Malwarebytes Free Download
"Malwarebytes free download" describes the same Windows installer everyone else gets — the difference is only what happens after the trial period. This page covers what lands on the PC and what stays free.
One installer, two tiers
You download a single Windows .exe of roughly 250 MB installed. On first run it activates a short Premium trial with real-time protection enabled. When the trial ends the shields switch off and you are left with the free manual scanner described on our Malwarebytes Free page. Nothing needs to be reinstalled at that point.
Checks worth doing before you run it
- Confirm the file came from the vendor domain, not a download portal.
- Check the Digital Signatures tab in file Properties for a valid Malwarebytes Inc. signature.
- Close browsers so the installer can register its extensions cleanly.
- Run the installer from an administrator account.
Our download guide explains each of these checks and the common fake-installer patterns.
First scan after installing
Let the threat database update, then start a full scan rather than a quick one. A full scan on a typical laptop takes anywhere from ten minutes to an hour depending on drive size, and it establishes the baseline you will compare later scans against. The scanner page explains the difference between scan types.
Frequently asked questions
Is the free download a limited version?
It is the full application. After the trial, only the real-time protection layers stop working; scanning and removal remain available.
How large is the download?
The installer is a small stub-free single executable, and the installed application uses roughly 250 MB plus the threat database.
Do I need to uninstall my current antivirus first?
Usually not on Windows 10 or 11. If you run a third-party suite with its own real-time engine, watch performance after installing and disable duplicate shields if the PC slows.
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.