If you've already purchased Malwarebytes and are setting up a new computer, you may wonder how to access Malwarebytes downloads for already purchased versions. Fortunately, the process is simple and straightforward, and it ensures that you can get your new computer up and running with the same excellent protection that you've already paid for.
Whether you’re switching from an old device or just want to install Malwarebytes on a fresh machine, downloading Malwarebytes for already purchased software doesn’t need to be complicated. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to download Malwarebytes on your new computer, access your purchased version, and get your protection up and running.
Why Do You Need Malwarebytes on Your New Computer?
Before diving into the download and installation process, it’s important to understand why you need Malwarebytes on your new computer. Malwarebytes is an essential tool for protecting your device against a wide variety of cyber threats, such as:
- Malware: Software designed to harm or exploit your device.
- Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files until a ransom is paid.
- Adware: Programs that display unwanted ads, sometimes with malicious intent.
- Spyware: Software that monitors your activities without consent.
- Phishing Websites: Malicious websites designed to steal sensitive information.
Malwarebytes provides real-time protection, scans, and advanced defense mechanisms that can prevent these types of attacks from affecting your new computer. But to do so, you’ll need to download Malwarebytes and install it properly.
Step 1: Ensure Your Malwarebytes License is Active
The first step in accessing Malwarebytes downloads for already purchased software is confirming that your license is active. Whether you bought Malwarebytes directly from their website or through a third-party retailer, you’ll need your activation key or Malwarebytes account to install the software on a new computer.
Check Your Malwarebytes Account
If you purchased Malwarebytes through their official website and created an account, your subscription details should be available under your account. Here’s how to check:
- Visit the Malwarebytes Website
Open your web browser and go to the official Malwarebytes website: https://www.malwarebytes.com. - Log Into Your Account
Click on the "Login" button located at the top-right corner of the page. Enter your email address and password to access your Malwarebytes account. - Verify Your Subscription
Once logged in, go to the My Account section, where you should see your license key and subscription information. If you purchased a multi-device plan, you should also be able to see how many devices are covered under your plan.
Locate Your Activation Key
If you didn’t create a Malwarebytes account or purchased your subscription through another source, you should have received an activation key in your confirmation email. This key will be required to activate Malwarebytes on your new computer.
Step 2: Download Malwarebytes for Your New Computer
Now that you've confirmed your subscription, it's time to download Malwarebytes for your new device. Follow the steps below to ensure that you’re getting the correct version of Malwarebytes for your system.
1. Visit the Malwarebytes Website
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Malwarebytes website: https://www.malwarebytes.com.
2. Choose the Correct Version
Once on the homepage, click on the "For Home" section to choose between Malwarebytes Premium, Malwarebytes Premium for Families, or Malwarebytes Free. Since you’ve already purchased Malwarebytes, you’ll want to download the Premium version to access all the advanced features.
3. Click on the "Download" Button
After selecting the correct version, click the "Download" button. This will automatically download the installer file for your new computer. The file will be named mbsetup.exe for Windows or Malwarebytes.pkg for Mac.
4. Ensure Compatibility
Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system. Malwarebytes offers installers for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Select the version that matches your new computer’s OS.
Step 3: Install Malwarebytes on Your New Computer
Once you've downloaded the Malwarebytes setup file, the next step is to install Malwarebytes on your new computer. This process is similar across operating systems but may vary slightly depending on whether you are using Windows or macOS.
Install Malwarebytes on a Windows Computer
- Locate the Installer
Navigate to your Downloads folder (or the location where your installer was saved). You should see the file named mbsetup.exe.
- Run the Installer
Double-click the mbsetup.exe file to begin the installation process. If prompted by Windows Security, click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your computer.
- Accept the License Agreement
When the installation wizard appears, read through the License Agreement and click Accept to continue.
- Choose Installation Options
You can choose between Quick or Custom installation. The default options are typically fine for most users, but if you need to change the installation location or settings, you can choose Custom installation.
- Complete the Installation
Click Install to begin the installation. The process should only take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, click Finish to exit the installer.
- Activate Malwarebytes
After the installation is complete, launch Malwarebytes. If this is your first time running the program, you’ll be prompted to either log into your Malwarebytes account or enter your activation key. Follow the prompts to activate the product.
Install Malwarebytes on a Mac Computer
- Locate the Installer
Navigate to your Downloads folder and locate the Malwarebytes.pkg file.
- Run the Installer
Double-click the Malwarebytes.pkg file to start the installation process. If you see a warning that the software is from an unidentified developer, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click Open Anyway.
- Accept the License Agreement
Review the License Agreement and click Agree to continue with the installation.
- Enter Administrator Password
You will be asked to enter your administrator password to allow the installation. Enter your password and click Install Software.
- Complete the Installation
Once the installation is complete, click Close to exit the installer.
- Activate Malwarebytes
When you launch Malwarebytes on your Mac, you’ll be asked to log into your account or enter the activation key. Once you’ve done so, Malwarebytes will be activated on your new device.
Step 4: Verify Activation and Update Malwarebytes
Once you’ve successfully installed and activated Malwarebytes on your new computer, you should verify that the software is functioning properly and that it’s up-to-date.
1. Verify Activation
To confirm that your Malwarebytes is activated, open the program and go to the Settings tab. Under My Account, you should see your license details, including the expiration date for your subscription.
2. Update Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes automatically updates itself, but it’s always a good idea to manually check for updates, especially after installation. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Malwarebytes and go to the Settings tab.
- Under General, click Check for Updates.
- If any updates are available, Malwarebytes will download and install them automatically.
3. Run a Scan
After installation and updates, run a Full System Scan to check for any threats on your new computer. To do this, simply click Scan Now on the dashboard and select Full Scan.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while trying to access Malwarebytes downloads for already purchased software, here are some troubleshooting tips:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that you have a stable internet connection, as this is required to download the setup file and activate the software.
2. Log In to Your Malwarebytes Account
If you're having trouble with the activation process, make sure you are using the correct login credentials for your Malwarebytes account. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password link to reset it.
3. Contact Malwarebytes Support
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still facing issues, you can contact Malwarebytes customer support. They offer assistance via live chat, email, and phone.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Malwarebytes Protection
Once you’ve successfully downloaded Malwarebytes, installed it, and activated it on your new computer, you can enjoy enhanced security with features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, ransomware protection, and web protection. Be sure to keep your Malwarebytes software updated regularly to stay ahead of evolving threats.
By following these steps, you’ve ensured that your new computer is fully protected with Malwarebytes personal products.