In today’s connected world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the increasing number of online threats such as viruses, ransomware, phishing scams, and malicious websites, it’s essential to have a robust antivirus solution like Malwarebytes Premium. If you’ve just purchased a new computer or are setting up a fresh system, you might be wondering how to install Malwarebytes on a new computer and how to make the most of its features to keep your device safe.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to install Malwarebytes Premium on a new computer and how to use it effectively to ensure maximum protection. Whether you’re transitioning from another device, upgrading your existing security, or simply adding an extra layer of defense, this step-by-step tutorial has you covered.
Why Should You Install Malwarebytes Premium on Your New Computer?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand why Malwarebytes Premium is a top choice for your new device. Here are a few reasons why this software should be your go-to antivirus solution:
- Advanced Malware Protection: Malwarebytes Premium offers real-time protection against a wide variety of threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
- Enhanced Features: Unlike the free version, Malwarebytes Premium includes real-time web protection, scheduled scanning, automatic updates, and protection against potentially harmful websites.
- Ease of Use: Malwarebytes is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone, regardless of technical skill, to secure their device.
- Light on System Resources: Malwarebytes doesn’t slow down your computer, meaning it provides excellent protection without affecting system performance.
- Multiple Device Support: Your Malwarebytes Premium subscription supports multiple devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iPhones, giving you comprehensive security across all your devices.
Now that we’ve covered why Malwarebytes Premium is an excellent choice for your new computer, let’s move on to the installation process.
Step 1: Download Malwarebytes Premium for Your New Computer
To install Malwarebytes on a new computer, the first step is to download the installation file.
- Go to the Official Malwarebytes Website
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Malwarebytes website: https://www.malwarebytes.com. - Select the Premium Version
On the website, go to the For Home section and click on the "Download" button for Malwarebytes Premium. If you have a subscription key from a previous purchase, make sure you are downloading the Premium version. - Create or Log into Your Malwarebytes Account
If you don’t already have a Malwarebytes account, you’ll need to create one during the download process. If you have one, simply log into your account to get access to your Premium subscription. - Start the Download
Once you’ve selected the Premium version and logged into your account, the download of the installer file should automatically start. This file will typically be named mbsetup.exe for Windows or Malwarebytes.pkg for macOS.
Step 2: Install Malwarebytes Premium on Your New Computer (Windows)
Now that you’ve downloaded the installer file, follow these steps to install Malwarebytes Premium on your new computer if you’re using a Windows PC:
- Locate the Installer File
Go to your Downloads folder or the location where you saved the installer file. The file will be named mbsetup.exe. - Run the Installer
Double-click on the mbsetup.exe file to start the installation process. You might see a security prompt asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your computer. Click Yes to proceed. - Accept the License Agreement
The Malwarebytes installer will open, and you’ll be asked to review and accept the License Agreement. Read through the agreement and click Accept to continue. - Choose Installation Settings
You can typically go with the default settings for the installation process. However, if you want to change the installation location or configure any specific settings, select Advanced Options. Otherwise, click Install to proceed with the default settings. - Allow Installation to Complete
Malwarebytes will now begin installing. The process should only take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to launch Malwarebytes. Click Finish to exit the installer. - Activate Your Premium License
When you first open Malwarebytes, it will prompt you to enter your license key or log into your Malwarebytes account to activate the Premium features. If you purchased a subscription key, simply enter it when prompted. If you have a Malwarebytes account, logging in will automatically activate the Premium version. - Complete Setup
After activation, Malwarebytes will run an initial system scan to check for any existing threats on your new computer. Let the scan complete and follow any instructions to resolve issues if any malware or threats are detected.
Step 3: Install Malwarebytes Premium on Your New Computer (Mac)
The steps for installing Malwarebytes Premium on a new Mac computer are very similar to those on Windows, but there are a few macOS-specific steps.
- Download the macOS Installer
Visit the Malwarebytes website and select the macOS version of Malwarebytes Premium. The file you download will be named Malwarebytes.pkg. - Open the Installer
Once the download is complete, open the Malwarebytes.pkg file from your Downloads folder to begin the installation. - Allow the Installer to Run
You may receive a warning that the software is from an unidentified developer. To allow the installation, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy, and click Open Anyway to proceed. - Follow the Installation Wizard
The installer will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions and click Install to proceed with the default settings. - Enter Admin Credentials
You’ll be asked to enter your Mac’s administrator password to authorize the installation. - Complete the Installation
After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to open Malwarebytes. Click Finish to exit the installation wizard. - Activate Your Premium Subscription
Launch Malwarebytes, and you’ll be prompted to enter your license key or log into your Malwarebytes account. Once logged in, your Premium features will be activated. - Run an Initial Scan
Malwarebytes will run a quick scan of your Mac to detect any malware or threats. Allow it to complete the scan and remove any potential issues.
Step 4: Using Malwarebytes Premium on Your New Computer
Now that you’ve successfully installed Malwarebytes Premium on your new computer, it’s time to start using it to protect your device. Below are the key features of Malwarebytes Premium and how to use them effectively:
1. Real-Time Protection
One of the most important features of Malwarebytes Premium is its real-time protection, which continuously monitors your computer for threats. Ensure that real-time protection is enabled by going to Settings > Protection and checking that the Real-Time Protection option is turned on.
2. Run a Scan
You can initiate different types of scans from the Malwarebytes dashboard:
- Quick Scan: This scans the most vulnerable areas of your computer.
- Full Scan: A comprehensive scan that checks your entire system for malware.
- Custom Scan: You can select specific files or drives to scan if you want to focus on particular areas.
To run a scan, click the Scan Now button, select the type of scan you want to perform, and wait for Malwarebytes to complete the scan.
3. Schedule Automatic Scans
You can configure Malwarebytes to run scans automatically at a specific time. To do this, go to Settings > Scheduled Scans and enable this feature. Set the frequency and time that works best for you.
4. Web Protection
Malwarebytes Premium also includes Web Protection, which blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts in real time. Make sure that Web Protection is enabled by going to Settings > Protection and turning on the Web Protection toggle.
5. Ransomware Protection
Malwarebytes Premium also offers Ransomware Protection to prevent your files from being encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature is automatically enabled by default, but you can check it under Settings > Protection.
6. Manage Notifications and Alerts
You can configure notifications for scan results, detected threats, and other events. If you don’t want to be notified for every little event, you can customize the notifications by going to Settings > Notifications.
7. Update Malwarebytes
Ensure that your version of Malwarebytes is always up to date to receive the latest threat definitions. Malwarebytes automatically checks for updates, but you can manually check by going to Settings > Check for Updates.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Support
If you run into any issues while installing or using Malwarebytes Premium on your new computer, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Reboot the Computer: Sometimes a simple restart resolves any installation issues.
- Check for Conflicting Software: If you’re using other antivirus software, Malwarebytes might not install or function correctly. Uninstall any conflicting software.