How to Fix Malwarebytes Not Working?

👉For Support: Click Here

Malwarebytes may stop working because of an application problem, outdated software, Windows settings, network issues, conflicting security software, or damaged installation files. Sometimes the application may not open, scans may fail, updates may not complete, or real-time protection may not turn on.

Malwarebytes provides several troubleshooting and repair options for Windows, including its Support Tool, which can repair or reinstall the application while preserving supported settings and activation information. 

If Malwarebytes is not working correctly, try the solutions below.

Restart Your Computer

The first step is to restart your computer. A temporary Windows or application process can sometimes prevent Malwarebytes from working correctly.

Follow these steps:

1. Save your open work.
2. Close your applications.
3. Click Start.
4. Click Power.
5. Select Restart.
6. Wait for Windows to restart.
7. Open Malwarebytes again.
8. Check whether the application is working.

If Malwarebytes starts normally after restarting, the issue may have been caused by a temporary system or application problem.

Check Your Internet Connection

Malwarebytes requires an active internet connection for installation, activation, updates, and downloading component and threat database updates. 

If Malwarebytes cannot update or activate:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Visit a trusted website.
3. Confirm that the internet is working.
4. Restart your router if necessary.
5. Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
6. Try Malwarebytes again.

If you use a VPN or proxy, temporarily disable it and check whether Malwarebytes starts working.

Update Malwarebytes

An outdated application can sometimes cause compatibility or performance problems. Malwarebytes recommends leaving application updates enabled so the software stays current. 

If Malwarebytes opens:

1. Open Malwarebytes.
2. Click Settings.
3. Select General.
4. Check the Application updates setting.
5. Make sure application updates are enabled.
6. If updates are disabled, use Check for updates.
7. Allow Malwarebytes to install available updates.
8. Restart Malwarebytes if requested.

Keeping the application updated can help prevent problems caused by outdated software.

Check If Malwarebytes Is Running

Sometimes Malwarebytes may already be running in the background even though the main window does not appear.

To check:

1. Look at the Windows taskbar.
2. Click the Show hidden icons arrow near the clock.
3. Look for the Malwarebytes icon.
4. Right-click the icon if it is present.
5. Select the appropriate option to open Malwarebytes.
6. Check whether the application window appears.

If Malwarebytes does not open, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.

Repair Malwarebytes With the Support Tool

Malwarebytes provides a Support Tool specifically designed to troubleshoot and repair the Windows application. Its Repair option removes and reinstalls the application while saving configurations and activation information. 

To repair Malwarebytes:

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
2. Open your Downloads folder.
3. Double-click the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file.
4. Click Yes if Windows asks for permission.
5. Accept the Software License Agreement.
6. Click Next.
7. Allow the Support Tool to open.
8. Click I don't have an open support ticket.
9. Select the security application.
10. Click Repair.
11. Select the option that best describes the problem.
12. Enter additional information about the problem.
13. Click Continue.
14. Allow the repair process to finish.
15. Click OK when prompted.
16. Allow the computer to restart.
17. Click Install after the restart if prompted.
18. Complete the Malwarebytes installation.

The repair process can take several minutes and automatically restarts the computer.

Reinstall Malwarebytes

If repairing Malwarebytes does not solve the problem, you can perform a clean reinstallation using the Support Tool.

The Advanced Clean option removes Malwarebytes files and configurations before giving you the option to reinstall the application. 

Follow these steps:

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
2. Open the downloaded Support Tool.
3. Accept the license agreement.
4. Click Next.
5. Open the Advanced section.
6. Select Clean.
7. Click Yes to confirm.
8. Wait for the cleanup process to finish.
9. Click OK to restart the computer.
10. After Windows restarts, allow the Support Tool to open.
11. Confirm that you want to reinstall Malwarebytes.
12. Choose your device type.
13. Click Install.
14. Wait for the installation to complete.
15. Open Malwarebytes.
16. Sign in to your Malwarebytes Account if required.

A clean reinstall can help when the existing installation is damaged or cannot be repaired normally.

Check for Conflicting Antivirus Software

Another antivirus or security application can sometimes interfere with Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes recommends temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software when troubleshooting installation or related problems. 

If you have another security application installed:

1. Check whether it is running.
2. Temporarily disable it only if necessary.
3. Open Malwarebytes.
4. Test the feature that was not working.
5. Re-enable the other security application afterward.

Do not leave your computer without security protection longer than necessary.

Check VPN and Proxy Settings

VPN and proxy settings can interfere with Malwarebytes' connection to its update or license servers.

If Malwarebytes cannot update, activate, or connect:

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Check your network settings.
3. Review your VPN connection.
4. Disconnect the VPN temporarily.
5. Review your proxy settings.
6. Temporarily disable an active proxy if appropriate.
7. Open Malwarebytes again.
8. Try updating or activating the application.

Malwarebytes identifies VPN and proxy settings as possible causes of installation and connection problems. 

Check Windows Updates

An outdated Windows installation can cause compatibility problems with security software.

To check Windows updates:

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install available updates.
5. Restart your computer if required.
6. Open Malwarebytes again.

Malwarebytes documents Windows security update requirements for some installation and update errors. 

Check Available Storage

Malwarebytes needs available disk space to install and operate correctly. If Windows reports insufficient storage during installation, free up space and try again. Malwarebytes lists insufficient disk space as one possible installation error. 

To free up storage:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select This PC.
3. Check the available space on your Windows drive.
4. Remove unnecessary temporary files.
5. Empty the Recycle Bin.
6. Uninstall applications you no longer need.
7. Restart Windows.
8. Try Malwarebytes again.

Check Malwarebytes Real-Time Protection

If Malwarebytes opens but real-time protection is not working, check the protection settings.

