Anti-malware and security software to keep you safe from online threats

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes

  -  2.5 MB  -  Demo
  • Latest Version

    Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 LATEST

  • Review by

    Michael Reynolds

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Malwarebytes Corp / External Link

  • Filename

    MBSetup-0062692.0062692-consumer.exe

Quick Jump to Features, How to Use, FAQ, Alternatives, System Requirements, Pricing, PROS, CONS and Conclusion.

Malwarebytes
is an industry-leading desktop scanner that detects and removes malware like worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, spyware, and more for your Windows PC.

Malwarebytes Premium is smarter than your average antivirus. Finds threats on 40% of devices that already have another antivirus installed, and crushes them. BUY NOW!

Malwarebytes Screenshot 1

All you have to do is launch the software and run a scan. It's that simple. Or if you want even better protection, consider Anti-Malware Premium and its instant real-time scanner that automatically prevents malware and websites from infecting your PC. Either way, you're crushing malware and foiling hackers.

Review

The program is a next-generation antivirus replacement. The first of its kind for home users, the Malwarebytes app employs four independent technology modules—anti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and malicious website protection—to block and remove both known and unknown threats. Malwarebytes Premium 2024 is smarter, faster, and lighter than ever before!

Features and Highlights

Protects you from advanced threats
Detects and removes malware in real-time with advanced anti-malware, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit technology. Scans for threats automatically using artificial intelligence (AI) so you’re protected without having to even think about it.

Protects your files from being locked and held for ransom
Stops unknown and known ransomware with proprietary next-gen technology that works proactively to shield your files. This is a powerful, comprehensive defense that blocks ransomware and is not a simple decryption tool. So you’ve been protected from tomorrow’s “Ransomware Attack!” headlines today.

Prevents your programs from being used against you
Wraps your web browser and software in four layers of defense, stopping attacks that use vulnerabilities in those programs to infect your computer.

Protects you from fake and infected websites
Detects and prevents contact with fake websites and malicious links. You are proactively protected from downloading malware, hacking attempts, and infected advertising. Worried about wandering into a “bad” Internet neighborhood? Now you don’t have to be.

Scans faster, scans smarter
Lightning-fast Hyper Scan mode targets only the threats that are currently active. Faster analysis. Still gets results. Run a scan in the background while you boot up your favorite game. It's done by the time you're ready to play.

Smarter technology
Traditional antivirus relies on outdated signature-based technology that addresses threats at the execution stage of the attack chain. It's reactive, one-dimensional, and apparently isn't effective. Malwarebytes 2024 latest employs several proprietary technologies that work together to break the attack chain, from pre-delivery to post-execution. The Antimalware Bytes is an amazing security app!

FREE vs PREMIUM

Malwarebytes Premium offers more advanced features than the Free version, including real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and ransomware protection. Malwarebytes Premium also includes a fast and thorough scan option, while the free version only offers a basic scan.

In contrast, Malwarebytes Free provides basic protection against malware, spyware, and viruses, with limited features. It does not offer real-time protection or scheduled scanning and lacks features such as anti-ransomware protection and website blocking.

Overall, Malwarebytes Premium is a more comprehensive and effective solution for protecting against various online threats, while Malwarebytes Free is a basic tool that provides limited protection against malware.

Malwarebytes Screenshot 2

Real-time protection layers

Web Protection
Prevents access to malicious websites, ad networks, scammer networks, and bad neighborhoods.

Application Hardening
Reduces vulnerability exploit surface and proactively detects fingerprinting attempts used by advanced attacks.

Exploit Mitigation
Proactively detects and blocks attempts to abuse vulnerabilities and remotely execute code on the endpoint.

Application Behavior Protection
Prevents applications from being leveraged to infect the endpoint.

Anomaly Detection
Proactively identifies viruses and malware through machine learning techniques.

Payload Analysis
Identifies entire families of known malware with heuristic and behavioral rules.

Behavior Monitoring
Detects and blocks ransomware via behavioral monitoring technology.

What`s new

"Halt Hackers" is a comprehensive cyber protection suite that offers protection against various online threats. The user can protect themselves from hackers, infected ads, malicious sites, credit card skimmers, and credential stealers with the web and malware protection provided by the suite.

The suite provides intelligent defense against ransomware attacks, which can protect the user's PC, files, and photos while shielding them from vulnerable and unpatched software. In addition, the suite also offers expert guidance through its Security Advisor, which is an all-in-one cyber-protection dashboard that highlights the user's security status in real-time, empowering them to take action.

Moreover, the suite employs a "Brains over brute force" approach, which includes Brute Force protection that blocks hackers from attempting to guess the user's login information. The Uninstall protection feature also blocks malware from disabling the security product.

