Malwarebytes Free is available for Windows 11, Windows 10, and supported Mac computers. The free version scans for malware, spyware, adware, potentially unwanted programs, and other threats, then lets you quarantine or remove anything it detects.
The Windows installer supports standard x64 PCs with Intel or AMD processors and supported ARM-based Windows 11 devices. Mac users receive a separate macOS installer that works on supported Intel and Apple silicon models.
This guide covers the official Malwarebytes download, Windows and Mac installation steps, x64 and ARM compatibility, offline installer availability, system requirements, updates, and common setup errors.
Download Malwarebytes Free for Windows 11 and Windows 10
Malwarebytes provides one consumer Windows installer for Windows 11 and Windows 10. The official download page supplies the current version, so you do not need to search for an older release or a specific build number.
Official Windows and Mac download: Download Malwarebytes Free
Choose the Windows download button on the page. Your browser should download a file named MBSetup.exe or a similarly named updated installer.
| Download detail | Malwarebytes for Windows |
|---|---|
| Supported systems | Windows 11 and Windows 10 |
| Installer format | EXE |
| Processor support | Intel, AMD, and supported ARM-based devices |
| Free version | Available |
| Internet required | Yes, for installation and security updates |
| Minimum memory | 4GB RAM |
| Free installation space | 1GB |
Download Malwarebytes only from its official website. Avoid modified installers, cracked Premium versions, and download pages that bundle security tools with unrelated software.
How to Install Malwarebytes on Windows 11 or Windows 10
- Download Malwarebytes from the official website.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Open the Downloads folder.
- Double-click MBSetup.exe.
- Select Yes when Windows asks for permission.
- Click Install in the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard.
- Select Personal for a privately owned computer.
- Click Next and allow the installation to finish.
- Select Open Malwarebytes.
You can skip subscription offers during setup and continue with Malwarebytes Free. A paid customer can instead sign in to a Malwarebytes account or enter an available activation code.
After installation, open the Scanner section and run a scan. Review the results before quarantining detected files, especially when the scan identifies software you intentionally installed.
Malwarebytes x64 Download for Windows
The normal Windows installer is the correct download for 64-bit Intel and AMD computers. This includes most desktops and laptops running Windows 11 or Windows 10.
You do not need a separate installer labelled x64, AMD64, Intel 64, or Windows 11 64-bit. Open Settings > System > About and check System type when you need to confirm the processor architecture.
| System type shown in Windows | Installer to use |
|---|---|
| 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor | Standard Malwarebytes Windows installer |
| 64-bit operating system, ARM-based processor | Standard official installer on supported Windows 11 devices |
| 32-bit operating system | Not supported by the current consumer version |
Windows 11 is available only as a 64-bit operating system. Users searching for a Malwarebytes 32-bit Windows 11 installer do not need one because no 32-bit edition of Windows 11 exists.
Malwarebytes ARM64 Download for Windows 11
Malwarebytes supports Windows 11 computers with ARM-based processors, including compatible Snapdragon-powered laptops. Use the standard official Windows download instead of searching for an unofficial ARM64 package.
Most core protection features work on supported ARM devices, including:
- Quick, Threat, and Custom scans
- Malware and potentially unwanted program detection
- Real-time and web protection with a paid plan
- Ransomware protection
- Brute-force and tamper protection
- VPN and Trusted Advisor features where included
Exploit Protection and rootkit scanning are not currently available on ARM-based Windows devices. The absence of those two features does not prevent Malwarebytes from scanning the rest of the system.
If the installer displays an unsupported CPU or hardware architecture error, confirm that the computer runs Windows 11 and meets the current system requirements. Older ARM hardware and unsupported Windows configurations may fail the compatibility check.
Download Malwarebytes Free for Mac
Malwarebytes provides a separate installer for macOS. The current version supports macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, Ventura 13, Monterey 12, and Big Sur 11.
Open the Malwarebytes Free download page and select the Mac download button. Do not run the Windows MBSetup.exe file on a Mac.
