Summary :
If you encounter the Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue, and you don’t know how to deal with this issue, you can read this post. It will show you two main reasons for this problem. In addition, it will show you some methods to fix this issue. Now you can get these methods from MiniTool.
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Malwarebytes won't start / open on Windows 10. I don't know what the issue is, but so far, malwarebytes is the only program that doesn't work on Windows 10 for me. It installs just fine, but I cannot open the program once installed. I've tried right clicking on the program icon and running as administrator, but it won't open.
Malwarebytes is a powerful antivirus scanner that has a large database. It has become popular because of its efficiency and the ability to find viruses that other malware scanners fail to detect. However, there are some problems with Malwarebytes. Sometimes it won’t open at all on Windows and even won’t show you an error message.
- If an icon fils to open the file, go straight to the file location of that file. Windows Defender settings are in the Settings menu just above the Windows start icon. Run Malwarebytes first and let.
- This means that, in case you are actually infected, you are unable to open Malwarebytes because the name of its executable is blocked by malware. This can be circumvented simply by renaming the executable.
There are several useful ways that are pointed out by users’ experience to fix the Malwarebytes not opening on Windows problem and get Malwarebytes working properly again. You can check them out from the following part and then follow the instructions shown by this post to resolve this problem.
Related article: Is Antivirus Necessary for Windows 10/8/7? Get the Answer Now!
Causes of Malwarebytes Not Opening on Windows
- Malware Infection
- Corrupted User Account
Causes of Malwarebytes Not Opening on Windows
You may wonder “why Malwarebytes won’t open”. Malwarebytes may not open on your computer for a number of reasons. The reasons may be serious or small, and it is important for you to take immediate action. Right now, you can check out the list of possible reasons shown below, and determine which one may suit your case.
1.Malware Infection
If your computer has been infected with malware, it may be that the virus has prevented the mbam.exe executable from running. Thus, Malwarebytes won’t open because of malware. You need to try renaming mbam.exe executable to fix this issue.
2.Corrupted User Account
If you are using a damaged or faulty user account on your Windows operating system, it is very dangerous for your computer. The corrupted user account can prevent you from using many programs, including Malwarebytes. In this case, you need to try switching to a different user profile.
How to Fix Malwarebytes Not Opening on Windows
- Rename the Executable
- Perform a Clean Install of Malwarebytes
- Create a New User Account
Method 1: Rename the Executable
Malicious files can simply block the launch of executables which are named exactly the same to prevent you from running different anti-malware tools. That means, if the Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue is caused by malware infection, malware will block you from launching Malwarebytes executable.
Right now, you can try renaming Malwarebytes executable to fix this problem.
Step 1: Right-click the Malwarebytes’s shortcut on Desktop or anywhere else, select the Open file location option from the menu to find the installation folder of the tool manually.
Step 2: Find the mbam.exe file in the installation folder of Malwarebytes, right-click this file and select the Rename option from the context menu.
Step 3: Be sure to select a name corresponding to some core Windows processes, such as exe or explorer.exe, to ensure that the file name is not blocked by viruses.
Step 4: Try to run Malwarebytes and check if it opens. Click the Scan option from the home screen of the tool to scan for viruses.
Step 5: Malwarebytes will probably start its update process to update its virus database, then it will continue to scan.
Step 6: Restart your computer after finishing the scanning process.
Right now, you can check if your computer is still experiencing malware problems and if Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue still exists.
Method 2: Perform a Clean Install of Malwarebytes
Many users say that when they reinstall Malwarebytes from scratch, their problem can be fixed permanently. This is the safest and longest method you should try. If you purchased the Premium version of Malwarebytes, you should find a method to retrieve your Activation ID and Key.
Step 1: Type regedit in the search bar and click it to open Registry Editor. You can also press the Windows key + R key at the same time to open the Run dialog box, and then you can type regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor.
Step 2: Retrieve your ID and Key with one of the locations in the registry presented below.
If the architecture of your PC is Windows x86 32-Bit, the location is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMalwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
If the architecture of your PC is Windows x64 64-Bit, the location is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMalwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
Once your ID and Key are retrieved, you are able to continue the actual reinstallation process. If you want to continue using Premium version after uninstalling, follow the instructions carefully.
Step 3: Open MBAM and then open My Account. Click Deactivate. Find Settings and then navigate to Advanced Settings. Uncheck the Enable self-protection module option.
