If you’ve recently purchased Malwarebytes and are eager to protect your system from malware, ransomware, and other online threats, you're likely wondering how to download Malwarebytes on this computer and get it installed. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, especially when you have an active account subscription. Whether you're setting up Malwarebytes for the first time or reinstalling it after troubleshooting an issue, this guide will take you through every necessary step to install Malwarebytes on this computer with your account subscription.
With the increasing number of cyber threats, having a reliable security solution like Malwarebytes is a must for anyone who values their online privacy and system integrity. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll ensure that Malwarebytes is properly installed, activated, and running smoothly to keep your system protected from any potential threats.
Step 1: Visit the Official Malwarebytes Website
The first step in the process is to download Malwarebytes on this computer. It’s important to always download the software from the official website to ensure you’re getting the latest, most secure version. Third-party websites may host outdated versions or even malicious software.
- Open your browser and go to the official Malwarebytes website: https://www.malwarebytes.com.
- On the homepage, look for the Download section, or simply click on the Download Now button.
- If you’re logged into your Malwarebytes account, the website will automatically detect your subscription and offer the correct version for your operating system.
By downloading Malwarebytes directly from the official site, you’ll be sure that the software is legitimate, secure, and up-to-date.
Step 2: Log Into Your Malwarebytes Account
If you’ve purchased Malwarebytes, you likely have a Malwarebytes account associated with your subscription. Logging into your account is a crucial step, as it allows you to manage your license, download the appropriate software version, and access support if needed.
- On the Malwarebytes homepage, locate and click the My Account or Log In button, typically found in the top-right corner.
- Enter your email address and password to log in. If you’ve forgotten your credentials, there’s an option to reset your password.
- Once logged in, you’ll be able to see your subscription details, including the type of license you have and the devices it covers.
Logging in to your account ensures that you can easily activate your subscription on this computer once you’ve downloaded and installed Malwarebytes.
Step 3: Download Malwarebytes on This Computer
Now that you're logged in, you’re ready to download Malwarebytes on this computer. The website will offer you the correct version based on your operating system—whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or even a mobile device. Below are the steps for downloading Malwarebytes on a Windows computer.
For Windows Users:
- After logging in, navigate to the Download button on your account page.
- Click on the Download Now button. The file you’re downloading will likely be named mbsetup.exe.
- Save the file to your Downloads folder or any other location on your computer where you can easily access it.
For macOS Users:
- If you’re using macOS, Malwarebytes will automatically detect your system and offer the appropriate version.
- Click on Download Now for macOS, and the file will be downloaded as a .dmg (disk image).
- Save the file to a location on your Mac where you can easily find it.
Downloading the right version ensures that the installation process will go smoothly, so always double-check that the download is for the correct operating system.
Step 4: Install Malwarebytes on This Computer
Once the download is complete, it’s time to install Malwarebytes on this computer. Depending on your operating system, the installation steps may vary slightly, but the overall process is quick and simple.
For Windows Users:
- Open the Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the mbsetup.exe file).
- Double-click the mbsetup.exe file to begin the installation.
- The Malwarebytes Setup Wizard will appear. Click Yes or Run when prompted by your computer’s security settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You will be asked to agree to the terms of service, choose installation preferences, and allow the software to make changes to your computer.
- Once the installation is finished, click Finish to exit the setup. Malwarebytes will automatically launch on your computer.
For macOS Users:
- Double-click the .dmg file you downloaded.
- A new window will open, prompting you to drag the Malwarebytes icon into your Applications folder.
- After doing so, you can go to your Applications folder and double-click Malwarebytes to open it.
Once you’ve installed Malwarebytes, it’s time to activate your subscription to enjoy all the premium features and protection.
Step 5: Activate Your Malwarebytes Subscription
After you’ve successfully installed Malwarebytes, you’ll need to activate it using your Malwarebytes account subscription. Activation ensures that you can use the premium features of Malwarebytes, such as real-time protection, scheduled scans, and more.
- Once the Malwarebytes software opens, you’ll be prompted to activate your license.
- You can choose to log in with your Malwarebytes account or enter your license key if you have it. Your account should contain the key if you purchased Malwarebytes online.
- If you’re using your Malwarebytes account, simply click Sign In, enter your credentials, and your subscription will be activated automatically.
- If you’re using a license key, enter it in the provided field and click Activate.
After activation, you’ll be able to use Malwarebytes without any limitations, giving you full protection against malware, ransomware, and other digital threats.
Step 6: Update Malwarebytes for Optimal Protection
To ensure that Malwarebytes is working at its best, it’s essential to keep it up-to-date. Malwarebytes frequently updates its virus definitions to protect against the latest threats, and these updates are easy to install.
- Open Malwarebytes and go to the Settings or Help menu.
- Look for the Check for Updates option and click on it. If there are any available updates, Malwarebytes will automatically download and install them.
- You can also enable automatic updates to ensure that Malwarebytes stays updated without any intervention on your part.
Keeping your software updated is a critical step in maintaining your computer’s security. With Malwarebytes always up-to-date, you’ll have the most current protection against threats.
Step 7: Run Your First Scan
Once Malwarebytes is installed and up to date, it’s time to run your first scan to check for any existing malware or vulnerabilities on your system.
- Open Malwarebytes and click on the Scan button.
- You can choose between different types of scans: Quick Scan, Full Scan, or Custom Scan. A Quick Scan is sufficient for most users, but if you want a thorough check of your entire system, a Full Scan is recommended.
- Allow Malwarebytes to run the scan. If it finds any threats, it will prompt you to take action, such as quarantining or removing the malicious files.
Running regular scans is an important part of keeping your computer safe. Malwarebytes will alert you if it detects any suspicious activity or malware, and you can take the necessary steps to protect your device.
Step 8: Set Up Real-Time Protection and Scheduled Scans
Now that Malwarebytes is installed and activated, you should set up real-time protection and scheduled scans for maximum protection.
- Go to the Settings tab in Malwarebytes.
- Enable Real-Time Protection, which will continuously monitor your system for malware and block threats as they arise.
- Set up Scheduled Scans to run automatically at a time that’s convenient for you (e.g., during the night or while you’re away from your computer).
With these features enabled, Malwarebytes will provide constant, hands-off protection, ensuring that your computer stays secure at all times.
Step 9: Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the download or installation process, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Problem: Malwarebytes won’t download or install.
- Solution: Make sure you’re downloading from the official Malwarebytes website. Check your internet connection and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software that might be blocking the download or installation.
- Problem: Activation fails.
- Solution: Double-check your login credentials or license key. If the issue persists, contact Malwarebytes support for assistance.
- Problem: Malwarebytes isn’t detecting threats.
- Solution: Ensure your virus definitions are up to date. Run a manual update or check your internet connection if updates are not downloading.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily download Malwarebytes on this computer, install Malwarebytes on this computer, and activate your account subscription to enjoy full protection against cyber threats. Once Malwarebytes is up and running, you can rest easy knowing that your system is safeguarded against malware, ransomware, and other harmful attacks. Regularly update the software, run scheduled scans, and enable real-time protection to ensure that your computer remains secure at all times.