How to install Malwarebytes on a Mac
- Download the Mac installer from Malwarebytes.
- Open the Downloads folder in Finder.
- Double-click the Malwarebytes installation file.
- Click Continue after reviewing the introduction.
- Review the licence agreement and click Agree.
- Click Install.
- Enter the Mac administrator password or use Touch ID.
- Click Install Software.
- Open Malwarebytes when the installation finishes.
- Select Maybe later to continue with the free version.
Paid protection features can require Full Disk Access and permission to load Malwarebytes system extensions. Follow the prompts displayed by the app and approve only entries identified as Malwarebytes.
Does Malwarebytes Work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Malwarebytes supports current Macs with Apple silicon processors, including Mac computers based on Apple’s M-series chips. The official Mac download page provides the appropriate installer, so you do not need to search for a separate M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5 edition.
The same download page also serves supported Intel Macs. Malwarebytes and macOS handle the correct application components during installation.
Is There a Malwarebytes Offline Installer?
The current Malwarebytes consumer installer requires an active internet connection to complete installation, activate paid features, download application updates, and retrieve current threat definitions. It therefore does not work as a complete offline installer.
Some websites use the term “Malwarebytes offline installer” for a previously downloaded setup file. Keeping the EXE file does not make it fully offline because setup still needs to contact Malwarebytes servers.
Internet access is required for:
- Completing a new installation
- Downloading application components
- Receiving malware database updates
- Activating a subscription
- Checking for newer Malwarebytes releases
Avoid archived installers from software repositories. Old security software can lack current fixes, may fail to install, and still needs current threat definitions before it can scan effectively.
Can You Download Malwarebytes Portable?
Malwarebytes does not provide a free portable edition of its normal consumer security app. The standard Windows product must be installed on the computer.
Malwarebytes offers separate professional and support tools with portable scanning capabilities, but these are different products and may require a business or technician licence. A website advertising a portable copy of the normal Malwarebytes consumer app is not distributing an official consumer installer.
Malwarebytes Free vs Premium
Malwarebytes Free focuses on manual scanning and threat removal. You open the app and start a scan when you suspect that the computer contains malware or unwanted software.
Premium plans add continuous protection that checks files, programs, websites, and system activity while you use the computer.
| Feature | Malwarebytes Free | Paid protection |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Quick Scan | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Scan | Yes | Yes |
| Remove detected malware | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time malware protection | No | Yes |
| Web protection | No | Yes |
| Scheduled protection scans | Limited | Yes |
| Ransomware protection on Windows | No | Yes |
The free version remains useful as an on-demand scanner. It does not provide the same continuous protection as an active antivirus subscription.
Malwarebytes System Requirements
Windows requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 or Windows 10 |
| Memory | At least 4GB RAM, with 8GB preferred |
| Storage | At least 1GB free during installation |
| Processor | Supported Intel, AMD, or ARM processor |
| Connection | Active internet connection |
Mac requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS Big Sur 11 through macOS Tahoe 26 |
| Processor | Supported Intel or Apple silicon Mac |
| Connection | Active internet connection for installation and updates |
Malwarebytes does not support ChromeOS. Chromebook owners should use software designed for ChromeOS or the supported Android version when their Chromebook includes Google Play access.
Download the Latest Version of Malwarebytes
The official download page supplies the current public release. Avoid searching for a particular version unless Malwarebytes Support has asked you to install it.
Check for updates on Windows
- Open Malwarebytes.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Open the General tab.
- Find Application updates.
- Click Check for updates.
Malwarebytes downloads and installs an available update automatically. Keep automatic updates enabled so the app and threat database remain current.
Check for updates on Mac
- Open Malwarebytes.
- Click Malwarebytes in the macOS menu bar.
- Select Check for Updates.
- Allow the update to download and install.
The app reopens after the Mac update finishes.
Fix Malwarebytes Not Downloading or Installing
The Malwarebytes download does not start
Reload the official download page, disable the browser’s download blocker for the site, and try another current browser. Also confirm that the computer has an active connection and enough free storage.
