How to Fix Malwarebytes Not Updating on Windows 10

Is Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10?

Malwarebytes, as the name gives off, is a computer protection program similar to antivirus software. The utility protects your PC from external threats, malware, viruses, PuPs, adware, etc., by performing regular database updates and scheduled scans. However, the app needs to be updated every now and then for it to work properly.

Although Malwarebytes is available in both free and premium versions, users are having trouble updating the program. The common reasons behind this problem include corrupted installation of the app, outdated Windows OS, disabled Automatic Updates feature, interference with other antivirus programs, and so on.

Before you go ahead and look for the program’s alternatives, we recommend you run a few checks to troubleshoot the issue yourself. To assist you in the process, we’ve concluded this step-by-step guide covering the most effective solutions for Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10 error.

So what’s the wait for? Let’s get started right away!

1. Disable Windows Defender.

Before you go ahead with some troubleshooting steps for Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10, know that you cannot run two or more softwares serving the same purpose. If you want to use Malwarebytes as your antivirus program, it’s important that you keep all other similar programs disabled.

Even if you didn’t install another antivirus other than Malwarebytes, you might have the default program called Windows Defender enabled, which may be interfering.

To disable it, follow the steps below:

1. Head over to the Start menu and click on the search bar. 
2. Type in ‘Windows Security’ and choose the same from the search results. 
3. Now, select Virus and threat protection.

1. Under the Virus & threat protection settings section, choose Manage settings. 
2. Lastly, turn the toggle off for Real-time protection. 

Once done, reboot your computer to check if the issue is resolved. Otherwise, go to the next solution from this guide. 

2. Manually Install the Update.

You may have enabled the Automatic Updates feature, which installs all pending updates whenever they’re available. However, it’s not always as seamless as it should be, and you may end up encountering hindrances in the installation process. 

A quick workaround for such a situation is to head over to Settings and manually install the latest version available for Malwarebytes.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Go to the Malwarebytes app. 
2. Next, click on the gear icon to access Settings. 

3. From the General tab, click on Check for updates under the Application updates section. 

4. If an update is available, Malwarebytes will download and install it on your PC. 
5. You will receive an Update complete prompt once the update has been installed. Simply click on OK to finish. 
   
   

3. Whitelist Malwarebytes in Windows Firewall.

Oftentimes, Firewall falsely detects some third-party programs as threats and blocks their activity. So it’s best to ensure that Malwarebytes does not fall victim to the same threat. If that’s the case, simply whitelisting the program will resolve the issue.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by pressing Win + i keys to access Windows Settings. 
2. Next, go to Network & Internet. 
3. Choose Status from the left pane. 
4. Afterward, scroll down and click on Windows Firewall. 

5. From the Windows Defender Security Center window that appears, click on the Firewall & network protection tab. 
6. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall option.

7. This will open the Allowed apps window. 
8. Now, select the Change Settings button from the top-right corner. 

9. Look for the app you want to allow and check the box for either Public or Private. 
10. At last, click on OK to save these changes. 
    
    

4. Update Windows.

An outdated Windows OS is known to cause several errors in your system, resulting in issues with default as well as third-party applications. The Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10 could also be due to the same reason. 

For this reason, we recommend you constantly keep an eye out for Windows Updates and install them immediately whenever they become available.

Below are the steps you need to follow:

1. Launch Windows Settings on your PC by pressing Win + i keys. 
2. After that, select Update & Security. 

3. Now, go to Windows Update from the left pane and select the Check for updates button. 

4. Windows will check for any available updates. If there’s a pending update, click on Install now to allow it to be installed on your computer. 

This should fix the Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10 problem. 

5. Reinstall Malwarebytes.

Another possible scenario why you may be having trouble updating Malwarebytes could be a corrupt installation of the antivirus program. When that’s the case, you may be missing out on some of the program’s functionality, or it may fail to operate entirely.

But don’t fret. You can eliminate all such issues by deleting Malwarebytes and reinstalling a fresh copy.

Use the steps below to do it:

1. Go to the Start menu and click on the search bar. 
2. Type in ‘apps & features’ in the search bar. 
3. Now, click on Open from the right pane of Apps & Features settings. 
4. Scroll and look for Malwarebytes and double-click on it. 
5. Then, click on the Uninstall button. 

6. Select Uninstall again from the confirmatory prompt. 
7. From the Malwarebytes Setup window, click on Uninstall. 

8. Once the process is complete, click on Done. 
9. Afterward, restart your PC. 
10. Now, head to the Malwarebytes official website to download and install the latest available version on your computer. 
    
    

6. Contact Malwarebytes Support.

As your last resort to fixing Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10, you can contact the official Malwarebytes Support page and look for your query there. If you don’t find it there, you can also seek help from their virtual chatbot or an agent and submit your issue there. The team will look into the matter and provide you with a possible fix.

7. Look for Alternatives.

As Malwarebytes is not the last antivirus program left on the planet, you can refer to some of its alternatives. Numerous other third-party protection softwares are serving the same purpose. The most reliable ones include Norton, McAfee, Avira, Bitdefender, TotalAV, and so on.

That was it! Here, we end our guide on how to fix Malwarebytes not updating on Windows 10. If you still have any confusion left, feel free to let us know through the comment section below. We’ll be happy to provide further assistance on the matter.

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