating system.

No. Unlike standard antivirus software, FRST is a diagnostic tool. It scans and reports what is on your system. Removal only happens when a script is manually applied via the Fix button.

Yes. FRST is regularly updated and fully supports Windows XP through Windows 11. Make sure to download the 64-bit version for modern Windows installations to ensure accurate scanning.

Technical Specifications

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Screenshot

Screenshot of Farbar Recovery Scan Malware Diagnostic

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