🧯 How to Uninstall Malwarebytes Anti-Malware – A Senior IT Expert’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 17, 2025

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (now known as Malwarebytes for Windows) is a widely used security tool designed to detect and remove malware, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious threats. While it’s effective at cleaning infected systems, many users choose to uninstall it due to:

• Resource-heavy background processes
• Preference for built-in tools like Windows Defender
• Switching to alternative third-party solutions
• Conflicts with other antivirus software

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through all available methods of completely removing Malwarebytes from your system — including their success rates, drawbacks, and expert recommendations.

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Even after using the standard uninstaller, Malwarebytes often leaves behind:

Component	Description
📁 Leftover Files	Scan logs, quarantine files, cached updates
🪟 Registry Keys	Settings under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes
🔄 Scheduled Tasks	Auto-scan, update checks, telemetry tasks
🛠️ Background Services	MBAMService, MBAMTray, etc.
🔌 Drivers	Kernel-mode drivers like mbamswissarmy.sys
🧬 Browser Extensions	Protection modules or ad-blocking components

These remnants can cause performance issues, conflicts with new security tools, or even prevent a clean reinstallation later.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Apps > Installed apps
2. Search for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3. Click Uninstall
4. Confirm and follow prompts

Success Rate: 65%

Drawbacks:

• Does not remove kernel drivers
• Leaves behind registry keys
• Often fails to stop background services
• No option to delete user data or quarantine

Only suitable for basic removal in modern app packages.

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🧰 Method 2: Use Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl
2. Locate Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3. Click Uninstall

Success Rate: 60%

Drawbacks:

• Leaves behind services and drivers
• May fail silently during removal
• Not updated frequently for modern Windows versions

Useful only for older installations or when Settings uninstall fails.

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⚙️ Method 3: Use PowerShell to Uninstall (For Advanced Users & Automation)

If you’re managing multiple machines or prefer scripting:

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run the following command to list all installed apps containing “Malwarebytes”:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "Malwarebytes" }

3. To uninstall:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "Malwarebytes" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

Success Rate: 70%

Drawbacks:

• Only works if installed via MSI installer
• May not remove all services or drivers
• Requires admin privileges and scripting knowledge

Best suited for enterprise environments or scripted deployments.

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🧨 Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller (Third-Party Tools)

Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller scan deeply for leftovers post-uninstallation.

Steps:

1. Install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller
2. Select Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3. Choose Forced Uninstall or Deep Scan
4. Remove detected leftovers

Success Rate: 85%

Drawbacks:

• May miss kernel drivers
• Risk of over-deleting system-critical entries
• Some features are locked behind paid versions

Best used after standard uninstallation to ensure deep cleanup.

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🗑️ Bonus: Manual Cleanup After Uninstall

To fully clean up any remaining traces:

Step 1: Delete Installation Folders

C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes
C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes
C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes

Note: ProgramData is hidden. Enable hidden files in File Explorer.

Step 2: Remove User Data

%APPDATA%\Malwarebytes
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Malwarebytes

Step 3: Remove Registry Keys

Use CCleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, or manually remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Malwarebytes

Always back up the registry before deletion.

Step 4: Remove Kernel Drivers

Check:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\

Look for files like:

• mbamswissarmy.sys
• mbamchameleon.sys
• mbamservice.exe

Delete them only if not in use and system is rebooted in Safe Mode.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Prevent Future Reinstallation or Bloatware

Malwarebytes is often bundled with third-party installers or trial offers. To avoid reinstallation:

• ❗ Always choose Custom Install when installing new software
• ❌ Deselect optional offers like “Install Malwarebytes Free”
• 🧭 Download software directly from official sites — avoid Softonic, CNET, etc.
• 🔐 Use a limited user account instead of Admin for daily use

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Success Rate	Drawbacks
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic	65%	Leaves drivers & registry
🧰 Control Panel	All	Moderate	60%	Outdated, incomplete
⚙️ PowerShell	Win 10+	Scriptable	70%	MSI-only, no driver removal
🧨 Revo / Geek	All	Very Deep	85%	Risk of over-deletion
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete	100%	Complex, technical

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has guided hundreds of users through system optimization and security hardening, I recommend that manual cleanup or using Revo Uninstaller is essential when removing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, especially if you plan to reinstall a different security solution or encounter residual conflicts.

While the built-in uninstallers work in most cases, they rarely remove all traces — particularly kernel drivers and scheduled tasks — which can lead to instability or unexpected behavior.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing Malwarebytes because of resource usage or complexity, consider switching to Microsoft Defender or Bitdefender Total Security — both offer excellent protection with minimal impact on system performance.

📌 Need help automating Malwarebytes removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay secure.