Malwarebytes Download for Windows
This page explains how the Malwarebytes download works on Windows and how to avoid the repackaged installers that circulate on download portals. We do not host installers here. The Windows application is published by Malwarebytes Inc. on malwarebytes.com, and that — or a retail licence key from a legitimate reseller — is the only source we recommend.
Get the installer from the vendor, not a mirror
Search results for popular security software are a favorite target for typosquatted domains and ad-funded download managers. A repackaged installer may look identical, install the real product, and quietly add adware alongside it. Two habits remove most of that risk: type the vendor domain yourself rather than clicking an ad, and check that the downloaded file is signed.
- Open the vendor site directly in the address bar instead of via a search ad.
- Download the Windows installer (a single .exe file).
- Right-click the file, choose Properties, and open the Digital Signatures tab.
- Confirm the signature names Malwarebytes Inc. and reports as valid.
- If the tab is missing or the signature is broken, delete the file.
What you need before installing
- Windows 11 or Windows 10, 64-bit
- An administrator account on the PC
- About 250 MB of free disk space
- An internet connection so the threat database can update on first launch
Free download versus paid licence
There is one Windows installer. The tier is decided by the licence, not by the file: install it and you get a short Premium trial, after which the product continues as Malwarebytes Free unless a key is activated. So a "free download" and a "premium download" are the same package.
After the download
Run the installer as administrator, let it finish the first database update, then run a full scan before changing any settings — a clean baseline makes later detections easier to interpret. Step-by-step instructions are on our install Malwarebytes page, and the scanner guide explains the scan types.
Red flags in a fake download page
- A "download manager" or "setup helper" stub instead of a single installer
- Pages demanding a phone call, survey or SMS confirmation before the file
- Domains that add words like -download, -free or -official to the brand name
- Cracked or keygen builds, which are a standard delivery channel for trojans
Frequently asked questions
Is the Malwarebytes download free?
The Windows installer is free to download and the manual scanner is free to use. Real-time protection requires a paid licence after the trial period.
Which file should I download for Windows?
A single 64-bit Windows .exe installer. There is no separate free and premium build; the licence you activate decides the tier.
Does this site provide the installer?
No. Malware-Bytes.net is an independent information resource and does not host or mirror any installer. Download from the vendor.
Malware-Bytes.net is an independent information resource about malware protection for Windows. We are not Malwarebytes, and this site is not the official Malwarebytes website or support channel. Malwarebytes is a trademark of Malwarebytes Inc.