HomeMalwarebytes Tutorial

Download + install Malwarebytes anti-malware on your PC

1Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 1

Whether you've purchased a serial number or not doesn't matter, because the version of Malwarebytes you download is exactly the same. I'll link to another tutorial at the end of this one, to show you how to add your license to the software. This is something you should do as soon as possible, since "real time" protection, which is the main selling point, expires after 14 days! (Not long ago, it used to be 30 days, but the company changed that for some reason.)

2Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 2

Start by going to the official download page: never download security software from a site other than the maker of the product itself! Scroll down until you see the download button. The site tries to upsell you, but you don't need to buy anything right now: the 14-day trial has exactly the same functionality as the full, paid version. Now click on the Download button (not "Upgrade").

3Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 3

Depending on the web browser you are using, you may be forced to download the installer file first; if so, do it and double-click on the file once it has finished downloading. Otherwise, just click "Run" to open the installer right away.

4Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 4

Unlike "standard" software, Malwarebytes must be installed with full privileges, to be an effective protection against viruses and malware. You'll need to supply the administrator's password, in other words (as long as you kept the default UAC settings - and you should!) Another security tip: you should always run as a standard user on Windows and any other operating system. If that's not the case, here's how easily you can change your account type to a standard user.

5Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 5

The rest of the process is easy: once you picked your language, click OK and then Next. (Read and) accept the agreement, and keep clicking Next until you reach the Select destination folder screen: although you could change it, I recommend that you keep the default. Keep clicking Next and then Install. Leave both checkboxes checked at the end: the free trial means that you'll get the full protection of the premium version for free (but for a limited time).

*Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Step 6

Bonus Tip: as soon as Malwarebytes anti-malware launches for the first time, it will may perform a quick system scan of your PC. Click on the Fix Me button to run a full system scan. And, since Malwarebytes uses its notification area icon to communicate with you, make sure that the icon is always visible in the tray!