Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and effective anti-malware tools available today. It’s a trusted companion for millions of computer users worldwide, helping to detect and remove malware, viruses, and other online threats. But what happens when Malwarebytes itself stops working? If Malwarebytes is not opening on your computer, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to get Malwarebytes up and running again.
Why Is Malwarebytes Not Opening?
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why Malwarebytes might not be opening in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
Conflicting Antivirus Software
One of the most common reasons Malwarebytes won’t open is due to conflicts with other antivirus software installed on your system. Many antivirus programs have real-time protection features that can interfere with Malwarebytes, preventing it from launching.
Corrupted Installation
A corrupted installation of Malwarebytes can also cause the program to malfunction or not open at all. This can happen due to a faulty download, a incomplete installation, or a system crash during the installation process.
Windows Firewall Or Defender Blocking Malwarebytes
Windows Firewall or Defender might be blocking Malwarebytes, preventing it from opening. This can happen if you’ve recently installed new antivirus software or made changes to your firewall settings.
Malware Infection
Ironically, a malware infection can also prevent Malwarebytes from opening. If your system is infected with malware, it might be blocking Malwarebytes from launching to prevent it from detecting and removing the malware.
Outdated Operating System Or Software
Running an outdated operating system or software can also cause compatibility issues with Malwarebytes, leading to problems with opening the program.
Solutions To Fix Malwarebytes Not Opening
Now that we’ve covered the common reasons behind the issue, let’s move on to the solutions.
Solution 1: Disable Conflicting Antivirus Software
If you suspect that another antivirus program is causing the conflict, try disabling it temporarily to see if Malwarebytes will open. Here’s how:
- Open the conflicting antivirus software and look for the settings or options menu.
- Disable the real-time protection or antivirus shield.
- Restart your computer and try opening Malwarebytes again.
If Malwarebytes opens successfully, you can re-enable the conflicting antivirus software and try to configure it to work alongside Malwarebytes.
Solution 2: Uninstall And Reinstall Malwarebytes
A corrupted installation can often be resolved by uninstalling and reinstalling Malwarebytes. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “control panel” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Click on “Uninstall a program” or “Programs and Features” (depending on your Windows version).
- Find Malwarebytes in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall” or “Remove.”
- Follow the uninstallation prompts and restart your computer.
- Download the latest version of Malwarebytes from the official website.
- Follow the installation prompts to reinstall Malwarebytes.
Solution 3: Add Malwarebytes To The Windows Firewall Exception List
If Windows Firewall is blocking Malwarebytes, you can add it to the exception list. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar.
- Type “windows firewall” and click on “Windows Defender Firewall” in the results.
- Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” on the left side.
- Click on “Change settings” and then click on “Allow another app.”
- Click on “Browse” and navigate to the Malwarebytes installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes).
- Select the Malwarebytes executable file (mbam.exe) and click “Add.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Solution 4: Run Malwarebytes In Safe Mode
If Malwarebytes won’t open in normal mode, try running it in Safe Mode. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
- Click on the “Boot” tab and select “Safe boot.”
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to restart your computer in Safe Mode.
- Try opening Malwarebytes in Safe Mode. If it opens successfully, you can try running it in normal mode again.
Solution 5: Perform A System Restore
If you suspect that a recent system change or software installation is causing the issue, you can try performing a System Restore. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar.
- Type “system restore” and click on “Create a system restore point” in the results.
- Click on “System Restore” and then “Next” to select a restore point.
- Choose a restore point that precedes the issue with Malwarebytes and click “Next.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the System Restore process.
Solution 6: Re-register Malwarebytes DLL Files
In some cases, re-registering the Malwarebytes DLL files can resolve the issue. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
- regsvr32 /u “C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\mbae64.dll”
- regsvr32 “C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\mbae64.dll”
- Restart your computer and try opening Malwarebytes again.
Additional Tips And Troubleshooting Steps
In addition to the solutions above, here are some additional tips and troubleshooting steps you can try:
Check For Malware Infections
Run a full scan with Malwarebytes (if it’s open) or another reputable antivirus program to detect and remove any malware infections.
