Welcome to Malwarebytes! This guide will help you install Desktop Security on a Windows or macOS device for the first time.
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 this step 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 Activate subscription.
8. Sign in to your account to activate
Click Sign in to log into your account to activate your subscription. The Malwarebytes Account login webpage will appear and a verification code will be sent to your email.
Having issues? Copy the error code and contact us.
9. Verify your identity
Enter the verification code sent to your email, then click Verify code.
Click OK to complete installation and activation of Desktop Security on your Windows device.
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.
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 Activate subscription.
10. Sign in to your account to activate
Click Sign in to log into your account to activate your subscription. The Malwarebytes Account login webpage will appear and a verification code will be sent to your email.
Having issues? Copy the error message and contact us.
11. Verify your identity
Enter the verification code sent to your email, then click Submit.
Click OK to complete installation and activation of Desktop Security on your macOS device.
12. Activate the app subscription
After verifying your email, you will see a welcome screen. From here you can choose from the following options:
- Protect another device: This option lets you activate your subscription on more devices using MB codes.
- Maybe later: This option lets you skip to the next step of onboarding.
For more info on MB codes, see Activate your subscription with an MB Code.
13. Finish setting up your app
Before you can fully use your new app, you need to grant Malwarebytes certain permissions on your Mac.
Click Continue to log be guided through how to enable Full Disk Access and other permissions on your Mac.
14. Your app is ready to use!
After granting permissions, you are taken to the app's dashboard and have completed installation and activation of Desktop Security on your Mac.
Next, learn how Desktop Security's protection features keep your device safe.