Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software used to detect and remove malicious software from your computer. It is widely known for its ability to detect and remove malware that other antivirus programs may miss.
However, some users may face an issue where they are unable to remove Malwarebytes from their computer. This can be due to a variety of reasons, and in this article, we will explore some of the reasons why this may happen and how to fix them.
Reasons for Unable to Remove Malwarebytes
1. Malwarebytes is Currently Running
If Malwarebytes is currently running on your computer, you will be unable to uninstall it. You will need to close the program first before attempting to uninstall it.
You can close Malwarebytes by right-clicking on the program icon in the system tray and selecting "Quit Malwarebytes."
2. Corrupted Installation Files
If the installation files for Malwarebytes are corrupted, you may encounter issues when attempting to uninstall the program. In this case, you will need to download a fresh copy of the Malwarebytes installer and attempt to uninstall the program again.
3. Malwarebytes Service is Running in the Background
In some cases, the Malwarebytes service may continue to run in the background even after the program has been closed. This can prevent you from uninstalling the program.
You can check if the Malwarebytes service is running by pressing "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" to open the Task Manager. Look for the Malwarebytes service in the list of processes and end the task.
4. Malwarebytes is Protected by Self-Protection
Malwarebytes is designed to protect itself from being modified or tampered with by malicious software. This self-protection feature can prevent you from uninstalling the program.
To disable self-protection, open Malwarebytes and go to "Settings" > "Application" > "Windows Startup." Uncheck the box next to "Enable self-protection module."
5. Malwarebytes is Still Installed in Compatibility Mode
If Malwarebytes is installed in compatibility mode, you may encounter issues when attempting to uninstall the program. To check if Malwarebytes is installed in compatibility mode, right-click on the program shortcut and select "Properties."
Go to the "Compatibility" tab and make sure that "Run this program in compatibility mode for" is unchecked.
Methods to Remove Malwarebytes
1. Use the Malwarebytes Support Tool
The Malwarebytes Support Tool is a free program that can be used to completely remove Malwarebytes from your computer. It will also remove any leftover files or registry entries that may be causing issues with the uninstallation process.
You can download the Malwarebytes Support Tool from the Malwarebytes website. Once downloaded, run the program and follow the instructions to remove Malwarebytes from your computer.
2. Uninstall Malwarebytes Using the Control Panel
You can also attempt to uninstall Malwarebytes using the Control Panel. To do this, go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Apps and Features" and find Malwarebytes in the list of installed programs.
Click on Malwarebytes and select "Uninstall." Follow the instructions to remove the program from your computer.
3. Remove Malwarebytes Manually
If all else fails, you can attempt to remove Malwarebytes manually. This involves deleting any leftover files or registry entries that may be preventing the program from being uninstalled.
Before attempting to remove Malwarebytes manually, it is recommended that you create a system restore point in case anything goes wrong.
To remove Malwarebytes manually, follow these steps:
- Press "Windows + R" to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes."
- Delete the Malwarebytes folder.
- Press "Windows + E" to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to "C:\Program Files" or "C:\Program Files (x86)" and find the Malwarebytes folder.
- Delete the Malwarebytes folder.
Conclusion
Removing Malwarebytes from your computer can sometimes be a difficult process. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully remove the program from your computer.
Remember to always use caution when attempting to remove programs from your computer, and if you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of the steps outlined in this article, seek the help of a professional.
