Is Malwarebytes Free?
Yes — with a specific meaning. The Windows scanner is free to download and use indefinitely. The real-time protection you get on first install is a trial.
What stays free
- Manual threat and custom scans
- Removal and quarantine of detections
- Threat-database updates
What expires with the trial
Web protection, malware protection, ransomware protection, exploit protection and scheduled scanning. Nothing uninstalls itself; the shields simply switch off and the product continues as the free scanner.
Is the free version worth using?
As a second opinion, yes. Run it when a PC behaves oddly and your resident antivirus reports nothing. As your only defense, no — nothing is watching between scans.
Frequently asked questions
Will the free version nag me to upgrade?
It shows upgrade prompts after the trial ends. The scanning functionality is not restricted by them.
Is there a free premium licence?
No. Offers of free or lifetime premium keys are almost always revoked volume keys or malware bait.
Malware-Bytes.net is an independent information resource about malware protection for Windows. We are not Malwarebytes, and this site is not the official Malwarebytes website or support channel. Malwarebytes is a trademark of Malwarebytes Inc.