The user has ultimate control with the suite's intuitive user interface that allows customization of the protection according to their needs without needing a masters in computer science. Finally, the suite's scans use 50% less CPU resources than before and come with a Play Mode feature that enables the user to turn off notifications and updates as they game or watch movies, making it nearly invisible.

Malwarebytes Screenshot 3

How to install Malwarebytes
  • Check your Downloads folder, or search your computer for the app setup file, mbsetup.exe.
  • Open the setup file by double-clicking on it. Next, Windows will ask if it's okay to make changes to your device. Click "Yes," then select your language.
  • When the Setup Wizard opens, click "Agree and Continue" to start installing the app, or click "Advanced Options" to choose a different install location.
  • When the installation is complete, click "Finish" to close the Setup Wizard.
  • Done! Malwarebytes should launch automatically.
How to Use

Update: After installation, open the program. It will automatically check for updates. If updates are available, allow them to install so that you have the latest malware definitions and program features.

Scan: Once Malwarebytes is up to date, click on the "Scan" tab. Choose the type of scan you want to perform:
  • Threat Scan: This is a comprehensive scan that checks common infection areas.
  • Custom Scan: Allows you to choose specific files, folders, or drives to scan.
  • Hyper Scan: Performs a quick scan of memory and startup items.
Select the desired scan type and click on the "Scan Now" button. It will begin scanning your computer for malware and other malicious programs.

Review Scan Results: After the scan completes, it will display a list of detected threats. You can review each item individually or click on the "Quarantine" button to remove all detected threats. It may prompt you to restart your computer to complete the removal process.

Real-Time Protection: It offers real-time protection to prevent malware infections. Ensure that this feature is enabled in the settings. It will monitor your system for any suspicious activities and block known malware in real-time.

Schedule Scans: To keep your system protected, it's advisable to schedule regular scans. In the settings, navigate to the "Scheduler" tab and set up a recurring scan that suits your preferences.

Customization: It provides various customization options. You can adjust scan settings, enable or disable specific features, configure notifications, and more, based on your requirements. Explore the settings to personalize the app to your liking.

FAQ

Is Malwarebytes FREE?
It offers both a FREE and a PREMIUM version of the software. The free version offers basic malware scanning and removal, while the premium version includes additional features such as real-time protection and ransomware protection.

Is Malwarebytes safe to use?
Yes, Malwarebytes is a safe and trusted software that has been used by millions of people worldwide. It is regularly updated to ensure it is effective against the latest security threats.

Does Malwarebytes work with Windows 11/10?
Yes, The app is fully compatible with Windows 11/10 and can be installed and used on any PC/Laptop running this operating system.

What kind of protection does Malwarebytes offer?
It offers protection against a wide range of security threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. It also includes features such as real-time protection, web protection, and exploit protection.

How do I install Malwarebytes on my PC?
To install Malwarebytes on your PC, simply download the software from the Malwarebytes website or FileHorse, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is quick and easy.

How often should I update Malwarebytes?
Updates are released on a regular basis, so it's important to check for updates regularly and install them as soon as they become available. This will ensure that your computer is protected against the latest threats.

Can I use Malwarebytes alongside my existing antivirus software?
Yes, it can be used alongside other antivirus software. However, it is recommended that you only run one real-time antivirus program at a time to avoid conflicts.

Can I customize the settings in Malwarebytes?
Yes, it offers a variety of customizable settings that allow you to tailor the software to your specific needs and preferences.

How often should I run a scan with Malwarebytes?
It's a good idea to run a full system scan with Malwarebytes at least once a week to ensure that your computer is free of malware. However, you can also run quick scans and custom scans as needed.

How do I uninstall Malwarebytes from my PC?
To uninstall Malwarebytes from your PC, go to the Windows Control Panel, select "Programs and Features", and then locate Malwarebytes in the list of installed programs. Click on it and select "Uninstall" to remove it from your computer.

Malwarebytes Screenshot 4

Alternatives

Avast Free Antivirus: A popular free antivirus program that offers decent protection against malware and other threats.

AVG Antivirus Free: A well-known antivirus program that offers decent protection against malware and other threats, with a user-friendly interface.

Avira Free Antivirus - It offers preventative protection for your data and devices!

Kaspersky Anti-Virus: A well-respected antivirus program that offers reliable protection against all types of malware.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: An advanced antivirus solution that uses machine learning to detect and eliminate malware.