Step 4: Turn off MBAM and download the mbam-clean.exe tool from Malwarebytes. Close all open programs and turn off other security tools temporarily.
Step 5: Run the mbam-clean.exe tool and then follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Restart your computer when a prompt says you should do so.
Step 6: Download the latest version of MBAM and install this version following the instructions displayed on the screen.
Step 7: Uncheck Trial. Click the Activation button after you launch the program. If you were using a trial version, you can download the trial version again and then you can skip the following steps.
Step 8: Enter your ID and Key you retrieved from the registry. Your license should be activated automatically.
Now you can use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium. Hope the error about Real-Time Protection will go away.
If you don’t use MBAM Premium or Pro version, you can just follow Step 3 to Step 6 and use your updated MBAM version without errors.
Check to see if the Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue is gone.
Method 3: Create a New User Account
If you use a corrupt user account to login into Windows, Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue may appear. When you use other programs, this issue can manifest in different ways.
Thus, you’d better create a new user account and then you can continue using everything. Your user account is usually related to your personal files and they can be transferred easily.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and R key at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd in the dialog box and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys combination to open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Type the command control userpasswords2 and press Enter to navigate to the User Accounts.
Step 3: Click the Add… button and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Select the Sign in without a Microsoft account option to create a non-Microsoft account.
Step 4: Click Next and then click Local account in the next window to confirm your choice. Fill out other information.
Step 5: After you have created a new account, type the command shutdown –L in the Command Prompt window to log out of your current account.
Step 6: Log in to the account you have just created.
Right now, you can check to see if the Malwarebytes not responding issue disappears.
Microsoft made it harder to create Windows 10 local accounts. Read this post to get more information and learn how to sign in with a local account.
How to Make a Backup to Protect Your Computer
- Choose Your Backup Source
- Select a Destination to Save Your Backup Files
- Perform Backup Operation
Make a Backup to Protect Your Computer
There are various kinds of viruses and they are always everywhere, and if your computer gets hacked, the consequences can be serious.
Maybe you haven’t found a piece of powerful enough antivirus software to protect your computer from all viruses, but you can try to back up your data ahead of time in case you lose data because of a virus attack.
It is highly recommended that you use the free backup software - MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up your data to prevent your data from missing.
MiniTool ShadowMaker allows you to back up files, folders, partitions, operating systems, disks on Windows 10/8/7 and restore them. You can also clone OS from HDD to SSD with the Clone Disk tool of it. In addition, with the Sync feature of it, you are also able to sync your data in advance to protect your data.
Right now, you can free get the MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition to back up your data.
The following part will show you the steps to back up data with Backup function of MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Step 1: Choose Your Backup Source
1.After installing, launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.
2.Click Connect in the Local module to get its main interface. You can also click Connect in the Remote module, but you need to type the IP of another computer in the same LAN.
3.Click the Backup tab in the main page.
4.Click the Source module firstly, choose the backup type - Folder and Files and then choose the files you want to back up.
Step 2: Select a Destination to Save Your Backup Files
1.Click the Destination tab in the main page.
2.Choose a destination where you want to save your backup files. There are 5 available destination paths for you to choose – Administrator, Libraries, Computer, Network and Shared. Click OK to back to the main page.
Step 3: Perform Backup Operation
1.Click Backup now to execute the backup operation at once. You can also choose Back up Later to carry out the backup task later, and then you can click Back up Now in the Manage page to execute the pending operation.
2.Click Yes to confirm that you want to do the backup operation now.
You can also check Shut down the computer when all the running backup tasks are finished. If you want to make some advanced settings when you are executing a backup task, you can click Schedule, Scheme or Options on the main interface before performing the backup task.
Not only can you use the Backup function of MiniTool ShadowMaker to protect your data, you can also use the Sync function of it to keep your data safe. With it, you can sync files and folders. Right now, free get this powerful program.
Conclusion
To sum up, this post has shown you some possible reasons for the Malwarebytes not opening on Windows issue and also shown you several useful solutions to fix this issue. In addition, it also recommends a piece of powerful software - MiniTool ShadowMaker to you. With it, you back up your data and sync your data to keep your data safe.
If you meet problems when you are using our program, please feel free to contact us via the email [email protected] and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
Malwarebytes Not Opening on Windows FAQ
- Open Settings on your computer.
- Go to Apps.
- In the Apps & features window, find Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
- Click it and click Uninstall.
