Installing and Using Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is a an application developed by Malwarebytes Corporation. It scans and removes malicious software, including rogue security software, adware and spyware.

Malwarebytes has both free and paid versions. The free version is manually run by a user when they would like to scan their PC. The paid version automatically scans files when they are opened, blocks IP addresses of malicious web sites, performs scheduled scans and scans programs while they are in use.

1. Navigate to https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/.
2. Click the free download link found at the bottom, under the Free Download column.
   
   
3. Click on the program executable in the download box at the bottom of your browser.
   
   
4. To continue with the installation, click Run.
   
   
5. When the User Account Control pop-up appears, click Yes to continue.
   
   
6. Select your setup language and click OK.
   
   
7. This will start a progression of setup steps. Click Next to continue.
   
   
8. The next dialog box is to confirm the Software License Agreement. Click the I accept the agreement option. Click Next to continue.
   
   
9. The next dialog is provides some important information. Read and click Next to continue.
   
   
10. The next dialog box is for the installation directory. This will provide a default folder in your programs directory. Click Next to continue.
    
    
11. You can change the name of your Start Menu folder if you wish. Click Next to continue.
    
    
12. If you'd like an icon on your desktop, click Next. Otherwise remove the checkmark from the Create a desktop icon and click Next.
    
    
13. Finally, click the Install button to start the installation of Malwarebytes to your PC.
    
    
14. The green bar will move to the right as the installation completes.
    
    
15. Remove the checkmark from the Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium box and click Finish.
    
    
16. When Malwarebytes is started it may automatically check for updates.
    
    
17. Once updates have completed, click the Scan Now button.
    
    
18. Depending on the amount of data on your computer as well as the frequency of your scanning, this may take upwards of an hour to complete.
    
    
19. If threats are found, it will provide you with a list the number of items detected as well as the malware Threat, malware Category, file Type and file Location. Click the checkbox next to Threat and then click Remove Selected.
    
    
20. Once the threats have been quarantined, it will prompt you to restart your computer. Click Yes.
    
    
21. If Malwarebytes does not find any threats, it will state that the Threat Scan completed successfully, and the threats identified will show 0. Click finish and close the program.