To review the settings:

1. Open Malwarebytes.
2. Click Settings.
3. Open the protection settings.
4. Check the real-time protection options.
5. Make sure the required protection features are enabled.
6. Restart Malwarebytes if necessary.

Malwarebytes recommends leaving its self-protection module enabled and recommends not delaying Real-Time Protection when the application starts. 

Check If Another Program Is Being Blocked

Sometimes the problem may appear to be that Malwarebytes is not working when Malwarebytes is actually blocking another application.

Malwarebytes explains that its security features can occasionally interfere with software that it identifies as potentially harmful. 

If another program is not opening:

1. Check whether Malwarebytes is blocking it.
2. Only if you are certain the program is safe, temporarily quit Malwarebytes.
3. Try opening the other program.
4. If the program works, Malwarebytes may be interfering.
5. Restore Malwarebytes protection.
6. Add the trusted program to the Malwarebytes Allow list if appropriate.

Do not disable Malwarebytes for an unknown or suspicious application.

Check Malwarebytes Error Messages

If Malwarebytes displays an error message, note the exact message or error code.

Malwarebytes provides specific troubleshooting information for installation, connection, activation, and authentication errors. For example, connection errors may require checking the internet or proxy settings, while device-limit errors may require deactivating another device or upgrading the subscription. 

Write down the error code before contacting support because it can help identify the cause.

Fix Malwarebytes Not Opening

If Malwarebytes will not open at all, restart Windows first.

If it still does not open:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Check the Malwarebytes icon in the system tray.
3. Try opening Malwarebytes again.
4. Make sure Windows is updated.
5. Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
6. Select the Repair option.
7. Restart the computer after repair.
8. Open Malwarebytes again.

Malwarebytes recommends using diagnostic logs and its Support Tool when the desktop application cannot launch or open normally. 

Fix Malwarebytes Not Updating

If Malwarebytes opens but does not update, check your internet connection first.

Then:

1. Open Malwarebytes.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Open General.
4. Check that Application updates are enabled.
5. Click Check for updates if available.
6. Check your VPN or proxy settings.
7. Temporarily disable conflicting third-party security software.
8. Restart Malwarebytes.
9. Try the update again.

Malwarebytes recommends keeping application updates enabled and provides a manual Check for updates option in General settings. 

Fix Malwarebytes Not Scanning

If Malwarebytes opens but a scan will not start:

1. Restart Malwarebytes.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Check for application updates.
4. Check whether Malwarebytes is fully installed.
5. Run the Support Tool repair option if necessary.
6. Reinstall Malwarebytes if repair does not help.
7. Start a scan again.

Malwarebytes provides multiple scan types and scanning features through its Windows application.

Fix Malwarebytes After a Windows Restart

If Malwarebytes stops working after restarting Windows, check whether the application is configured to launch when Windows starts.

Malwarebytes' General settings include an option to launch Malwarebytes in the background when Windows starts. This setting is enabled by default. 

To check:

1. Open Malwarebytes.
2. Click Settings.
3. Select General.
4. Find Launch Malwarebytes in the background when Windows starts.
5. Make sure the setting is enabled.
6. Restart Windows.
7. Check Malwarebytes again.

Fix Malwarebytes on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Malwarebytes currently supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you are using a supported version but Malwarebytes still does not work, check Windows updates, internet access, available storage, third-party security software, and VPN or proxy settings.

If normal troubleshooting does not help, use the Malwarebytes Support Tool to repair or reinstall the application. 

Contact Malwarebytes Support

If Malwarebytes still does not work after repair or reinstallation, contact Malwarebytes Support.

If the desktop application will not open, Malwarebytes recommends collecting diagnostic logs and submitting a support ticket so its support team can investigate the issue. 

When contacting support, provide:

• Your Windows version.
• Malwarebytes version if available.
• The exact error message.
• When the problem started.
• What troubleshooting steps you already tried.
• Any relevant diagnostic logs requested by Malwarebytes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Malwarebytes not working?

Malwarebytes may not work because of an outdated application, Windows issue, damaged installation, network problem, conflicting security software, VPN, proxy, or another configuration problem.

Why will Malwarebytes not open?

Restart Windows first. If Malwarebytes still will not open, use the Malwarebytes Support Tool to repair the application or collect diagnostic information for Support. 

How do I repair Malwarebytes?

Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool, select Repair, describe the problem, and allow the tool to repair and reinstall the application. 

Why is Malwarebytes not updating?

Check your internet connection, VPN, proxy, and application update settings. Malwarebytes recommends leaving application updates enabled. 

Why is Malwarebytes not scanning?

Restart the application and computer, check for updates, and use the Support Tool if the problem continues. A damaged installation may require repair or reinstallation.

Can another antivirus program interfere with Malwarebytes?

Yes. Third-party antivirus software can interfere with Malwarebytes. Temporarily checking whether the other security software is causing the problem can help identify the cause. 

Can a VPN stop Malwarebytes from working?

A VPN or proxy can interfere with Malwarebytes connections in some situations. Temporarily disabling the VPN or proxy can help determine whether it is causing the problem.

Should I reinstall Malwarebytes if it is not working?

If normal troubleshooting and the Repair option do not resolve the problem, a clean reinstall using the Malwarebytes Support Tool may help. 

Conclusion

If Malwarebytes is not working, start with simple solutions such as restarting your computer, checking your internet connection, updating Malwarebytes, and reviewing VPN, proxy, and third-party antivirus settings.

If the problem continues, use the Malwarebytes Support Tool to repair the application. A clean reinstallation can be used when repair does not solve the issue. If Malwarebytes still will not open or function correctly, collect the requested diagnostic information and contact Malwarebytes Support for further assistance.