IObit Malware Fighter - Free Download (2026)

Name: IObit Malware Fighter
Availability: InStock
Author: IObit

IObit Malware Fighter - Anti-Malware Tool

IObit Malware Fighter is an anti malware tool by IObit that scans for and removes malware, ransomware, and spyware. The free version uses IObit's own detection engine. The Pro version (around $20/year with discounts) adds the Bitdefender engine and claims access to over 200 million malware signatures.

It runs on Windows only.

Scanning

Smart Scan checks the most common infection areas and finishes in a few minutes. Full Scan goes through every file on selected drives and takes considerably longer. You can also right click any file or folder in Windows Explorer and scan it directly. The real time guard monitors downloads and flags suspicious files automatically.

Browser and file protection

Browser Guard cleans tracking cookies, blocks ads within the program's scope, and warns about phishing sites. Safe Box is an encrypted folder where you can lock files behind a password. The USB protection feature scans removable drives as soon as you plug them in, and the ransomware module watches for programs trying to encrypt your files without permission.

Advantages

Free version provides basic malware scanning
Pro adds Bitdefender engine for better detection
Encrypted Safe Box for sensitive files
USB auto scanning catches infected drives

Drawbacks

Free version detection rates lag behind dedicated antivirus products
Windows Defender already covers malware protection on Windows 10 and 11
Malwarebytes is a more trusted name for supplemental malware scanning
IObit bundles other software during installation

Who it is for

IObit Malware Fighter works as a second opinion scanner alongside your main antivirus. If you just need malware scanning, Malwarebytes Free is more widely trusted. Windows Defender covers the basics well on its own. The Pro version with Bitdefender's engine is more capable, but at that price you might as well buy Bitdefender directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IObit Malware Fighter free?

The free version provides basic malware scanning with IObit's own engine. The Pro version costs around $20/year with discounts and adds the Bitdefender detection engine.

Is IObit Malware Fighter enough to replace antivirus?

Not recommended as a sole antivirus. It works better as a second opinion scanner alongside Windows Defender or another antivirus. Malwarebytes Free is a more trusted option for supplemental scanning.

Does IObit Malware Fighter bundle extra software?

Yes. IObit installers typically include offers for other IObit products during installation. You need to uncheck these offers to avoid installing additional software.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Real-time protection 16	Settings › Real-Time Guard › Enable › Automatically scans downloaded files and blocks threats.
2	Full disk scan	Main window › Full Scan › Select drives to scan › Scanning all files takes 30+ minutes.
3	Quick system scan	Open the program › Smart Scan › Scans critical system areas (autostart/processes/temp files) in 2-5 minutes.
4	Phishing protection 3	Settings › Browser Guard › Enable clearing of tracking cookies, ad blocking, and protection against phishing sites.
5	Ransomware protection 11	Settings › Behavior Guard › Process monitoring › Automatically blocks programs that attempt to encrypt files without permission.
6	USB stick scanning 2	Settings › Device Guard › Enable › Automatically scans every USB flash drive or disk when connected.
7	File encryption and hiding	Security › Safe Box › Set a password › Drag files into the encrypted vault › Files are inaccessible without the password.
8	Selected files and folders scanning	Right-click a file/folder in Explorer › Scan with IObit › Or drag the file into the program window.