Malwarebytes Free: what it does, and what it leaves to Premium
Malwarebytes is best known as the scanner people run when something feels wrong: pop-ups out of nowhere, a browser that keeps changing its home page, or a warning that something is running that should not be. The free version finds and removes infections that are already on the computer. Stopping threats before they arrive is the job of the paid Premium Security plans.
Free and Premium, side by side
The Malwarebytes download page puts it in one line: Free cleans up, Premium keeps threats out.
Malwarebytes Free gives you:
- On-demand malware scanning, whenever you start it.
- Removal of infections it finds.
Premium Security adds:
- Real-time antivirus protection.
- Ransomware protection.
- Blocking of phishing and malicious websites.
- Exploit protection and brute-force attack prevention.
- Uninstall protection.
The paid plans are sold per year for several devices, and some bundle a VPN or identity protection. See the pricing page for current plans; the free scanner does not need any of them.
Installing and running a scan
Download the installer from the official site and run it. Malwarebytes for Windows and Mac is the same product line; this listing covers Windows.
If the app starts a Premium trial after installation, the free scanner keeps working when the trial ends; only the real-time features stop. Nothing needs uninstalling.
To check your PC:
- Open Malwarebytes and click Scan. The standard scan looks at the places malware usually hides: memory, start-up items, the registry and common folders.
- Wait for it to finish. Speed depends on the size of your disk and how many files are on it.
- Review the results. Malwarebytes also flags potentially unwanted programs such as toolbars and bundled "optimisers". Untick anything you installed on purpose and want to keep.
- Click Quarantine. Quarantined items are moved somewhere they cannot run, so you can restore one if it turns out to be needed.
- Restart if asked.
The Detection History section lists what was found and lets you restore or delete quarantined items.
Using it alongside your antivirus
Because the free version only scans when you ask, it does not fight with Microsoft Defender or another antivirus for control. Many people keep Defender for everyday protection and run Malwarebytes Free now and then as a second opinion. If you buy Premium, its real-time protection becomes another active security layer, so check that the two products are set to work together.
Limits worth knowing
A scan finds what is on the PC now. It does not stop the next infection, block a scam site or protect files from ransomware; those are Premium features. And no scanner catches everything. If a computer is badly compromised, back up your documents and consider reinstalling Windows.
FAQ
Is Malwarebytes free?
The scanner is free to use for finding and removing infections. Real-time protection and the other blocking features require a paid plan.
Can I use Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender?
Yes. The free version scans only when you start it, so it works alongside Defender without conflict.
Should I delete everything a scan finds?
Quarantine first. Review potentially unwanted programs before removing them, because some may be tools you installed deliberately.
Does Malwarebytes Free run in the background?
No. Background real-time protection is part of Premium. The free version waits for you to start a scan.
- Best for
- A second opinion when you suspect your PC is infected, alongside the antivirus you already have.
- Good to know
- The free version scans on demand only; real-time protection and blocking need a paid plan.
Other security tools
For an open-source scanner, look at ClamAV. Password managers, encryption and VPN clients are in our security and privacy category.