Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes can be used for free; some features are only in the paid edition.
Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity program designed to detect and eliminate malware, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. It provides threat scanning and cleanup capabilities across Windows, macOS, and Android systems.
data-cdn.mbamupdates.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 5.7.2.358
- Release date
- Oct. 2, 2026
- License
- Proprietary
- Installer type
- exe
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id Malwarebytes.Malwarebytes -eSHA256 (file verification)
aee718183b29d045cf26e3bf3b9cff9f3c31ad4d379ecacba9cfaff4d26756e7data-cdn.mbamupdates.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (Homebrew)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 5.28.4.4244
- License
- Proprietary
- Installer type
- pkg
How do I use this?
This command needs Homebrew; if you don't have it, first run the install command from brew.sh. Then open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal), paste the command and press Enter.
brew install --cask malwarebytesSHA256 (file verification)
8118841d0d66f2caebd6ac1d9330dfeb41142df4e28b21b718507f54a332961bplay.google.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (Google Play)
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- License
- Proprietary
We couldn't find a Linux version of Malwarebytes in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Highlights
- Detection and remediation of malware, viruses, and spyware
- On-demand scanning for infected files and malicious software
- Ransomware and web-based threat mitigation
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Android
Who is it for?
It is designed for home users and technicians seeking an on-demand malware removal tool or an extra layer of defense on Windows, macOS, and Android devices. It is commonly used to clean systems already infected with spyware, ransomware, or persistent adware.
Good to know before installing
- The free edition only provides manual on-demand scanning and remediation; real-time protection and scheduled scans require a paid subscription.
- Platform availability is limited to Windows, macOS, and Android.
- In-depth system scans can be resource-intensive during execution.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page, or run 'winget install --id Malwarebytes.Malwarebytes -e' in PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Launch the downloaded installation executable.
- Complete the setup wizard by following the on-screen instructions.
macOS
- Click the official download button to get the installer package, or run 'brew install --cask malwarebytes' in Terminal.
- Open the downloaded PKG file.
- Follow the installation steps and authorize the necessary permissions in macOS Settings.
Android
- Tap the official download button to open the Google Play Store page.
- Tap Install to download the application to your device.
- Open Malwarebytes and follow the prompts to grant the required security permissions.
Alternatives
- Bitdefender
- Avast Free Antivirus
- Kaspersky
Frequently asked questions
Is Malwarebytes free to use?
The program offers a free version for on-demand scanning and threat cleanup; real-time protection features require a commercial license.
Can Malwarebytes run alongside an existing antivirus?
Yes, Malwarebytes is engineered to operate concurrently with other traditional antivirus solutions without system conflicts.
Which operating systems are supported by Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is available for Windows, macOS, and Android platforms.