Install the Malwarebytes app before activating it. On Windows, run MBsetup.exe and choose Activate now when setup finishes; on macOS, complete the installer and start activation from the app’s welcome screen. You can activate desktop Malwarebytes by signing in to your account, entering a license key, or entering an MB code.
Choose an activation route
Pick a route based on what you have available. Account sign-in is the documented option for managing subscriptions and devices; a license key or MB code can be used as alternatives.
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| Route | What you need | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Sign in to your Malwarebytes account | Account email and password; an email verification code may also be required. | You have account access and want to activate or manage the subscription through the account. |
| Enter a license key | Your Malwarebytes license key. | You have a key and prefer to enter it in the app. |
| Enter an MB code | An MB code generated from the Mobile Security app or your account. | You can generate an MB code and want to use it to activate the app. |
Each route requires the app to be installed first. Malwarebytes’ activation overview links to separate installation instructions for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
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Install and activate Malwarebytes on Windows
- Download the Malwarebytes app for Windows.
- Double-click
MBsetup.exe. If Windows displays a prompt, approve it to continue. - In the Setup Wizard, click Install.
- Choose Personal for a personally or family-owned device, or Business for a company device. Business protection does not include the VPN feature.
- Click Next and skip any product pop-ups if they appear.
- When installation finishes, click Open Malwarebytes.
- On the welcome page, click Activate now, then select account sign-in, license key, or MB code and follow the prompts for that route.
- After the success message, click Continue to Dashboard.
These Windows labels and steps are from the Malwarebytes Windows installation guide. On a first install, the dashboard may offer one-time Device security, Online safety, and Trusted Advisor scans; Malwarebytes does not publish performance statistics for those scans in this guide.
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Install and activate Malwarebytes on macOS
- Download the Malwarebytes app for macOS.
- Open the installer from Downloads.
- Continue through the Introduction and Read Me screens, accept the Software License Agreement, and confirm the installation location.
- Authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID when prompted.
- When installation completes, close the installer. The app opens to a welcome page where you can start activation.
For the Mac-specific installer sequence, see Malwarebytes’ macOS quick-start guide.
Activate an installed desktop app with your account
If Malwarebytes is already installed on Windows or macOS, activate through the subscription controls in the app:
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- Open My subscription.
- Open the menu on the subscription card and select Activate subscription.
- Select Sign in, then enter the email and password for your Malwarebytes account.
- Enter the verification code sent to that email address and submit it.
These are the in-app account activation steps in the account activation guide. The same guide explains that a license key can be linked to an account and that an MB code can be generated from the account or Mobile Security app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsActivate a device from your Malwarebytes account
You can also start activation from the account website, but the app must already be downloaded and installed on the device. In your Malwarebytes account, choose Activate this device. When the loading screen finishes, the subscription is active on that device. See the device activation instructions.
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What to do for mobile apps, VPN, and other Malwarebytes products
- Android and iOS: Use the mobile installation instructions linked from Malwarebytes’ overview; desktop installer steps do not apply to mobile.
- VPN: Install the app before activating the VPN, and use the separate desktop or mobile VPN activation instructions linked from the overview.
- Identity Theft Protection and Personal Data Remover: Activate these products from your Malwarebytes account rather than through the desktop installer’s activation flow.
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