Malwarebytes is an important security program to protect any user’s computer. It is light-weight, fast, and best of all, excellent at removing the latest infections that may be in the wild. Malwarebytes is updated numerous times throughout the day, which allows you to stay protected from threats as they come out. One of the best parts of the program is that not only will it scan your computer free, but it will also remove any malware it finds at no cost to you either.
While scanning and cleaning a computer using Malwarebytes is always free, upgrading to the Premium version offers many benefits. This includes real-time protection, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and malicious website protection features.
How to install and run a scan with Malwarebytes Free
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, and Android. Click the tab below for the device you want to scan, then follow the steps to remove any malware it finds.
Scan Your Computer with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Current installers may offer Browser Guard, a trial, or a paid plan. Read each screen; use Skip for optional offers you do not want. Manual Windows scans and quarantine remain available in the free version.
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Choose the scan type and optional rootkit check
Start with the normal Threat Scan. For an additional rootkit check, click the three dots on the Scanner tile, choose Advanced Scan, then Custom Scan.
In the Custom Scan options, enable Scan for rootkits and select the entire C:\ system drive. Click Start Custom Scan when you have reviewed the remaining options. This option is unavailable on Windows ARM devices; do not change Windows security settings to make it appear.
Run the Custom Scan if you selected it. Otherwise, return to the Dashboard and follow the Threat Scan steps below. You do not need rootkit scanning enabled to run a normal scan.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
A Threat Scan checks memory, startup items, the registry, and common malware locations; it does not inspect every file on every drive. Allow it to finish. Use a Custom Scan if you also need to check a particular drive or folder.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan finishes, review the detected items and leave the threats you want removed selected. Click Quarantine. If you are unsure about a detection, save the report and ask for help before excluding it.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Mac with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When prompted, enable System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access → Malwarebytes, then authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID. Return to Malwarebytes afterward. Older macOS versions use System Preferences instead.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, review the result and check whether the symptoms have stopped. If they return, save the report and ask for help.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Phone with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android can check installed apps and accessible files for threats. The free version supports manual scanning. Review the results and confirm Android’s uninstall prompts for detected malicious apps; automatic and real-time protection features depend on the plan.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidManual malware scan; optional paid protection features -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
Tap Get Started, or I have a Subscription if you already pay for the app. Review any plan or trial offer before accepting it.
Follow the setup prompts to reach the dashboard. The free version supports manual scans; real-time protection and scheduled scans depend on the plan. Choose only the optional features you want.
Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone. -
Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the current dashboard, find the Device section and tap Scan now.
Allow storage access when prompted so Malwarebytes can check files as well as apps. Let the scan finish and open its results. Keep the app updated through Google Play.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Review the results and uninstall detected malicious apps.
On the current results screen, tap the menu next to a detected app and choose Uninstall app, then confirm Android’s uninstall prompt. Do not choose Always allow for an app you have not verified.
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Restart your phone.
Confirm that the selected apps were uninstalled. Restart if requested, then check whether the original problem has stopped. Keep the detection details and ask for help if an app cannot be removed or comes back.
That’s it — your Android device is now free of malicious apps, adware, and browser redirects.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
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