Welcome to Malwarebytes! This guide will help you install Desktop Security on a Windows or macOS device for the first time.
To get started, select your operating system:
Steps to Install Malwarebytes on a Windows device
1. Before you get started with Desktop Security
This guide is for you if:
- You bought a Malwarebytes subscription for a personal computer.
- You are installing the Desktop Security app for the first time.
- You already have a Malwarebytes account. If you don't have an account yet, follow our account guide to get started.
Before installing the app, check if your device is compatible with our System requirements.
3. Open the installer
Double-click the MBsetup.exe installation file to open it. If a pop-up appears, click Yes to allow installation.
4. Begin Installing Desktop Security
Click Install to begin installing the Desktop Security app.
Having issues? Copy the error message and contact us.
5. Choose the protection type
Select Personal, then click Next.
Click Skip for now if you see any product pop-ups.
The Desktop Security app begins installing on your Windows device.
6. Open the Desktop Security app
After installation is done, click Open Malwarebytes to open the Desktop Security app and close the installer.
7. Get Started with Desktop Security
When the app opens for the first time, it shows a welcome page. On the welcome page, click I already have a subscription.
8. Sign in to your account to activate
Log into your account to activate your subscription. We will send you an email with a code to verify your login.
Having issues? Copy the error code and contact us.
9. Verify your identity
Enter the verification code sent to your email, then click Verify email.
10. Your app is ready to use!
After verifying your email, you will see a screen saying your subscription has been activated.
Click Finish to complete installation and activation of Desktop Security on your Windows device.
Next, learn how Desktop Security's protection features keep your device safe.
Steps to Install Malwarebytes on a macOS Device
1. Before you get started with Desktop Security
This guide is for you if:
- You bought a Malwarebytes subscription for a personal computer.
- You are installing the Desktop Security app for the first time.
- You already have a Malwarebytes account. If you don't have an account yet, follow our account guide to get started.
Before installing the app, check if your device is compatible with our System requirements.
2. Download Desktop Security onto your macOS device
Click here to download Desktop Security for your macOS device.
3. Open the installer
Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the Malwarebytes Mac installation file to open the installer window.
4. Review installer information
Read through the Introduction, then click Continue.
Read through the Read Me section, then click Continue.
5. Confirm license agreement
Review the Malwarebytes Software License Agreement, then click Continue.
In the pop-up, click Agree.
6. Confirm the installation
Confirm the installation location and type, then click Install.
7. Install Desktop Security on your macOS device
In the pop-up, input your computer username and password or use Touch ID. Then, click Install Software.
Desktop Security will begin installing on your macOS device.
Having issues? Copy the error message and contact us.
8. Close the installer
After Desktop Security has finished installing, click Close to close the installer. The Desktop Security app automatically opens.
9. Get Started with Desktop Security
When the Desktop Security app opens, it shows a welcome page. On the welcome page, click Get Started.
10. Choose the protection type
Under Personal Computer, click Select.
11. Activate the app subscription
The next screen gives you options to get started with the app:
- Buy Now: This button lets you view subscription purchase options.
- Activate license: This button takes you to the activation page.
- Maybe later: This button lets you use the free version.
Click Activate license.
Having issues? Copy the error message and contact us.
12. Sign in to your account to activate
Sign in to your Malwarebytes account to activate your subscription.
Having issues? Copy the error message and contact us.
13. Your app is ready to use!
After signing in to your account, you should see a screen telling you that your subscription has been activated.
Click Done to complete installation and activation of Desktop Security on your macOS device.
Next, learn how Desktop Security's protection features keep your device safe.