- Finally, click Uninstall to confirm the operation.
Why Won't Malwarebytes Run
Summary :
Nowadays, it’s common to use computers and there will be malware attacks on your device. Thus, some of you will choose Malwarebytes to protect your computer, but sometimes Malwarebytes is unable to connect the Service. Click this post from MiniTool to get the solutions.
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About Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) is a tool, which can be used to deal with infections caused by malicious applications. Although the full version of the tool is not free, the trial version should be enough to help you deal with threats after you download it. But the trial version can only be used for 14 days.
One of the reasons for the traditional antivirus failing is that it is slow to react to new threats. Malwarebytes company crushes malware that hasn’t even been seen before by using layers of technology such as, behavior matching, anomaly detection (a cool sort of artificial intelligence), and application hardening.
Their technology not only blocks hackers and malware but also cleans infected computers better than traditional anti-virus software. In fact, their technology gained the only 'perfect' cleanup score on AV-TEST.org.
If you are looking for a place to keep your Windows devices safe, you should first run the best antivirus software- Windows Defender. Let’s see more details.
You can get hacked by the following ways include clicking a malicious link, visiting an infected website, and accepting a call from a scammer. This software turned off those attack vectors and closed them when they popped up. No matter if you are on Mac, Windows or Android, the bad guys can't find the way.
You can download Malwarebytes from the Internet. There are three versions of the software available.
1. Malwarebytes has a free version. In addition, Malwarebytes provides you with a trial of the full version once you download and install the software.
2. Malwarebytes Premium supports Windows, Mac, Android and Chrome OS. The Premium version offers remediation and protection features.
3. Malwarebytes also offers Malwarebytes Home version that is available for up to 10 devices.
Reasons for Malwarebytes Unable to Connect the Service
However, some users have reported that there was something wrong with this software. When users click its icon, the circle starts rotating and after a while, the “Unable to connect the Service” error message will appear.
Why is Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service? There are many reasons for Malwarebytes unable to connect the Services or Malwarebytes not launching.
Context missing problems, installation errors, or other technical issues can lead to this issue. However, malware infection is one of the most common reasons that cause Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service.
There is no doubt that applications installed on infected systems can be affected by some malware and other malicious infections, especially anti-virus and Internet security software. Malwarebytes is no exception.
Solutions to Fix Malwarebytes Unable to Connect the Service
You have already learned the reasons for Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service, then I will introduce how to fix Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service.
What will be the biggest malware threats to businesses in 2019? This post will show you the top security trends for 2019.
Solution 1: Check If There Is Something Wrong with Malwarebytes Service
If you encounter the issue - Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service or Malwarebytes won’t open, you can turn it on easily by the following instructions.
Step 1: Click the Search bar, type services.msc and open the first result by running it as an administrator to access the full list of services running on your Windows PC.
Step 2: Then you should locate, right-click Malwarebytes Service and click Properties.
Step 3: If any other setting has been enabled, you should locate the Startup type option and change it to Automatic.
Step 4: If the Service is not running, you can click Start to start it until its status changes to Running.
Are you troubled by the issue Windows Security Center service can’t be started? This post shows 4 solutions to solve this problem.
If this occurs, you can follow the next steps to fix it.
Step 1: Follow the steps 1-2 from the instructions above to open Malwarebytes Services Properties.
Step 2: Navigate to the Log On tab, choose This account and click the Browse.. button.
Step 3: Type your computer’s name and click Check Names. Then you should wait for the name to become authenticated and click OK.
Step 4: Type the administrator password in the Password box and click OK.
Step 5: At last, close this window and navigate back to Malwarebytes’ properties, then click Start.
If the “Malwarebytes is not working” issue still exists, you can try the second solution.
Solution 2: Reinstall Malwarebytes from Scratch
You can try reinstalling Malwarebytes to fix Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service permanently. However, if you purchase an advanced version of Malwarebytes such as Premium, you will need to find a way to retrieve your Activation ID and Key, which is reinstalling Malwarebytes from scratch.
First, you should type regedit in the Search bar. Depending on your PC’s architecture, retrieve your ID and Key by using one of the locations below:
Location for Windows x86 32-Bit:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMalwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
Location for Windows x64 64-Bit:
Need for speed most wanted generator. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMalwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
You can continue to perform the removal process after you have retrieved your ID and Key. If you want to continue using the Premium version after uninstalling, please follow the instructions carefully.
