Malwarebytes for Mac version 4 requires Full Disk Access to detect threats found on your Mac. The app examines files to determine if they are malicious, it does not store or download these files. To enable Real-Time Protection and allow Malwarebytes to scan for threats, you must manually allow Full Disk Access permission to Malwarebytes Protection on your device.
The following macOS versions require you to provide Malwarebytes with Full Disk Access:
- macOS Catalina 10.15
- macOS Big Sur 11
- macOS Monterey 12
- macOS Ventura 13
- macOS Sonoma 14
To provide Full Disk Access on macOS Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey devices, follow the instructions below, or click Learn how under the Malwarebytes needs more access notice for a guided tutorial.
- On your Mac device, open System Preferences.
- Click the Security & Privacy icon.
- Click the Privacy tab.
- Find Full Disk Access and select it.
- Click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner of the windows to make Privacy changes.
- You are prompted to enter your system Password to allow changes to your Security & Privacy. Enter your password and click Unlock.
- Check the box next to Malwarebytes Protection in the list.
Note: If you do not see Malwarebytes Protection in the list, reinstall Malwarebytes for Mac, then enable Full Disk Access. You do not need to uninstall Malwarebytes first. - Once completed, click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner to prevent further changes to your settings.
- You have granted Full Disk Access to Malwarebytes and can now close the System Preferences window.
Watch this video to learn how to give Malwarebytes for Mac full disk access on macOS Catalina, Big Sur and Monterey.
To provide Full Disk Access on macOS Ventura and Sonoma devices, follow the instructions below:
- On your Mac device, open System Settings.
- Scroll, locate, and click Privacy & Security.
- Under Privacy, click Full Disk Access.
- Toggle Malwarebytes Protection On.
Note: If you do not see Malwarebytes Protection in the list, reinstall Malwarebytes for Mac, then enable Full Disk Access. You do not need to uninstall Malwarebytes first. - You are prompted to enter your login Password to allow changes to Privacy & Security. Enter your password and click Modify Settings.
- You have granted Full Disk Access to Malwarebytes and can now close the System Settings window.