Introduction
Malwarebytes is a popular antivirus software that provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. It is known for its fast scanning speed and comprehensive virus removal capabilities. However, some users have reported that Malwarebytes scanning for hours without any apparent reason. This article will explore the possible reasons why Malwarebytes takes so much time to scan and provide solutions to fix the issue.
Reasons Why Malwarebytes Scanning Takes Hours
There could be several reasons why Malwarebytes scanning takes hours. Some of the most common ones are:
1. Large Number of Files
If you have a lot of files on your computer, Malwarebytes may take longer to scan them all. The more files you have, the longer the scanning process will take. This is because Malwarebytes has to check each file for any signs of malware or other threats.
2. Slow Computer
If your computer is slow, Malwarebytes scanning may take longer than usual. This is because Malwarebytes uses a lot of system resources while scanning for malware. If your computer is already slow, it may struggle to keep up with the demands of the scanning process.
3. Conflicting Software
If you have other antivirus or security software installed on your computer, it may conflict with Malwarebytes scanning. This can cause the scanning process to slow down or even stop altogether. It is recommended to uninstall any other security software before running a Malwarebytes scan.
4. Outdated Malwarebytes Version
If you are using an outdated version of Malwarebytes, it may take longer to scan your computer. This is because older versions of Malwarebytes may not have the latest virus definitions and may not be as efficient in detecting new threats. It is recommended to update Malwarebytes to the latest version before running a scan.
5. Large Malware Database
Malwarebytes has a large database of known malware and other threats. If the database is large, it may take longer for Malwarebytes to scan your computer. This is because Malwarebytes has to cross-check each file against the database to see if it matches any known threats.
Solutions to Fix Malwarebytes Scanning for Hours
If Malwarebytes scanning is taking too long, there are several solutions you can try:
1. Disable Real-Time Protection
Malwarebytes has a real-time protection feature that runs in the background and checks for malware in real-time. This feature can slow down the scanning process. You can disable real-time protection before running a scan to speed up the process. To do this, open Malwarebytes and go to Settings > Protection. Turn off the Real-Time Protection option.
2. Exclude Folders from Scanning
If you have a lot of files on your computer, you can exclude certain folders from the scanning process. This can speed up the scanning process by reducing the number of files that Malwarebytes has to scan. To do this, open Malwarebytes and go to Settings > Exclusions. Click Add Folder and select the folder you want to exclude from the scan.
3. Close Other Programs
If you have other programs running while Malwarebytes is scanning, it can slow down the process. Close all other programs before running a scan to speed up the process. You can also try running the scan in Safe Mode to reduce the number of programs running in the background.
4. Update Malwarebytes
If you are using an outdated version of Malwarebytes, update to the latest version to improve the scanning speed. To do this, open Malwarebytes and go to Settings > Application. Click Install Application Updates and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Reinstall Malwarebytes
If none of the above solutions work, you can try reinstalling Malwarebytes. Sometimes, a corrupted installation can cause scanning issues. To reinstall Malwarebytes, first, uninstall the current version from your computer. Then, download and install the latest version from the Malwarebytes website.
Conclusion
Malwarebytes scanning for hours can be frustrating, but there are several solutions to fix the issue. If your computer has a large number of files, you can exclude certain folders from the scanning process. If you have other programs running, close them before running a scan. If Malwarebytes is outdated, update to the latest version. If all else fails, try reinstalling Malwarebytes. By following these steps, you can speed up the scanning process and ensure that your computer is protected from malware and other threats.
