Malwarebytes Inc. is an American cybersecurity company that develops software to protect computers and mobile devices from malicious software and other digital threats. It was founded in 2008 by Marcin Kleczynski, who is chief executive officer. The company is based in Santa Clara, California.
In 2023, Malwarebytes separated its business security division under the new name ThreatDown, which continues to develop and maintain the company’s enterprise security products. In 2024, Malwarebytes acquired the Sweden-based virtual private network provider AzireVPN to expand its privacy-focused software portfolio.
Malwarebytes traces its origins to 2004, when Polish-born programmer Marcin Kleczynski began developing malware-removal utilities while still in high school in Illinois and was working as a technician in a computer repair shop in Chicago. After encountering persistent infections while repairing computers, he created a tool named RogueRemover in 2006 to eliminate fake antivirus programs. RogueRemover proved instrumental in developing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and Kleczynski was able to set up a forum which enabled him to improve the software through feedback. Kleczynski and one of the site's regulars, Bruce Harrison, formally launched Malwarebytes on January 21, 2008, while Kleczynski was studying computer science at the University of Illinois. The company initially operated
What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes by Malwarebytes is proprietary Windows software in the antivirus & anti-malware category. It ranks 3rd by popularity among antivirus & anti-malware in this catalogue. The first release dates back to 2008.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides EXE installers for 64-bit and 32-bit Windows. Installation asks for administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Updates and version history
The current version is 5.7.2.358, released on October 2, 2026. The version history goes back to October 1, 2024: 5 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 2.5 releases a year. The last update is less than a month old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 10,641,007 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 9 of our languages. Similar programs include ClamAV, YARA and ESET Endpoint Antivirus.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Updated in the last two months
- Large user base
- Mature project (since 2008)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: Malwarebytes is an antivirus & anti-malware tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Screenshots
Is Malwarebytes safe to download?
- The file is served by data-cdn.mbamupdates.com; check that it is the publisher’s official mirror
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
AEE718183B29D045CF26E3BF3B9CFF9F3C31AD4D379ECACBA9CFAFF4D26756E7· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link has not been checked yet
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 5 versions ›5 versions over 2 years · about 2.5 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7.2.358Latest | October 2, 2026 | — | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.7.1.346 | September 21, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
| 5.7.0.328 | September 8, 2026 | — | 64-bit EXE32-bit EXE |
| 5.6.5.306 | August 21, 2026 | — | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
| 5.1.4.112 | October 1, 2024 | — | 32-bit EXE64-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Malwarebytes.Malwarebytes -echoco install malwarebytes -ymb5-setup-consumer-5.7.2.358-166.0.5763-1.0.115215.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTARTRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask malwarebytesInformation
- Publisher
- Malwarebytes
- Category
- Antivirus & anti-malware
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 5.7.2.358
- Released
- October 2, 2026
- First release
- 2008
- Added to the catalogue
- October 1, 2024
- Versions listed
- 5
- Updates / year
- 2.5
- Chocolatey downloads
- 10,641,007
- Website
- malwarebytes.com
- winget ID
- Malwarebytes.Malwarebytes
- Chocolatey package
- malwarebytes
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to Malwarebytes
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Frequently asked questions
Is Malwarebytes free?
Malwarebytes is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is Malwarebytes safe to download?
The download comes from data-cdn.mbamupdates.com; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Malwarebytes with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Malwarebytes be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Malwarebytes run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of Malwarebytes?
The versions page lists all 5 versions with links to their official installer files, back to October 1, 2024.
What are alternatives to Malwarebytes?
ClamAV, YARA, ESET Endpoint Antivirus, Emsisoft Emergency Kit and SUPERAntiSpyware. The alternatives page compares them.
