How to Uninstall Malwarebytes Free: Complete Removal Guide

Malwarebytes Free is a popular anti-malware tool that provides real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, and spyware. While effective, you might need to uninstall it to resolve conflicts with other security software, free up system resources, or switch to alternatives like Bitdefender or Kaspersky. Below is a professional removal guide with critical notes for 32-bit vs. 64-bit systems and Windows 10 vs. 11 differences, ensuring no remnants remain.

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⚠️ Critical Technical Notes

32-bit vs. 64-bit Systems:

• Install Paths:
• 64-bit Windows: Installs to C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes
• 32-bit Windows: Uses C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes
• Registry Differences:
• 64-bit: Keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes
• 32-bit on 64-bit OS: Additional keys in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Malwarebytes

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11:

Feature	Windows 10	Windows 11
Settings Access	Settings > Apps > Apps & Features (horizontal layout)	Settings > Apps > Installed apps (vertical/scrolling)
Search Function	Basic text search	Dynamic real-time filtering
Control Panel	More prominent	Hidden behind “More settings”

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Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings

(Recommended for most users)

Steps for Windows 11:

1. Press Win + I → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Search “Malwarebytes” → Click ⋮ (More options) → Uninstall.
3. Confirm twice in pop-up dialogs.

Steps for Windows 10:

1. Press Win + I → Apps → Apps & Features.
2. Search “Malwarebytes” → Click Uninstall → Confirm.

🔑 Key Notes:

• Restart immediately after to terminate background services like MBAMService.exe.
• Limitation: Leaves 5-10% residual files (e.g., quarantine folders, logs).

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Method 2: Use Malwarebytes Support Tool (MBST)

(Official deep-cleaning method)

1. Download MBST from Malwarebytes’ official site.
2. Run as Administrator (Right-click → Run as admin).
3. Accept EULA → Select Advanced Options → Clean.
4. Confirm removal → Restart when prompted.

⚠️ Critical Warnings:

• Back up licenses first if upgrading to premium.
• Disconnect from the internet during removal to prevent security gaps.
• Tool auto-deletes itself post-cleanup.

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Method 3: Manual Uninstallation (Advanced)

For registry experts only

Step 1: Standard Uninstall

Use Method 1 or 2 first.

Step 2: Delete Leftovers

• Files/Folders to Remove:

  1. `C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes` (64-bit)  
     - *OR* -  
     `C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes` (32-bit)  
  2. `%appdata%\Malwarebytes`  
  3. `%localappdata%\Malwarebytes`  
  4. `%programdata%\Malwarebytes`  

• Driver Removal:
• Delete C:\Windows\System32\drivers\mbam.sys (requires admin rights).

Step 3: Registry Cleanup

1. Backup registry (Regedit → File → Export).
2. Delete keys:

   - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes  
   - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Malwarebytes  
   - *For 64-bit OS*:  
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Malwarebytes  

3. Restart in Safe Mode (Win + R → msconfig → Boot → Safe Boot).

⚠️ Danger Zone:

• Incorrect registry edits may corrupt Windows.
• Avoid deleting non-Malwarebytes keys (e.g., MBAMSwissArmy is system-related).

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Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (100% Removal Guarantee)

(For stubborn installs or enterprise environments)

1. Download Perfect Uninstaller (Official).
2. Install → Run as Administrator.
3. Locate Malwarebytes Free → Click Uninstall.
4. Scan for leftovers → Click Complete Uninstall.
5. Restart PC.

💡 Why This Works:

• Force-removes locked files/drivers.
• Scans 32/64-bit registry and ProgramData automatically.
• Logs all deletions for audit trails.

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Professional Analysis & Recommendations

Technical Assessment:

Method	Speed	Thoroughness	Risk	Best For
Windows Settings	⚡⚡⚡⚡	★★☆☆☆	Low	Quick removal
MBST Tool	⚡⚡⚡	★★★★☆	Medium	Standard deep clean
Manual	⚡	★★★★★	High	Experts/IT admins
Perfect Uninstaller	⚡⚡	★★★★★	Low	Enterprises/legacy systems

Expert Opinion:

“While Malwarebytes’ native MBST tool removes 90% of components, Perfect Uninstaller is superior for fragmented installations or registry corruption. For typical home users, Method 2 (MBST) suffices. Always pair removal with a reboot and immediate installation of replacement security software to prevent zero-day exploits. Never manually edit the registry without backups.”

Post-Uninstall Steps:

1. Run Windows Defender immediately.
2. Install alternatives like Bitdefender Free or Kaspersky Security Cloud.
3. Clear DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns in CMD).

🔐 Security Tip: Use a firewall during the uninstall-reinstall gap to block inbound threats.

Need help choosing a security suite? Consult our Antivirus Comparison Guide. 🔍🛡️