To remove malware with Malwarebytes, open the app, run a scan, review the detections, and quarantine the items you want removed. Restart your device if Malwarebytes prompts you to. The steps below follow the vendor’s current guidance for Windows and macOS; they are not a guarantee that every infection can be repaired.
Run a Malwarebytes scan
- Open Malwarebytes and select Scan. Manual scans are available in both the free and paid versions. Follow the scan’s progress in the app; when it finishes, Malwarebytes displays a summary. Malwarebytes’ Windows scan instructions and Mac scan instructions describe the platform-specific process.
- Review the detections. Check the listed items before choosing what to do. A detection name by itself does not establish that a file is malicious.
- Select the items you want isolated and choose Quarantine. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, restart the device to complete the removal process.
Choose the right scan for your situation
| Scan approach | When to use it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Threat scan | When you want Malwarebytes’ recommended comprehensive scan. | Malwarebytes recommends this scan for a comprehensive device scan. Windows scan options |
| Custom scan | When you want to choose specific locations to check. | Lets you select scan locations rather than scanning by the default approach. Available scan options vary by platform. Windows scan options |
| Context-menu scan | When you want to check one file or folder; on Windows, an external drive can also be scanned this way. | Use the supported file-manager context menu. On Mac, scans focus on locations likely to contain threats; do not assume they provide the same exhaustive file-by-file coverage as a Windows scan. Windows scan options and Mac scan instructions |
Review, restore, or delete quarantined items
Quarantine isolates a detected item so it cannot act on the device. In Detection History, you can review quarantined items, restore them, or delete them. Restore an item only if you recognize it and have a sound reason to trust it; not recognizing a detection label is not a reason to restore it. Deleting an item removes it from quarantine, after which you cannot restore it from there. If you believe a trusted file was flagged, inspect it and use Malwarebytes’ allow-list controls only when you are confident it is safe. Malwarebytes’ quarantine guidance
Check the scan report
Use the scan report to see the scan type, detections, and date and time. Malwarebytes says reports are retained for up to 30 days. On Windows, you can export or copy a text report; save it promptly if you may need it for troubleshooting. Malwarebytes’ report instructions
When scanning and quarantine are not enough
Quarantining detections is not a universal repair method. For the specific Worm.Parite infection, Malwarebytes advises disconnecting the infected machine from the network immediately, backing up important non-executable files if possible, and scanning network drives. Its guidance says Malwarebytes can remove infected files but cannot repair them, and recommends reformatting for this infection scenario. Treat those steps as threat-specific advice, not routine instructions for every detection. Malwarebytes’ Worm.Parite guidance
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If Malwarebytes itself has an application problem that cannot be repaired, the vendor’s Support Tool has an Advanced Clean option to cleanly uninstall the app and optionally reinstall it. This process requires a restart and is for repairing the Malwarebytes application; it does not replace malware removal. Malwarebytes Support Tool instructions
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