Malwarebytes is a popular antivirus and anti-malware software used by millions to protect their computers. However, there may be situations when you need to uninstall it from your system. Whether you’re experiencing issues, switching to a different security tool, or simply no longer need it, removing Malwarebytes from your Windows 10 PC is straightforward. This guide will take you through the entire process to help you uninstall Malwarebytes without leaving any residual files behind.
Why Uninstall Malwarebytes?
There are several reasons you might want to remove Malwarebytes from your Windows 10 PC:
- Switching Antivirus Software: You may want to use another antivirus tool or a different security solution.
- Performance Issues: If Malwarebytes is affecting system performance or causing conflicts with other software, uninstalling it could help.
- Troubleshooting Problems: Sometimes, reinstalling the software may fix any bugs or issues you’re facing.
No matter the reason, follow the steps below to completely remove Malwarebytes from your system.
Method 1: Uninstall Malwarebytes via Windows Settings
The most common way to uninstall software from a Windows 10 computer is through the system’s settings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
- Click the Start Menu in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Select the Settings (gear icon) to open the Windows Settings menu.
Step 2: Access the Apps & Features Menu
- Once in the Settings, click on Apps.
- In the Apps menu, you’ll see a list of installed applications.
Step 3: Find Malwarebytes in the List
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Malwarebytes.
- Once located, click on Malwarebytes and select the Uninstall button.
Step 4: Follow the Uninstall Wizard
- A prompt will appear asking for confirmation. Click Uninstall again to proceed.
- The Malwarebytes uninstall wizard will open. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Once the process is complete, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to ensure all components of the software are fully removed.
Method 2: Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool
If the standard uninstallation method doesn’t work or you encounter issues, Malwarebytes provides a specialized Support Tool that can remove the software completely, including all related files and settings. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
- Go to the official Malwarebytes Support page and download the Support Tool.
- Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts to install the tool.
Step 2: Launch the Malwarebytes Support Tool
- After installation, open the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
- Click on the Advanced tab located at the top of the window.
Step 3: Start the Uninstallation Process
- Under the Advanced tab, click on Clean.
- The tool will begin removing Malwarebytes from your system, including registry files and leftover folders that might not be removed using the traditional method.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Once the tool has finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Do so to complete the process.
Manual Removal of Residual Files
Sometimes, after uninstalling a program, a few files or folders may remain on your system. If you want to ensure that Malwarebytes is fully removed, follow these additional steps to delete residual files manually:
Step 1: Check the Program Files Folder
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files.
- Look for any folder named Malwarebytes and delete it if it still exists.
Step 2: Remove Registry Entries (Optional)
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following paths and delete any remaining Malwarebytes entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes
Note: Be cautious when editing the registry. Deleting the wrong entries can cause system instability. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to leave this step out.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Malwarebytes on Windows 10 is simple and can be done either through the system settings or using the Malwarebytes Support Tool if needed. Whether you’re switching antivirus software or troubleshooting issues, following these steps will help you successfully remove the software from your computer.
Once Malwarebytes is uninstalled, make sure to restart your computer to ensure all components are fully removed. If you’re switching to a different antivirus solution, don’t forget to install and configure it to maintain your system’s security.
With the methods outlined above, you should have no trouble uninstalling Malwarebytes and clearing up any leftover files on your Windows 10 system.
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