System Requirements
  • Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 (32/64-bit)
  • 800 MHz CPU or faster, with SSE2 technology
  • 2048 MB (64-bit OS), 1024 MB (32-bit OS) of RAM
  • 250 MB of free hard disk space
  • 1024x768 or higher screen resolution
  • Active internet connection for product and database updates
Note that some features, such as Real-Time Protection and Ransomware Protection, require a Premium subscription and may have additional system requirements. It's always a good idea to check the latest system requirements on the official website before installing the software.

Languages supported

Bulgarian, Chinese (Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish.

Pricing

For personal use, it offers three pricing tiers:

Malwarebytes Free: Basic malware protection, manual scanning, and removal of threats.

Malwarebytes Premium: Real-time protection, automatic updates, scheduled scanning, and ransomware protection. Pricing starts at $3.75/month for one device.

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy VPN: All the features of Premium plus a VPN for online privacy protection. Pricing starts at $8.33/month for five devices.

For businesses, it offers a range of options, including:

Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection: Advanced endpoint protection for desktops and servers. Pricing is based on the number of endpoints and starts at $39.99/year.

Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response: Real-time threat detection and response for desktops and servers. Pricing is based on the number of endpoints and starts at $479.99/year.

Malwarebytes Incident Response: Comprehensive threat hunting and remediation for businesses. Pricing is based on the number of endpoints and starts at $1,499/year.

PROS
  • Advanced malware detection
  • Achieving outstanding ratings from few reputable antivirus labs
  • Real-time protection
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fast and thorough scanning
  • Multi-platform compatibility
CONS
  • Limited features in the free version
  • Potential conflicts with other antivirus software
Conclusion

All in all, Malwarebytes Premium is a widely used and trusted security software for PCs that provides protection against a wide range of security threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware. It offers both a free and a premium version of the software, with additional features such as real-time protection and exploits protection available in the premium version.

It has system requirements that are compatible with most modern PCs running various versions of Windows. With its regular updates and customizable settings, Malwarebytes is a valuable tool for anyone looking to keep their computer safe and secure. The FileHorse review team highly recommends this outstanding antivirus desktop app.

Note: 14 days trial version. After the trial ends, the program reverts to the free version, where certain features are disabled, such as real-time protection, malicious website blocking, and more.

Also Available: Download Malwarebytes for Mac

  • Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 Screenshot 1
  • Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 Screenshot 2
  • Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 Screenshot 3
  • Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2 Screenshot 4

What's new in this version:

Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.2
Features and improvements:
- Improved support for Windows 11 24H2 update
- Malwarebytes Free users can now opt in to Beta updates
- Localization updates
- Minor usability improvements
- Removed Trusted Advisor - Other devices feature from dashboard and Trusted Advisor page. We are evaluating improvements to this feature based on user feedback.

Fixed:
- Fixed minor UI bugs


Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.1
Features and improvements:
- Enhanced the app's self-protection capabilities to block vulnerable legitimate applications thate are often used in malicious activities.
- Minor updates to Trusted Advisor to alert users when actions are required.
- Localization updates.
- Improved support for “What’s new” announcements.

Issues fixed:
- Reduced issues that caused crashes.
- Accessibility fixes
- Fixed an issue where the Notification Center could not be opened.


Malwarebytes Premium 5.2.0
Features and improvements:
- Dashboard icons have been updated for a new look.
- In Protection settings, you can now enable or disable Advanced script and file-less protection (AMSI).
- New first-time download flow that provides a more comprehensive scan experience for new users.
- Added support for improved “What’s new” announcements.
- Small fixes for UI bugs and translations.

Issues Fixed
- Fixed an issue where closing the Malwarebytes is up to date notification results in the Notification center opening.
- Fixed Italian translations.
- Small bug fixes.

Known issues:
- We are actively investigating and working with Microsoft on performance issues related to the Windows 2024 Update (Windows 11 version 24H2). Users may experience a delay in startup when launching Office applications including Word and Excel.


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.11
Features and improvements
- Improved protection from file-less attacks.
- Enhanced notification logic.

Issues fixed:
- Fixed an issue where scans froze while checking for updates.
- Fixed an issue where the app fails to open.


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.10
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.9
Features and improvements:
- In the Digital Footprint dashboard of the app, you can now view additional details for data breach events in your scan results
- Third-party icons now appear in Digital Footprint scan results
- Localization improvements

Fixed:
- Fixed an issue where the app failed to start due to an unexpected error
- Fixed a broken link for third-party notices


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.8
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.7
Features and improvements:
- Improved notification logic
- Minor UI improvements

Fixed:
- Fixed bug related to application crashes


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.6
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.5
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.4
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.3
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.2
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.1.1
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 5.0.0
New:
- Unified user experience: For the first time, Malwarebytes now provides a consistent experience across all of our desktop and mobile products courtesy of an all-new and reimagined user experience powered by a faster and more responsive UI all managed through an intuitive dashboard.
- Modern security and privacy integrations: Our award-winning antivirus and ultra-fast VPN come together seamlessly in one easy-to-use solution. Whether you’re looking for a next-gen VPN to secure your online activity or harnessing the power of Browser Guard to block ad trackers and scam sites, taking charge of your privacy is simple.
- Trusted Advisor: Empowers you with real-time insights, easy-to-read protection score and expert guidance that puts you in control over your security and privacy.


