Completely Uninstall Malwarebytes [Windows & Mac]

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular anti-malware and cybersecurity applications available for both Windows and Mac computers. It helps protect devices from malware, ransomware, viruses, potentially unwanted programs, and other online threats. However, there may be situations where you want to completely remove Malwarebytes from your system.

Perhaps you’re switching to another security solution, troubleshooting software conflicts, reinstalling the application, or simply no longer need it. While uninstalling Malwarebytes may seem straightforward, simply removing the program from the Applications folder or uninstalling it through Settings may leave behind residual files, settings, and system data.

In this guide, I have explained how to completely uninstall Malwarebytes on Windows and Mac, including removing leftover files and ensuring the software is fully erased from your system.

So let’s start!

Completely Uninstall Malwarebytes [Windows & Mac]

To completely uninstall Malwarebytes, first use the built-in uninstaller on your Windows PC or Mac. After the uninstall process finishes, restart your computer and remove any remaining Malwarebytes files, folders, and settings stored on the system. For Windows, check Program Files, ProgramData, and AppData folders. For Mac, remove Malwarebytes files from Applications, Library, and system support folders. A final restart ensures all Malwarebytes components are completely removed.

The detailed steps below walk you through the entire process for both Windows and Mac users.

How to Completely Uninstall Malwarebytes on Windows

Step 1: Close Malwarebytes Completely

Before uninstalling any application, it is important to ensure that the program is not actively running in the background.

Open Malwarebytes on your computer and save any ongoing work. Next, close the application window. Even after closing it, Malwarebytes may continue running in the system tray near the clock on the taskbar.

Click the upward-facing arrow in the taskbar notification area and look for the Malwarebytes icon. Right-click the icon and select the option to quit, exit, or close the application.

Closing the software prevents files from being locked during the uninstall process and helps avoid errors.

Step 2: Open Windows Installed Apps Settings

The next step is to access the list of installed applications on your computer.

In Windows 11, press Windows + I to open Settings. Navigate to Apps and then select Installed Apps.

In Windows 10, open Settings and choose Apps, followed by Apps & Features.

You will now see a complete list of programs currently installed on your computer.

Scroll through the list or use the search box to locate Malwarebytes.

Step 3: Start the Malwarebytes Uninstall Process

Once you find Malwarebytes in the application list, click the three-dot menu beside it in Windows 11 or click the application entry in Windows 10.

Select Uninstall and confirm your choice when prompted.

Windows will launch the Malwarebytes uninstaller. Follow the on-screen instructions and continue through the removal wizard until the process is completed.

Depending on your system configuration, the removal process may take a few minutes.

After the uninstall is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer. If prompted, select Restart.

Step 4: Delete Remaining Malwarebytes Program Files

Although the standard uninstall process removes most application files, some folders may remain on the system.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:\Program Files

Look for any folder named Malwarebytes. If it still exists, delete it.

Next, check: C:\Program Files (x86)

Some older installations may store files here. Remove any Malwarebytes-related folders if present.

Deleting these folders helps remove leftover application components that the uninstall wizard may not remove automatically.

Step 5: Remove Malwarebytes Data from ProgramData

Windows stores shared application data in a hidden folder called ProgramData.

Open File Explorer and click the address bar. Type: C:\ProgramData and Press Enter.

Locate any Malwarebytes folder within ProgramData and delete it. If you do not see the ProgramData folder, enable hidden items from the View menu in File Explorer.

Removing these files clears cached settings and shared application data.

Step 6: Delete Malwarebytes Files from AppData

Each Windows user account has personal application data stored in the AppData folder.

Press Windows + R, type: %appdata% and press Enter.

Look for any Malwarebytes folder and delete it. Next, return to the Run dialog and enter:

%localappdata%

Press Enter and again delete any Malwarebytes-related folders you find.

These locations often contain user preferences, logs, temporary files, and application settings.

Step 7: Restart Your Windows Computer

After deleting leftover folders, restart your computer.

A restart allows Windows to clear cached system processes and finalize the removal of any Malwarebytes services that may still be registered.

Once the computer starts again, Malwarebytes should be completely removed from the system.

How to Completely Uninstall Malwarebytes on Mac

Step 1: Quit Malwarebytes on Your Mac

Before uninstalling Malwarebytes, ensure the application is not running.

