How to Fully Remove Malwarebytes from Your PC

Malwarebytes is a popular antimalware solution that millions rely on to keep their systems clean and secure. However, there are situations where you might need to completely remove Malwarebytes from your PC—whether you’re troubleshooting a problem, switching to another security program, or simply no longer need it. Fully uninstalling Malwarebytes ensures no leftover files, services, or registry entries remain on your system.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

If you’re looking to completely remove Malwarebytes from your PC, begin with the standard uninstallation through Windows settings. Follow up by using the official Malwarebytes Support Tool to clean any remaining files and registry entries. Be sure to delete any lingering folders manually and restart your system when you’re done. This thorough process ensures your PC is free from any Malwarebytes-related components.

Why You Might Want to Remove Malwarebytes

Before jumping into the uninstallation steps, it’s helpful to understand why someone might want to remove Malwarebytes in the first place. Some common reasons include:

Switching to a different antivirus or antimalware software
Software conflicts or system slowdowns
Corrupt installation needing a fresh reinstall
No longer requiring the application

No matter the reason, a complete removal ensures a clean slate and minimizes the risk of conflicting processes in the background.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fully Remove Malwarebytes from Windows

Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensuring every bit of Malwarebytes is removed from your system. Follow the steps in order for best results.

1. Uninstall via Windows Settings

This is the first and most straightforward step. Simply remove the program using the built-in Windows uninstaller.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features in older versions of Windows).
Scroll down to find Malwarebytes.
Click it, then select Uninstall and confirm.

This method removes the main program, but not everything. That’s why we continue with the next steps.

2. Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool (MBST)

Malwarebytes provides an official utility to help users completely remove all traces of the app.

Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool from their website.
Run the downloaded file and choose Advanced > Clean.
The tool will guide you through the process and ask to restart the PC to finalize the removal.

The MBST is recommended whether you’re uninstalling normally or encountering issues. It also resets network settings if they’re affected by Malwarebytes components.

3. Manually Remove Leftover Folders

After using the MBST, some remnants might still remain in hidden folders or AppData directories. Here’s how to remove them:

Press Windows + R, type %programfiles%, and hit Enter. Look for any folder named Malwarebytes or Mbam and delete them.
Repeat for %programdata% and %appdata% paths.
Be sure to check C:ProgramDataMalwarebytes since it’s a common location for leftover system-wide files.

Only delete these folders if you’re sure Malwarebytes is no longer installed, or after using the MBST tool.

4. Clear Windows Registry Entries (Optional and Advanced)

Warning: Editing the Windows registry can be risky. If you’re not familiar with it, skip this step or create a full system restore point first.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate through the structure and use Ctrl + F to search for terms like Malwarebytes or Mbam.
Right-click on any result related to Malwarebytes and choose Delete.

After removing registry entries, reboot your system to ensure everything resets accordingly.

Common Issues After Uninstalling Malwarebytes

Even after you’ve followed all steps, some users may experience leftover issues such as:

Startup Delays: This can happen if Malwarebytes left behind any scheduled tasks.
Network Configuration Changes: Rarely, uninstalling can change proxy settings or DNS configurations. Reset your network settings if necessary.
Missing Programs or Files: Be cautious with manual deletions so as not to remove unrelated items.

How to Fix These Issues

If you’re facing one of the above problems, here are quick fixes:

For scheduled tasks: Open Task Scheduler and remove any Malwarebytes-related tasks.
To reset network settings: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
```
netsh winsock reset
```
If other programs are affected: Reinstall them or perform a Windows repair.

What About Malwarebytes Browser Guard and Other Extensions?

Removing the desktop app doesn’t remove associated browser extensions like Malwarebytes Browser Guard. These need to be removed separately in your browser settings.

For Google Chrome:

Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Go to Extensions.
Find Malwarebytes Browser Guard and click Remove.

For Firefox:

Click the three-line menu and go to Add-ons.
Find Malwarebytes Browser Guard and click Remove.

Repeat this for other browsers you might have used it with, including Edge or Opera.

Helpful Tips for Future Installations

If you plan to reinstall Malwarebytes later, or install other antivirus software, consider these points:

Keep your installer files from trusted sources.
Never run two real-time antimalware programs simultaneously; it can cause system instability.
Always perform a clean reboot after installing or uninstalling security-related software.

Conclusion

Malwarebytes is a powerful security tool, but when it’s time to part ways, doing it cleanly ensures your system runs smoothly and without error. From using the Malwarebytes Support Tool to cleaning residual files and registry entries, every part of this guide helps you achieve a thorough uninstallation.

With an uncluttered system, you’re now ready to either switch to a new antimalware program or enjoy faster, conflict-free performance.