Update Your Operating System And Software
Make sure your operating system and software are up-to-date, as outdated versions can cause compatibility issues with Malwarebytes.
Disable Windows Defender
If you’re using Windows 10, try disabling Windows Defender temporarily to see if it’s causing the conflict.
Contact Malwarebytes Support
If none of the above solutions work, you can contact Malwarebytes support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or fix the issue remotely.
Conclusion
Malwarebytes not opening can be a frustrating experience, but it’s often resolvable with some troubleshooting and patience. By following the solutions and tips outlined in this article, you should be able to fix the issue and get Malwarebytes up and running again. Remember to stay vigilant and keep your system and software updated to prevent future issues.
Why Does Malwarebytes Not Open?
Malwarebytes may not open due to various reasons such as software conflicts, corrupted files, or malware interference. It’s possible that another security program is preventing Malwarebytes from launching, or a malicious program is blocking it from running. Additionally, if you’ve recently installed a new program or updated your operating system, it may have caused a conflict with Malwarebytes.
To troubleshoot the issue, try restarting your computer and then try opening Malwarebytes again. If it still doesn’t open, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the program or seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team.
How Do I Fix Malwarebytes Not Opening Due To Software Conflicts?
To fix Malwarebytes not opening due to software conflicts, try temporarily disabling any other security programs you have installed on your computer. This includes antivirus software, firewalls, and other malware removal tools. Once you’ve disabled these programs, try opening Malwarebytes again. If it opens successfully, you’ll know that one of the other programs was causing the conflict.
You can then re-enable each program one by one to determine which one is causing the issue. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Malwarebytes or seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team. Additionally, you can try running Malwarebytes in safe mode to see if it opens successfully.
Can A Virus Or Malware Cause Malwarebytes Not To Open?
Yes, a virus or malware can cause Malwarebytes not to open. Malware can interfere with Malwarebytes’ ability to launch or function properly. If you suspect that malware is the culprit, try booting your computer in safe mode and then try opening Malwarebytes. If it opens successfully in safe mode, it’s likely that malware is preventing it from opening normally.
In this case, you’ll need to use another antivirus program to scan your computer for malware and remove any detected threats. Once you’ve removed the malware, try opening Malwarebytes again. If it still doesn’t open, you may need to seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team or try re-installing the program.
How Do I Uninstall And Reinstall Malwarebytes?
To uninstall Malwarebytes, go to the Control Panel on your computer and select “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7). Find Malwarebytes in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall” or “Remove”. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Once you’ve uninstalled Malwarebytes, restart your computer and then download and install the latest version of Malwarebytes from the official website. Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation process. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team.
Will Reinstalling Malwarebytes Delete My Scan History?
Reinstalling Malwarebytes will not delete your scan history. Your scan history is stored in a separate database that is not affected by the uninstallation and reinstallation process. However, if you’ve customized any settings in Malwarebytes, such as scheduled scans or excluded files, you may need to reconfigure these settings after reinstalling the program.
To ensure that your scan history is preserved, make sure you don’t delete the Malwarebytes data folder when uninstalling the program. This folder typically contains your scan history and other configuration files.
Can I Use Malwarebytes In Safe Mode?
Yes, you can use Malwarebytes in safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that disables all startup programs and services, allowing you to isolate and troubleshoot issues with your computer. To run Malwarebytes in safe mode, restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select “Safe Mode” and press Enter.
Once you’re in safe mode, try opening Malwarebytes again. If it opens successfully, you can run a scan to check for malware and other issues on your computer. If Malwarebytes still doesn’t open in safe mode, you may need to seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team.
What If None Of These Troubleshooting Steps Work?
If none of the troubleshooting steps work, you may need to seek further assistance from the Malwarebytes support team. You can contact Malwarebytes support through their website or social media channels. Provide as much detail as possible about the issue you’re experiencing, including any error messages you’ve encountered and the steps you’ve taken so far to troubleshoot the problem.
The Malwarebytes support team can provide you with more personalized assistance and help you resolve the issue. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or repair tools to fix the problem. If all else fails, they may be able to provide a more advanced solution, such as remotely accessing your computer to fix the issue.