Click the Malwarebytes icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen if it is visible.

Choose the option to quit the application.

You can also press Command + Space, search for Activity Monitor, and verify that Malwarebytes processes are not running. If they are, select the process and click the Stop button.

Closing the application prevents uninstall errors and ensures all files can be removed properly.

Step 2: Use the Malwarebytes Uninstaller

Malwarebytes for Mac includes a built-in removal tool.

Open Malwarebytes from the Applications folder.

Click Help in the menu bar and choose Uninstall Malwarebytes if the option is available.

Follow the prompts displayed on the screen.

You may be asked to enter your Mac administrator password to authorize the removal process.

Allow the uninstaller to complete all removal tasks.

If the built-in uninstall option is unavailable, continue with the manual removal method below.

Step 3: Remove Malwarebytes from Applications

Open Finder and select Applications from the sidebar. Locate Malwarebytes. Drag the application to the Trash or right-click it and choose Move to Trash.

This removes the primary application package from your Mac.

However, supporting files may still exist elsewhere on the system.

Step 4: Delete Malwarebytes Support Files

• Open Finder.
• Click Go in the menu bar and choose Go to Folder.
• Enter the following location: ~/Library
• Press Enter.

Look for Malwarebytes-related files and folders in locations such as:

• Application Support
• Caches
• Preferences
• Logs
• Saved Application State

Delete any files or folders associated with Malwarebytes.

These files often store settings, logs, cache data, and user preferences.

Step 5: Check System-Level Library Folders

Some Malwarebytes components may be stored in system-wide locations.

• Open Finder and choose Go to Folder again.
• Enter: /Library
• Press Enter.

Inspect folders such as Application Support, LaunchAgents, LaunchDaemons, and Preferences.

Delete any files associated with Malwarebytes if they remain.

Be careful not to remove unrelated system files while browsing these folders.

Step 6: Empty the Trash

After deleting Malwarebytes files and folders, open the Trash.

Review the contents to ensure only unwanted files are being removed.

Click Empty Trash.

This permanently deletes Malwarebytes files from your Mac.

Step 7: Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac after completing the removal process.

The restart allows macOS to clear cached services and ensures all Malwarebytes components have been fully removed.

After startup, search for Malwarebytes using Spotlight Search. If no results appear, the application has been successfully removed.

Verify Malwarebytes Has Been Removed

After completing the uninstall process on either Windows or Mac, it is a good idea to verify that Malwarebytes is no longer installed.

On Windows, search for Malwarebytes from the Start menu. If no application appears, the software has likely been removed successfully.

On Mac, use Spotlight Search and look for Malwarebytes. If the application does not appear, the removal process was successful.

You can also check running processes using Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac to confirm no Malwarebytes services remain active.

Why Remove Leftover Malwarebytes Files?

Many users assume that uninstalling a program automatically removes everything. In reality, most applications leave behind settings files, cache data, logs, and configuration information.

Removing these leftovers provides several benefits.

It helps free up storage space.

It prevents conflicts when reinstalling Malwarebytes later.

It removes outdated settings that may cause software issues.

It ensures a clean transition if you are switching to another antivirus or security program.

A complete uninstall is especially useful when troubleshooting Malwarebytes installation or update problems.

FAQs

Does uninstalling Malwarebytes remove all malware protection?

Yes. Once Malwarebytes is removed, its real-time protection, malware scanning capabilities, and security features are no longer active. Consider installing another security solution if you still need protection.

Can I reinstall Malwarebytes after uninstalling it?

Yes. You can download and install Malwarebytes again at any time. A clean uninstall is often recommended before reinstalling the latest version.

Why is Malwarebytes still showing in Task Manager after uninstalling?

This can happen if a service or process remains active until the system restarts. Restart your computer and check again.

Is it safe to delete Malwarebytes leftover folders?

Yes. If Malwarebytes has already been uninstalled, deleting its remaining folders is generally safe and helps ensure complete removal.

Will uninstalling Malwarebytes affect my personal files?

No. Removing Malwarebytes does not delete your personal documents, photos, videos, or other files stored on your computer.

Do I need administrator rights to uninstall Malwarebytes?

Yes. Both Windows and macOS typically require administrator permissions to uninstall security software.