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How to Uninstall and Reinstall Malwarebytes on Windows with the Support Tool

Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool’s Advanced > Clean option for a clean Windows reinstall after an unrepairable technical issue. The procedure removes app files and configuration, restarts Windows, then offers an optional reinstall.
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To cleanly reinstall Malwarebytes on Windows when a technical problem cannot be repaired, use the Malwarebytes Support Tool’s Advanced > Clean option. It removes the app’s files and configuration, restarts Windows, then offers an optional reinstall. This is not the same as a standard uninstall, and it is not the Mac procedure.

Choose the right removal route

Situation Route What it does
Removing Malwarebytes normally Use the standard uninstall instructions for your operating system Malwarebytes documents standard removal separately from Support Tool clean reinstallation. See the Windows and Mac uninstall instructions.
A Windows technical issue cannot be repaired and you need a clean reinstall Windows Support Tool, Advanced > Clean Removes app files and configurations, then restarts Windows before offering an optional reinstall. See Malwarebytes’ Windows clean-reinstallation procedure.
Malwarebytes will not reinstall on a Mac Mac uninstall tool and the separate Mac recovery instructions Malwarebytes says residual app data can interfere with reinstalling; its Mac procedure removes the app with the uninstall tool, restarts, then tries the reinstall again. See the Mac reinstall instructions.

Clean reinstall Malwarebytes on Windows

Malwarebytes describes this as a clean reinstallation for Windows. The Support Tool requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8; if it is missing, the tool prompts you to open Microsoft’s download page.

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  1. Download and open the Support Tool. Download it from Malwarebytes’ Windows clean-reinstallation instructions, then open the downloaded mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file.
  2. Approve setup. Accept the Windows User Account Control prompt. If prompted because .NET Framework 4.8 is missing, follow the prompt to Microsoft’s download page and install the framework. Accept the Support Tool license agreement and finish setup.
  3. Start the clean. In the Support Tool, select Advanced, then Clean, and confirm. This removes Malwarebytes app files and configurations; it does not preserve the existing configuration.
  4. Restart when prompted. When cleanup finishes, click OK to restart Windows. After restart, let the Support Tool’s post-reboot cleanup prompt continue. When uninstalling is complete, choose Yes if you want the tool to reinstall Malwarebytes.
  5. Choose the installation type. Select Personal Computer or Work Computer, then click Install.

Malwarebytes’ instruction is: “Use the Support Tool to perform a clean reinstallation of the Malwarebytes app.”

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If Malwarebytes still will not install on Windows

Use these checks if the reinstall fails. Malwarebytes recommends each as an installation troubleshooting step, not as a replacement for the clean-reinstall procedure.

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  • Confirm that the computer has an active internet connection.
  • Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software, then try the installation again.
  • Temporarily turn off VPN or proxy settings during installation.
  • Run the installer from a local drive rather than from a network drive.
  • If the installer asks you to restart, restart promptly.
  • Check that the firewall allows ark.mwbsys.com on port 443.
  • Windows 8.1 and earlier must be upgraded before downloading the Malwarebytes app, according to Malwarebytes’ Windows installation troubleshooting instructions.
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Use the separate recovery steps on Mac

The Windows Support Tool workflow is not a Mac reinstall procedure. Malwarebytes’ Mac failed-reinstall guidance says residual app data may remain after removal. It recommends downloading and running the Mac uninstall tool, entering the Mac password when asked, removing the downloaded tool, restarting the Mac, and trying the reinstall again. Malwarebytes states that the uninstall tool requires macOS Yosemite 10.10 or later; follow the current Mac reinstall instructions for the steps and download.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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