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Windows · Security & Antivirus

Malwarebytes for Windows

On-demand and real-time anti-malware scanner commonly used as a second opinion alongside Microsoft Defender.

Updated July 19, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Safety Desk, Download sourcing and safety review

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Overview

Malwarebytes is best known for its free on-demand scanner, which many people keep installed specifically to check a machine that is behaving oddly. The paid version adds real-time protection, web protection, and scheduled scanning.

The free edition is a manual scanner: it does not run continuously, which is why it can coexist with Microsoft Defender without the conflicts you get from stacking two real-time engines. The trial that ships with the installer enables premium features for a limited period and then reverts to the free scanner.

Treat it as a supplement, not a replacement. It is strongest at cleaning up adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs that traditional antivirus products sometimes ignore.

Key features

  • On-demand malware, adware, and PUP scanning
  • Quarantine with restore for false positives
  • Real-time and web protection in the paid edition
  • Scheduled scans in the paid edition
  • Runs alongside Microsoft Defender when used as a manual scanner

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11, Windows 10, and current macOS releases
Architecture
x64 or ARM64 on Windows; universal build on macOS
Permissions
Administrator rights; macOS requires Full Disk Access for complete scans
Connectivity
Internet connection for definition updates

How to install Malwarebytes

  1. 1. Download from the vendor

    Use malwarebytes.com/mwb-download rather than a portal mirror.

  2. 2. Install

    Approve the UAC prompt on Windows, or grant Full Disk Access on macOS when prompted.

  3. 3. Decide about the trial

    If you only want the free scanner, decline or let the premium trial expire — the scanner keeps working.

  4. 4. Update definitions

    Open the app and check for updates before the first scan.

How to use it

  1. 1. Run a scan

    Use Scan for a standard sweep of memory, startup items, and common malware locations.

  2. 2. Review before removing

    Read the detection list; if a flagged item is software you installed deliberately, exclude it rather than deleting.

  3. 3. Check quarantine

    Restore anything quarantined by mistake from the Detection History screen.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from malwarebytes.com. Security tools are among the most impersonated downloads on the web.
  • The installer enables a premium trial by default; you can decline it and continue with the free scanner.
Bundled software
No unrelated third-party bundles. The premium trial is the only opt-out item.
Privacy
The product transmits scan telemetry and threat data to Malwarebytes for detection purposes. Review the company's privacy policy before deployment in a regulated environment.

Known risks

  • Aggressive PUP detection means occasional false positives on legitimate installers; check quarantine before deleting.
  • Running its real-time protection alongside another always-on engine can cause performance conflicts.

What's new

  • Current release

    Malwarebytes updates definitions continuously and ships application updates through its own updater. Version-specific change logs are published in the company's support portal.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Effective at adware and PUP cleanup
  • Free scanner coexists with Defender
  • Simple interface
  • Clear quarantine and restore

Cons

  • Real-time protection requires a subscription
  • Premium trial enabled by default
  • Occasional false positives
  • Not a full replacement for a primary antivirus

Verdict

Keep the free scanner around for second opinions and cleanup. The subscription only makes sense if you want it as your primary real-time protection instead of Defender.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run Malwarebytes with Microsoft Defender?

Yes, when you use the free on-demand scanner. If you enable premium real-time protection, configure one product as primary to avoid conflicts.

Is the free version time-limited?

The premium trial is. The on-demand scanner remains available after the trial ends.