Manage General settings on Windows devices

Desktop Security's general settings allow you to customize your protection and how the app interacts with your device for the best possible experience. Read on to learn more about general settings for the app on your Windows device.

To view settings:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Settings icon in the left side bar.

Manage basic settings in the General tab

Click General in the side bar 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. 
• 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.

Get Malwarebytes beta updates

Beta updates give you early access to the latest software and security features. If beta updates is enabled, the app updates automatically whenever there is a beta release. Follow the steps below to become part of the beta-testing community. 

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Settings icon in the left sidebar.
3. Toggle Beta updates on, then click Enable Beta Application Updates.

Share data with Malwarebytes

Sharing data with Malwarebytes allows the app to send 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.

To enable data-sharing:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Settings icon in the left sidebar.
3. Toggle Usage and threat statistics on.