Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware tool that detects and removes malware, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other threats that traditional antivirus software may miss. It can be used alongside your existing antivirus software to provide an additional layer of protection. Malwarebytes is available in both free and premium versions, with the free version providing on-demand scanning capabilities.

Installing Malwarebytes

Before you can scan your computer, you need to download and install Malwarebytes.

1. Visit the official Malwarebytes website at www.malwarebytes.com.
2. Click the Free Download button.
3. Once the download completes, locate the installer file (typically in your Downloads folder).
4. Double-click the installer file to begin installation.
5. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow the installation.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts and click Install to proceed with the default settings.
7. Wait for the installation to complete.
8. When prompted, click Finish to launch Malwarebytes.

Initial Setup

After installation, Malwarebytes will perform initial setup tasks.

1. Malwarebytes will automatically begin updating its threat database. Wait for this process to complete.
2. You will be offered a free trial of Malwarebytes Premium. You can click Start Free Trial or click Skip to use the free version.
3. If using the free version, you will have access to on-demand scanning. Premium users also get real-time protection.

Understanding the Malwarebytes Interface

The main Malwarebytes window displays several key sections:

• Dashboard: Shows your protection status and scan history.
• Scan: Access different scan types and start scans.
• Quarantine: View and manage detected threats that have been isolated.
• Reports: Review detailed logs of previous scans and actions taken.
• Settings: Configure scan options, exclusions, and application preferences.

Updating Threat Definitions

Before scanning, ensure you have the latest threat definitions for optimal protection.

1. Open Malwarebytes if it's not already running.
2. On the Dashboard tab, look for the "Database version" information.
3. If an update is available, click the Update now button.
4. Wait for the update to complete before proceeding with your scan.

Note: Malwarebytes typically updates automatically when you open the application or before starting a scan.

Running a Threat Scan (Standard Scan)

The Threat Scan is the recommended scan type that checks critical areas of your system where malware typically hides.

1. Open Malwarebytes.
2. Click on the Scan tab in the left sidebar.
3. Ensure Threat Scan is selected (this is the default).
4. Click the Scan button to begin.
5. The scan will progress through several phases:
   • Pre-scan: Prepares your system for scanning
   • Scan memory objects: Checks running processes
   • Scan file system: Examines files and folders
   • Scan registry: Checks Windows registry entries
6. The scan typically takes 5-20 minutes depending on your system.
7. You can continue using your computer during the scan, though performance may be slower.
8. When the scan completes, review the results.

Running a Custom Scan

A Custom Scan allows you to select specific drives, folders, or files to examine.

1. Open Malwarebytes and go to the Scan tab.
2. Click on Custom Scan to select it.
3. Click the Configure Scan link that appears.
4. In the scan configuration window, check the boxes next to the drives or locations you want to scan.
5. Optionally, click the Add Folder button to include specific folders not listed.
6. Under "Scan options," you can customize:
   • Whether to scan inside archives (ZIP, RAR files)
   • Rootkit scanning options
   • File scanning depth
7. Click the Scan button to start the custom scan.
8. Wait for the scan to complete and review the results.

Understanding and Managing Scan Results

After a scan completes, Malwarebytes displays any detected threats.

If Threats Are Found

1. The results screen will show the number and types of threats detected.
2. By default, all detected items are checked for quarantine.
3. Review the list of threats. Each item shows:
   • Threat name and type
   • File location or registry path
   • Severity level
4. If you want to exclude a specific item from quarantine (not recommended unless you're certain it's safe), uncheck the box next to that item.
5. Click the Quarantine button to isolate the threats.
6. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the removal process. Click Yes to restart immediately or No to restart later.

If No Threats Are Found

If Malwarebytes finds no threats, you will see a message stating "No threats found" or "Congratulations, no malware detected." Click the Close button to return to the Dashboard.

Managing Quarantined Items

Quarantine isolates threats so they cannot harm your system. You can review or permanently delete quarantined items.

1. Open Malwarebytes and click on the Quarantine tab.
2. View the list of quarantined threats, including:
   • Threat name
   • Date quarantined
   • Original location
3. To permanently delete quarantined items, select the items you want to remove (or use Select All).
4. Click the Delete button.
5. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Note: If you believe an item was incorrectly identified as a threat (false positive), you can select it and click Restore. Use this option with caution and only for files you trust.

Viewing Scan Reports

Malwarebytes maintains detailed logs of all scans and actions performed.

1. Click on the Reports tab in Malwarebytes.
2. You will see a chronological list of all scan reports and detection logs.
3. Click on any report to view detailed information about that scan, including:
   • Scan type and date
   • Number of items scanned
   • Threats detected
   • Actions taken
   • Scan duration
4. You can click Delete to remove old reports or Export to save a report as a text file.

Configuring Scan Settings

You can customize how Malwarebytes scans your system.

1. Click the Settings icon.
2. Select the Security tab.
3. Under "Scan options," you can configure:
   • Scan for rootkits: Enable to detect deeply hidden malware (may slow scan slightly)
   • Scan within archives: Check compressed files for threats
   • Scan memory objects: Examine running processes for malicious activity
4. Make your desired changes and click the back arrow to save.

Adding Exclusions

If Malwarebytes consistently flags a safe file or folder, you can add it to the exclusion list.

1. Open Settings in Malwarebytes.
2. Click on the Allow List tab.
3. Click the Add button.
4. Select the type of exclusion:
   • Allow a File or Folder: Exclude specific files or directories
   • Allow an Application: Exclude an entire application
   • Allow an Exploit: Permit specific detected exploits (advanced users only)
5. Browse to and select the file, folder, or application to exclude.
6. Click Open or OK to add the exclusion.

Warning: Only add exclusions for files you completely trust, as this reduces your protection level.

Using Malwarebytes with Other Antivirus Software

Malwarebytes is designed to work alongside traditional antivirus programs.

• Free version: Fully compatible with all antivirus software since it provides on-demand scanning only.
• Do not run scans from multiple security programs simultaneously, as this can slow your system significantly.

Uninstalling Malwarebytes

If you need to remove Malwarebytes from your system:

1. Open Settings in Windows.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps > Apps & features (Windows 10).
3. Search for "Malwarebytes" in the app list.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to Malwarebytes and select Uninstall.
5. Follow the uninstallation wizard prompts.
6. If prompted, restart your computer to complete the removal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Malwarebytes Won't Open

• Some malware prevents security software from running. Restart your computer in Safe Mode and try opening Malwarebytes.
• Reinstall Malwarebytes using the latest installer from the official website.
• Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool to diagnose and repair issues (available on their support website).

Scan Gets Stuck or Takes Too Long

• Close other programs to free up system resources.
• If the scan is frozen on a specific file, you may need to exclude that file and investigate it separately.
• Ensure your hard drive has sufficient free space (at least 10% free).
• Run a disk check to identify any hard drive errors.

False Positives

• If Malwarebytes flags legitimate software, verify the file's authenticity before restoring it.
• Submit false positives to Malwarebytes through their support website to improve detection accuracy.
• Add verified safe files to the Allow List to prevent future detections.

Database Update Fails

• Check your internet connection.
• Temporarily disable your firewall or add Malwarebytes to the firewall's exception list.
• Try updating manually through Settings > About > Check for updates.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!