Step 1: Open MBAM and click My Account, then click Deactivate.
Step 2: Open Settings and click Advanced Settings, then uncheck the Enable self-protection module.
Step 3: Now you should download mbam-clean.exe from Malwarebytes’ site. Please close all open programs and disable your antivirus temporarily.
Step 4: Follow the instruction on screen after you run the mbam-clean.exe tool. When you are prompted, reboot your computer.
Step 5: Download and install the latest version of MBAM and uncheck the Trial option.
Step 6: After you launch the program, click the Activation button.
Step 7: Copy and paste the ID & Key you retrieved from your registry in the dialog box. Then it will activate your license automatically.
Then you have installed Malwarebytes from scratch successfully. You can check if the Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service issue still exists.
Solution 3: Antivirus Issues
Based on feedback from some users, it seems that your anti-virus software causes Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service.
Users have reported that when using the same anti-virus software and MBAM, they have never experienced a similar problem in the past. The single version of Malwarebytes most likely causes this problem.
You can simply fix a problem by waiting for a new patch or hotfix. However, if you really need to use Malwarebytes right away, you can try the following solutions.
1.Setting an exception for MBAM in your antivirus program is the best thing you can try.
2. F-Secure is an antivirus tool for Windows and F-Secure users often complain about this issue.
3.Try to set the entire Malwarebytes folder in F-Secure’s exception list and try running MBAM again.
Solution 4: Uninstall MBAM in Safe Mode
Try to restart your computer in Safe mode and uninstall it if you are unable to properly uninstall MBAM during normal startup. Maybe this can help you fix Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open the System Configuration application by typing msconfig in the search bar and navigate to the Boot tab.
Step 2: Check the Safe boot option, and it will check Minimal by default. Then click OK and confirm to restart your computer.
Step 3: Then your computer should restart in Safe Mode. Click the Start menu and open Settings, then navigate to Apps.
Step 4: Find MBAM in the list of installed applications and click Uninstall. Then open msconfig again and disable the Safe boot option.
Step 5: Download the latest version of MBAM from their site to reinstall it.
Use MiniTool ShadowMaker to Protect Your Data
If you only use Malwarebytes to protect your computer, that is not enough. Just imagine such a scene – once your computer is infected by the virus and it destroyed your important files, what should you do?
If you back up your files in advance, then you can recover your data when your data loses. Thus, it’s essential to back up your important data regularly. Here, I recommend you to use Minitool ShadowMaker to protect your data.
MiniTool ShadowMaker is a professional backup program that you can use to back up disk, partition, file, and folder even the operating system. Additionally, it is a user-friendly program to provide protection for your computer and data.
You can download MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial which can be used for free within 30 days from the following button to back up files and keep them safe. Of course, if you want to use it permanently, you can download its Pro Edition.
Now, I will show you how to back up important data step by step with pictures.
Step 1: Decide a Backup Mode
1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.
2. Click Keep Trial.
3. Choose Connect in This Computer to continue.
Step 2: Choose Backup Source
1. Go to the Backup page after you enter its main interface.
2. Then choose the backup source by clicking the Source.
3. Choose Folders and Files to continue and choose the files you want to back up.
What do I need to back up my computer? What files should I back up? Now, get the answers to these two questions in this post.
Step 3: Choose a Destination Path to Store Your Files
1. Return to the Backup page,
2. Click the Destination module to select the destination path and save the backup image. You had better choose an external hard drive.
Step 4: Start to Back up
Then you can click Back up Now to perform the data backup process immediately. Or you can click Back up Later to delay the data backup process.
Can T Open Malwarebytes Application
You have successfully backed up files and have provided protection for the data when the process is finished.
Further Reading:
There are three important things you need to pay attention to, which can make you get an extraordinary file backup experience.
1. MiniTool ShadowMaker allows you to set an automatic file backup. You can click the Scheme feature to do this.
Want to create automatic file backups in Windows 10? This post shows you how to automatically back up files to an external hard drive with ease.
2. If you want to back up your files automatically, there are three types of backup for you on this software: full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup. You can go to Schedule to set. The Incremental backup scheme is chosen by default and you can click the Scheme feature to change.
3. You can click the Options feature to set some advanced backup parameters.
Bottom Line
This post provides you four useful solutions to fix Malwarebytes unable to connect the Service. I think one of them can be helpful. What’s more, if you have any questions and suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the email [email protected].