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.8
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.7
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.6
Features and improvements:
- Added Trusted Advisor summary to the Monthly Summary report
- Added multi-language support improvements

Fixed:
- Fixed incorrect Trusted Advisor Protection score for free users
- Fixed notification bugs
- Minor bug fixes


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.5
Features and improvements:
- Multi-language support improvements.

Fixed issues:
- Updated compatibility with Microsoft PowerToys 0.74.1.
- Fixed UI freezing while running a scan.
- Fixed UI freezing while onboarding.


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.4
Features and improvements:
- Multi-language support improvements

Fixed:
- Addressed incorrect link in "Real-Time Protection turned off" notification
- Fixed duplicate notification issue
- Fixed Trusted Advisor Device scan bug for Malwarebytes for Teams
- Fixed subscription activation bug


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.3
Features and improvements:
- Added Monthly Summary report for Malwarebytes for Teams
- Minor usability improvements
- Minor improvements to words and phrases used

Fixed:
- Addressed crashing issues
- Fixed Browser Guard integration
- Fixed notifications appearing twice


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.2
Features and improvements:
- Added the ability to restore monitoring for ignored items in Trusted Advisor
- Trusted Advisor ignored items remain in the dismissed items list until manually removed
- Improved Trusted Advisor integration with Windows Security Center for Active Protection items
- Improved display logic for Trusted Advisor notifications
- Minor improvements for 4k resolution support

Fixed:
- Text overlaps the graphic for the Trusted Advisor protection score in certain languages
- Monthly Summary reports an incorrect number of scheduled scans
- Trusted advisor falsely reports issues with Windows update
- Text is not centered for Scan reminder notifications in certain languages
- Browser Guard integration crashesle


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.1
Features and improvements
- Implemented enhancements to increase protection.
- UI improvements made to support multiple languages.  I'd consider this a bug not a feature.
- Updated notifications for subscriptions about to expire.

Fixed issues:
- Out-of-date Browser Guard stats on the Real-Time Protection page.
- Onboarding wizard displays unexpectedly for existing users.
- Translation problems with Monthly Summary notifications.
- Display issues with notifications when the screen properties, such as resolution, are altered.


Malwarebytes Premium 4.6.0
Features and improvements:
- Security Advisor has been renamed to Trusted Advisor.
- Trusted Advisor gives a protection score and dashboard messages.
- Free users can dismiss items recommended by Trusted Advisor.
- New background visuals added.
- Enhanced multi-language support added.
- Minor detection improvements were made.

Fixed issues:
- Removed purchase-related notification that appeared during scanning newly downloaded apps.
- Updated logic for a notification displayed on the first day of trial.


Malwarebytes Premium 4.5.33
Features and improvements:
- Opt out for promotional notifications
- Enhanced multi-language support
- Advanced setup option for installations
- Improved notification logic

Fixed:
- Minor bug fixes


Malwarebytes Premium 4.5.32
Features and improvements:
- Enhancements to Scan Complete notifications
- Performance improvements

Fixed:
- Improved notification logic
- Minor bug fixes


Malwarebytes 4.5.31
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes 4.5.28
- Change log not available


Malwarebytes 4.5.27
Features and improvements:
- Notification settings added to Scan new download notifications.
- Show Browser Guard statistics in Monthly Summary details.

Fixed issues:
- Duplicate Trial notifications showing when device returns from sleep.
- Security Advisor alerting when Chrome is already up to date.
- Web Protection domain blocking.


Malwarebytes 4.5.26
Features and improvements:
- Added notifications and refreshed UI for 30-day security summary.
- BypassIO support.
- Support for integration of Browser Guard reporting.
- Improved multi-language support.
- Messaging improvements for Trial users.

Fixed issues:
- Issue with managing exclusions.
- Minor bug fixes.


Malwarebytes 4.5.26
Features and improvements:
- Added option to create support ticket when uninstalling.
- Onboarding improvements for new users.
- Performance improvements.
- Support for integrating Browser Guard protection statistics.

Fixed issues:
- Browser Guard not detected on new installs.
- Minor bug fixes.
- Problems starting service after applying updates.
- Unplanned reboots.