Install Malwarebytes on Windows
Installation is straightforward, but a few first-run choices decide whether the software is useful six months from now.
Before you start
- Windows 11 or Windows 10, 64-bit, with pending updates installed
- An administrator account
- The installer obtained per our download guidance
- Browsers closed
Installation steps
- Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
- Accept the licence terms and keep the default install location.
- Answer the personal-or-work prompt — it only affects the default configuration.
- Wait for the first threat-database update to finish.
- Run a threat scan before changing any settings.
Settings worth changing on day one
- Enable scanning for rootkits if the PC has a history of infections
- Schedule a weekly threat scan at a time the PC is normally on
- Enable potentially-unwanted-program detection rather than ignoring PUPs
- Leave notifications on until you know what a normal week looks like
Common installation problems
| Symptom | Usual cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Installer will not start | Not running as administrator, or an existing infection blocking it — try Safe Mode with Networking |
| Install fails partway | A previous broken install; use the vendor's support/cleanup tool, reboot, then reinstall |
| Real-time protection will not turn on | Another security suite holding the same hooks; disable its duplicate shields |
| Database update fails | Proxy, VPN or DNS filtering blocking the update endpoints |
Keeping the PC healthy after setup
Security software works best on a maintained system: current Windows updates, a lean startup list, and no stack of duplicated utilities. If you also tune Windows itself, Winhance is a reasonable companion for managing startup items and system tweaks without hand-editing the registry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to uninstall my antivirus before installing Malwarebytes?
Usually not. Conflicts appear mainly when two products both run full real-time engines; in that case disable one product's shields rather than uninstalling everything.
How do I install it if malware blocks the installer?
Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, install from there, then run a scan before returning to normal mode.
Can I install it on more than one PC?
The free scanner, yes. Paid licences cover a set number of devices defined by the subscription.
Malware-Bytes.net is an independent information resource about malware protection for Windows. We are not Malwarebytes, and this site is not the official Malwarebytes website or support channel. Malwarebytes is a trademark of Malwarebytes Inc.