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Malwarebytes Free can scan and clean a Windows PC or Mac on demand, but it is not a full-time antivirus replacement: real-time protection and several other features require a paid plan. You can install it without subscribing and use the free scanning features available for your device.
What Malwarebytes Free does—and what it does not
Malwarebytes describes its free Windows and Mac version as a tool for cleaning malware or checking a device after a cyberattack. On those platforms, Quick Scan and Custom Scan are available for free. Threat Scan, Real-Time Protection, Web Protection and other ongoing protections are paid features, with availability varying by plan and platform.
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In practical terms, Free is suited to a manual check or cleanup when you suspect an infection. It does not provide scheduled scans or continuous real-time protection. Malwarebytes confirms that limitation in its Free versus Premium help article.
| Feature | Malwarebytes Free | Malwarebytes Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Scan and Custom Scan on Windows and macOS | Available | Available |
| Threat Scan | Paid feature | Available |
| Real-Time Protection and Web Protection | Not included | Available, depending on plan and platform |
| Malware and ransomware protection | Not included as ongoing protection | Availability depends on plan and platform |
Feature names and availability can change. Check the current Malwarebytes free-version page and the comparison for your platform before deciding.
#1 Best Overall
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 5 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IYV5zGyCL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
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- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
How to install Malwarebytes Free on Windows 10 or 11
Malwarebytes lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 as supported as of September 28, 2026. Its Windows installation requirements include at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended), 1 GB of free disk space and an active internet connection. ChromeOS is not supported. Internet access is also needed for installation, activation and updates.
- Go to the official Malwarebytes download page and download the Windows installer.
- Open MBsetup.exe from your Downloads folder and approve the Windows prompt if it appears.
- In the setup wizard, select Install.
- Choose Personal for a home device. Choose Business only for a work environment.
- When setup finishes, open Malwarebytes. If prompted, sign in to an account or enter an activation key or MB code if you have one.
- To stay on the free version, do not start a paid subscription. Use the free scan options shown in the app.
How to install Malwarebytes Free on a Mac
- Download the Mac app from the official Malwarebytes download page.
- Open the downloaded installer from Downloads and select Continue through the setup screens.
- Accept the license agreement, select Install and enter your macOS password when asked.
- When Malwarebytes starts, select Personal Mac.
- Select Maybe later when offered a paid plan to continue with the free version.
The free Mac version does not include Scheduled Scans or Real-Time Protection. Use the available manual scans when you want to check the Mac.
Rank #2
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
What is free on Android and iPhone?
Malwarebytes has separate Android and iOS/iPadOS apps, and their free features are not the same as the Windows and Mac scanning model. Its feature chart lists a free Scanner on Android; for iOS/iPadOS, it lists free ad blocking and SMS protection. Other protections may require payment.
- Download Malwarebytes for Android from Google Play.
- Download Malwarebytes Mobile Security from the App Store.
Check the app-store listing and the current Malwarebytes feature information for the functions available in your region and app version.
Rank #3
- STAY PROTECTED EVERYWHERE you go, at home, in a café, at the airport—everywhere—on ALL YOUR DEVICES, with cloud-based protection against viruses & other online threats
- Webroot PASSWORD MANAGER by Last Pass creates, encrypts, and saves all your passwords, so you only have to remember one.
- As the #1 TRUSTED PROVIDER OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE, you know you’re in good hands. Stay safe from viruses, ransomware, phishing, and more.
- Webroot SOFTWARE UPDATES ITSELF AUTOMATICALLY, so you always have the most current protection without lifting a finger—and updates happen in the background so they won’t slow you down.
- PREMIUM FEATURES: Encrypts & protects passwords and account information for all your devices so you can stay protected wherever you are.
When the free version is enough
Choose Free if you want to run a manual check, attempt to clean up suspected malware, or inspect a device after an incident—and you are comfortable without continuous protection from Malwarebytes. Consider a paid plan if you specifically need real-time or web protection. Compare the features for your operating system before subscribing, because the set of protections differs by platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL, LIGHTNING-FAST ANTIVIRUS: Protects your computer from viruses and malware through the cloud; Webroot scans faster, uses fewer system resources and safeguards your devices in real-time by identifying and blocking new threats
- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION AND ANTI-PHISHING: Webroot protects your personal information against keyloggers, spyware, and other online threats and warns you of potential danger before you click
- SUPPORTS ALL DEVICES: Compatible with PC, MAC, Chromebook, Mobile Smartphones and Tablets including Windows, macOS, Apple iOS and Android
- NEW SECURITY DESIGNED FOR CHROMEBOOKS: Chromebooks are susceptible to fake applications, bad browser extensions and malicious web content; close these security gaps with extra protection specifically designed to safeguard your Chromebook
- PASSWORD MANAGER: Secure password management from LastPass saves your passwords and encrypts all usernames, passwords, and credit card information to help protect you online
Rank #4
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 3 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qw3FS3qLL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 3 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
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