Manage Desktop Security settings on Windows devices

You can change your settings to customize your protection, notifications, or how the app looks. This means you can choose how the app interacts with your device to get the best possible experience. Read on to learn more about general and notification settings for the app on your Windows device.

To view settings:

1. Open the app.
2. Click on Settings in the sidebar.

Manage basic settings in the General tab

Click General in the sidebar to configure the following settings:

• Update threat intelligence: You can configure this setting to check for updates every few minutes, hours, or days. This setting is on by default.
• Application updates: We recommend leaving this setting ON so your app stays updated.
• Check for updates: Click this button to download the latest app updates, if the Application updates setting is OFF. 
• Launch Malwarebytes in the background when Windows starts: Enable this setting to launch the app when your device starts. This is the default setting.
• Delay Real-Time Protection when Malwarebytes starts: We recommend leaving this setting OFF to stay protected as soon as your computer starts. 
• Enable self-protection module: We recommend leaving this setting ON. Turning it off could make your files and folders vulnerable to threats from outside sources. 
• Enable self-protection module early start: If you enable this setting, the self-protection module starts earlier when a computer is turned on. It is best to leave this setting OFF to keep your computer's startup order unchanged. This way, your computer will continue to start up smoothly.
• Windows Security Center: If kept enabled, your Windows operating system recognizes the app as your security solution. If you run any other anti-virus software, you may need to register that program with Windows Security Center separately.
• Display theme: This setting changes the color scheme in the app. You can choose to follow the Windows setting, set it to Light mode, or set it to Dark mode for less eye strain.
• Language: You can change the app’s language.
• Event log data: Only turn this setting on when specifically directed to by support. 
• Beta updates: Beta updates give you early access to the latest software and security features. Turn on this setting, then click Enable Beta Application updates to become part of the beta-testing community. Whenever there is a new beta release, the app updates automatically.
• Usage and threat statistics: Enable this setting to allow the app to send anonymized data to our research team. This data helps our engineers improve features and the product to better protect you and your devices. For more information about how we handle personal data, see the Malwarebytes Privacy Policy.
• Proxy server: If your Windows device is a home or personal computer, leave this setting OFF so your internet connection is not interrupted. If your Windows device is part of an organization or business, you can configure the proxy server as instructed by your company.

Manage your notification settings 

Click Notifications in the sidebar to configure the following settings.

• Monthly security summary: This notification includes a summary of your device's security and detections over the last month.
• When real-time protection is turned off: If this setting is enabled, you will get a notification when your real-time protection setting is turned off. Real-time protection is critical to keeping your device secure; learn more here.
• Informational pop ups in Windows notification area: Turn off this setting to stop receiving notifications that contain non-critical information, such as Brute Force Protection alerts or website blocks.
• Get notified when Trusted Advisor recommendations are available: If you enable this setting, you will receive notifications with recommendations for securing your device. Click here to learn more about Trusted Advisor. 
• Close notifications after: You can set notifications to close after 3-15 seconds or to never close.
• Scan reminder: Enable these settings to get a reminder to run a scan. You can be reminded when a scan hasn't been run in a while or when new files or programs are downloaded.
• Scan complete: Turn on this setting to hide notifications when a scheduled scan finishes without detecting any threats.
• Play mode: Turn on this setting to suspend notifications when selected apps are open, like when playing a game, watching a movie, or giving a presentation. To stop notifications when you are using a specific app:
  
  1. Click Configure.
  2. On the Play mode page, click Add item.
  3. In the application finder, select the app you want to add.
  4. Click Open.
• Marketing notifications: Turn off this setting to stop receiving promotional notifications from Malwarebytes.