Windows blocks the installer
Windows can display a message saying the app is not Microsoft verified when the computer accepts apps only from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings.
- Find Choose where to get apps.
- Select Anywhere.
- Run the Malwarebytes installer again.
Only change this setting for an installer downloaded from the official Malwarebytes website.
The installation fails immediately
Restart the computer and download a fresh copy of the installer. Run it from a folder on the internal drive rather than a network drive, shared folder, or removable device.
Malwarebytes also recommends temporarily disabling a third-party VPN, proxy, or security application when it prevents the installer from contacting Malwarebytes servers. Turn the other protection back on after setup finishes.
The installer says Windows is unsupported
The current consumer version supports Windows 11 and Windows 10. Windows 8.1 and older releases must be upgraded before the latest Malwarebytes version can be installed.
Malwarebytes will not reinstall
Files left by an older installation can block setup. Uninstall the existing version, restart the computer, and run the newest installer. Malwarebytes also provides an official Support Tool for cleaning damaged Windows installations when normal removal fails.
On Mac, use Malwarebytes’ official Mac uninstall tool when remnants from a previous version prevent reinstallation.
Malwarebytes cannot download updates
A VPN, proxy, modified hosts file, firewall rule, or another security product can block access to Malwarebytes update servers. Temporarily disable those services one at a time and check for updates again.
Do not leave the firewall or antivirus disabled after testing. Add the required Malwarebytes application or server exception instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes free to download?
Yes. Malwarebytes offers a free version for Windows and Mac that can scan the device and remove detected malware. Continuous real-time protection requires a paid plan.
What is the official Malwarebytes download page?
The official download page is malwarebytes.com/mwb-download.
Can I download Malwarebytes for Windows 11?
Yes. The current Malwarebytes Windows installer supports Windows 11 on compatible Intel, AMD, and ARM-based computers.
Can I download Malwarebytes for Windows 10?
Yes. Malwarebytes continues to list Windows 10 as a supported operating system.
Is there a separate Malwarebytes x64 installer?
No separate x64 download is required. The standard Windows installer is the correct choice for supported 64-bit Intel and AMD PCs.
Does Malwarebytes support Windows on ARM?
Yes. Malwarebytes supports compatible ARM-based Windows 11 devices. Exploit Protection and rootkit scanning are unavailable on ARM, while the main scan and protection features remain supported.
Is there a 32-bit Malwarebytes installer?
The current consumer app targets supported 64-bit Windows installations. Windows 11 does not have a 32-bit edition.
Can I download Malwarebytes for Mac for free?
Yes. The free Mac version provides manual malware scanning and removal. Select Maybe later during setup when you do not want to purchase a subscription.
Does Malwarebytes support Apple silicon?
Yes. The current Mac installer supports compatible Apple silicon Macs as well as supported Intel models.
Can I install Malwarebytes without internet access?
No. The consumer installer requires an internet connection to retrieve current components, complete setup, update threat definitions, and activate paid features.
Is Malwarebytes available as a portable app?
The standard free consumer product is not portable and must be installed. Separate technician tools should not be confused with the regular Malwarebytes app.
Do I need an account to use Malwarebytes Free?
You can install and use the basic free scanner without activating a paid subscription. Account prompts can appear for trials, paid features, and additional services.
Does Malwarebytes Free provide real-time protection?
No. The free version primarily provides on-demand scanning and removal. Real-time malware, web, ransomware, and related protection features require a paid plan.
How much space does Malwarebytes need?
Malwarebytes lists at least 1GB of free space during installation on Windows. Additional space is useful for updates, quarantine files, reports, and temporary installation data.
Can I install Malwarebytes alongside another antivirus?
Malwarebytes can run on systems that also use another security product, although two applications scanning the same files in real time can create performance or installation conflicts. Pause the other antivirus temporarily when it blocks setup, then restore protection afterward.
