How to Remove Malwarebytes on Windows 10

You need to remove Malwarebytes from a Windows 10 PC but the program won’t uninstall, or you worry leftover files and services will linger and cause conflicts. If you searched for How to Remove Malwarebytes on Windows 10, this guide gives clear, safe steps to do it properly. That’s frustrating when you’re trying to free space, switch security software, or troubleshoot system issues. This guide shows clear, safe steps to uninstall Malwarebytes, how to remove leftovers, and what to do if the normal uninstall fails — so you leave your PC clean and ready for what comes next.

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Why this guide

This is a hands-on tutorial for regular users and technicians. It covers:

• Normal uninstall (Settings / Control Panel)

• Clean uninstall using Malwarebytes’ Support Tool (recommended when standard removal fails)

• Manual cleanup of files, services, and registry entries (advanced)

• Troubleshooting and how to preserve your subscription/license status

Before you start — quick checklist

• Save work and close all running apps and browsers.

• Sign out or deactivate the device from your Malwarebytes account if you want the license available for another device (optional).

• Create a Windows restore point or backup important data before manual file or registry edits.

• If Malwarebytes fails to quit, you’ll need administrative rights to continue.

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Method 1 — Standard uninstall (Windows Settings / Control Panel)

Most installs remove cleanly using Windows 10 built-in tools.

1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & features.

2. Scroll and find Malwarebytes (or “Malwarebytes for Windows”). Click it → Uninstall.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts. If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, allow it.

4. Reboot the PC after uninstall completes.

If your Windows shows the app but the uninstall fails or the program stays resident in the system tray, try quitting Malwarebytes before uninstalling. Right-click its tray icon and choose Quit Malwarebytes (or exit), then retry the uninstall.

When to use this: everyday removals where the installer is intact and the service can be stopped.

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Method 2 — Clean uninstall with Malwarebytes Support Tool (best when uninstall fails)

If the standard uninstall fails, Malwarebytes publishes a Support Tool (MBST) with a Clean option that removes program files, services, and leftovers and then prompts a reboot. This is the official route Malwarebytes recommends for stubborn installs and repair tasks.

How to run the Support Tool (short):

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool from Malwarebytes’ site or via the app’s Help menu.

2. Run the mb-support…exe file (UAC will ask for permission). Accept the license and let the tool open.

3. In the Support Tool, go to Advanced → choose Clean. Confirm when prompted — the tool will locate installs and remove them.

4. Save any work, allow the tool to reboot the PC when it asks. After reboot, the system should be free of Malwarebytes components; the tool may offer to reinstall (don’t reinstall if you want it removed).

Why use it: the Support Tool removes services, drivers, scheduled tasks and leftover data that a normal uninstall might leave behind — it’s the official, safer clean option.

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Method 3 — Manual cleanup (advanced users only)

Only attempt after trying Methods 1 and 2, and only if you’re comfortable with file deletion and the registry.

Steps:

1. Quit Malwarebytes and stop related services:

   • Right-click system tray icon → Quit.

   • Open Task Manager → Services tab → look for Malwarebytes services (names may vary) → right-click → Stop.

2. Delete program folders (if present):

   • C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes (or C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes)

   • C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes

   • C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Malwarebytes and ...\Roaming\Malwarebytes

3. Remove drivers (only if you know what you’re doing): some AVs install filter drivers. Use Device Manager or the sc command to identify and delete service/driver entries.

4. Registry caution: open regedit and search for Malwarebytes entries — delete only keys you clearly recognize. Back up the registry first.

5. Reboot and verify no Malwarebytes processes remain.

Safety notes: manual registry edits and driver removals can destabilize Windows. Make a restore point and back up the registry before changes. If unsure, stop and use the Support Tool or ask a technician.

Deactivating a device / license notes

If you use a paid Malwarebytes subscription and plan to move the license to another machine, consider deactivating the device from your Malwarebytes account or the app before uninstalling. Deactivation frees the license slot so you can activate a different PC without contacting support.

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Troubleshooting — common issues and fixes

• Uninstall button missing / “file not found” errors: run the Support Tool’s Clean option.

• Malwarebytes won’t quit / service won’t stop: reboot into Safe Mode and run the Support Tool there, or stop the service via Task Manager → Services.

• Leftover browser extensions (Browser Guard): remove the extension from your browser directly (Chrome → Extensions, etc.).

• Still seeing alerts or drivers: check Device Manager, Autoruns (Sysinternals) or consult Malwarebytes support.

A quick mini-case (real-world pattern)

Many community reports show the same pattern: a user attempts uninstall via Settings → operation fails because the app is running or mbuns.exe is missing. Running the Malwarebytes Support Tool, picking Clean, and rebooting resolves the issue almost every time — the tool removes residues and offers a clean slate. If the machine still shows items, manual cleanup or contacting Malwarebytes support is the next step.

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Key Takeaways

• Try Windows Settings / Control Panel first — it works for most installs.

• Use Malwarebytes Support Tool’s Clean option when normal uninstall fails — it’s the official clean solution.

• Create a restore point before manual file or registry edits.

• Deactivate the device from your account if you plan to move the license.

• If unsure, contact Malwarebytes support or use their official help articles for guidance.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q: Will uninstalling Malwarebytes remove my license/subscription?
A: Uninstalling the app removes it from the device but does not cancel your subscription. If you want the license slot freed for another device, deactivate the device in your Malwarebytes account or in the app before uninstalling.

Q: Can I reinstall Malwarebytes later?
A: Yes. After uninstalling (especially after a clean uninstall), you can reinstall from Malwarebytes’ official download page and reactivate with your license key or account.

Q: What if the Support Tool doesn’t run or reports errors?
A: Try running it as Administrator, close other apps, or boot into Safe Mode and run the tool. If it still fails, gather logs with the Support Tool and contact Malwarebytes support for assistance.

Q: Are there safe alternatives to manual registry edits?
A: Yes — use the Malwarebytes Support Tool for most cleanup tasks. Manual registry edits are a last resort and should only be done with a backup and clear instructions.

Conclusion

Removing Malwarebytes on Windows 10 is straightforward in most cases, and the company provides an official Support Tool for tougher removals. Start with the built-in Windows uninstall, move to the Support Tool’s Clean option if needed, and only use manual cleanup when you’re comfortable with advanced system changes. If you want to switch to another security product or troubleshoot conflicts, a clean uninstall makes the next steps smoother.

Sources (official):

• Malwarebytes Help Center — Uninstall Desktop Security on Windows and macOS devices. help.malwarebytes.com

• Malwarebytes Help Center — Gather logs with the Windows Support Tool (details and Clean option). help.malwarebytes.com