Malwarebytes - Free Download (2026)

Name: Malwarebytes
Availability: InStock
Author: Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes - Anti-Malware Scanner

Malwarebytes is an anti malware tool by Malwarebytes Inc. that scans for and removes malware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs. The free version is an on demand scanner only - no background protection. Premium costs $44.99 per year for one device and adds protection that runs continuously.

It runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, though Windows gets the most features.

Scanning

The scanner checks for malware, adware, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that other antivirus products sometimes miss. You can run Quick, Full, or Custom scans. Detected threats go to quarantine where they are blocked from running but not deleted, so you can restore false positives. Many people use the free version as a second opinion scanner alongside Windows Defender.

Premium protection

Premium adds a background engine that monitors file activity and blocks threats before they run. The ransomware module watches for suspicious encryption patterns. Browser Guard (a free extension for Chrome and Firefox) blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts independently of the main program. A webcam monitoring feature alerts you when applications try to access your camera.

Advantages

Free scanner catches things other antivirus tools miss, especially PUPs and adware
Works well as a second opinion alongside Windows Defender
Browser Guard extension is free and standalone
Clean interface, no bloat

Drawbacks

Free version has no background protection - you must remember to scan manually
Premium at $44.99/year only covers one device
Not a full antivirus replacement on its own
macOS and mobile versions have fewer features than Windows

Who it is for

The free version of Malwarebytes is one of the best second opinion scanners available. Run it alongside Windows Defender when you suspect something is wrong. Premium makes sense if you want continuous protection, but at $44.99 per device per year, dedicated antivirus products like Bitdefender or ESET cover more ground for similar money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malwarebytes free?

The free version is an on demand scanner with no background protection. Premium costs $44.99 per year for one device and adds continuous monitoring, ransomware protection, and web filtering.

Can Malwarebytes replace antivirus?

The free version cannot - it only scans when you tell it to. Premium can work as a standalone antivirus but is better used alongside Windows Defender as a second opinion scanner.

Is Malwarebytes safe?

Yes. Malwarebytes is a legitimate security product used by millions. The free scanner is widely recommended by IT professionals for removing malware and adware.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Malware scanning and removal	Open the app › Scan › Quick/Full/Custom › Automatically detects and removes malware, adware, and PUPs.
2	Real-time protection 16	Settings › Real-Time Protection › Enable › Continuous monitoring of file activity and threat blocking.
3	Quarantine and file restoration	After scanning › Review results › Suspicious files in quarantine › Option to restore false positives.
4	Webcam protection against unauthorized access	Settings › Webcam Monitoring › Enable › Alerts when programs attempt to access the camera.
5	Exploit protection	Settings › Exploit Protection › Enable › Protects vulnerable applications (browsers/Office) against code injection.
6	Phishing protection 3	Install the Browser Guard extension from the Chrome/Firefox store › Blocks malicious sites and phishing attempts.
7	Ransomware protection 11	Settings › Ransomware Protection › Enable › Monitors suspicious file encryption patterns and blocks them.
8	Automatic scheduled scan	Settings › Scan Schedule › Set daily/weekly automatic scans at a chosen time.