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Malwarebytes won’t open? Use this troubleshooting guide

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Malwarebytes offers a plethora of amazing protective features in all their security tools. Their main suite, called Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is currently one of the most popular antimalware solutions on the market.

However, some users have had a hard time starting the tool and accessing it, as Malwarebytes won’t open after the update. For others, Malwarebytes won’t open or uninstall.

This is most likely a virus issue, where the malicious software blocks the execution of the anti-malware executable. We offer some solutions for this problem below, so make sure to check them out.

What can I do if Malwarebytes Anti-Malware won’t open?

1. Reinstall Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

A clean reinstallation should provide the resolution for the problem at hand. After you successfully remove Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from your PC, download and install the latest version.

Don’t forget to keep your credentials, so you can activate them right away.

For this solution to work, you need to make sure that you trust the source from which you are about to download the program. We strongly recommend you use the official website of the manufacturer for this job.

On the other hand, you can try another antivirus solution that has Malwarebytes features or even more. You need to document first and pick thebest antivirus software for Windows 10.

2. Run Malwarebytes Chameleon

In these unwelcome scenarios when you can’t start Malwarebytes, we can safely turn to Malwarebytes Chameleon. This built-in utility is there to start Malwarebytes when the usual ways fail you.

If Malwarebytes is unable to connect the service, this tool should work its magic. After the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware suite starts, immediately run the in-depth scan.

Usually, you’ll need to do this only once. Once Malwarebytes remove threats, everything should get back to normal.

3. Run Malwarebytes as an administrator

This is a long-shot solution, especially since most of the users run their system with an administrative account already.

However, if that’s not the case (more common on earlier Windows iterations), it’s advised to run the application with administrative permission.

4. Try running Malwarebytes in the Safe mode

As you probably already figured out, the main goal here is to get Malwarebytes to run once. After that, the tool will remove all threats, including the ones preventing it from working.

Now, another way to do so while avoiding a third-party infliction is to boot your system into the Safe Mode with Networking.

This should vastly limit malicious software and you should be able to start Malwarebytes without major problems along the way.

5. Rename thembam.exe to explorer.exe

Some users managed to get the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware suite to start by renaming the executable file. There’s a high chance that its execution is prevented by a malicious presence.

You’ll need administrative permission in order to rename this file. And, after you’ve managed to start Malwarebytes, perform a scan and get the executable file its default name. It should work now.

6. Use another antivirus

The situation that causedMalwarebytesnot to open may be caused by the operating system being infected with viruses or malware. We recommend you use third-party software in this regard and solve this issue.

This is a fast and light software that can be used by everyday users or dedicated gamers to protect their computers. It can be used on any Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.

Feel free to watch your favorite movies, play some of the newest games available or create amazing presentations for your work or school. Once it starts scanning and repairing your system, this software will not require a lot of your computer’s resources.

The third-party software will scan, detect and remove any viruses, spyware, worms, ransomware and all types of malware it detects. It also contains a battery saver feature, that will allow you to stay unplugged and online longer.

This software has an intuitive setup which means you can easily install it, renew it, and upgrade it. Once it has cleaned your computer of any harmful files, the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will open without any errors.

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With that said, we can conclude this article. If you have any additional questions or suggestions, feel free to tell us in the comments section.

If the problem is persistent, don’t forget to contact the official support and provide the necessary logs and screenshots.

Malwarebytes won’t open? Use this troubleshooting guide#

What can I do if Malwarebytes Anti-Malware won’t open?#

1. Reinstall Malwarebytes Anti-Malware#

2. Run Malwarebytes Chameleon#

3. Run Malwarebytes as an administrator#

4. Try running Malwarebytes in the Safe mode#

5. Rename thembam.exe to explorer.exe#

6. Use another antivirus#