How to Uninstall Malwarebytes from Mac

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Removing applications from a computer is a task that most users perform at some point in time, whether it is to free up space, resolve a software conflict, or simply because the application is no longer needed. Malwarebytes is a popular tool for removing malware and protecting the system from threats. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall Malwarebytes from your Mac. This guide provides in-depth information on how you can uninstall Malwarebytes from your Mac, step-by-step, to ensure complete removal.

Understanding Malwarebytes for Mac

Before we proceed with the uninstallation process, it is important to understand what Malwarebytes is. Malwarebytes for Mac is a security software application designed to help users detect and remove malware, adware, and other potentially unwanted programs from their computer. It is known for its robust scanning capabilities and user-friendly interface. Despite its qualities, you may want to uninstall it for several reasons – perhaps because of its performance impact on your system, or you have found an alternative solution.

Things to keep in mind before uninstallation

It is important to consider a few things before starting the uninstallation process:

• Back up important data: Although Malwarebytes shouldn't interfere with your files, backing up important data is a general safety measure.
• Disable real-time protection: If Malwarebytes' real-time protection is activated, be sure to disable it. This can often help simplify the uninstallation process.
• Close running applications: Make sure all applications, especially Malwarebytes, are closed before starting the uninstallation process. Active processes can sometimes interfere with the removal of software components.

Ways to uninstall Malwarebytes from Mac

Method 1: Using the built-in uninstaller

Malwarebytes offers a built-in uninstaller that simplifies the removal process. Here's how to use it:

1. Locate and launch Malwarebytes:
   • Open Finder on your Mac.
   • Click on Applications in the sidebar.
   • Find Malwarebytes in the list of installed applications.
2. Access the Help menu:
   • Open the Malwarebytes by double-clicking its icon.
   • Once opened, in the top menu bar, click on Help.
3. Use the uninstall option:
   • In the Help menu, select Uninstall Malwarebytes.
   • Follow the prompts that appear on your screen. It may ask for confirmation or credentials to proceed with the uninstallation.
4. Restart your Mac:
   • Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your Mac. This helps to ensure that all components are completely removed.

Method 2: Manual uninstallation

If you prefer to take the manual approach or encounter issues with the built-in uninstaller, you can remove Malwarebytes and its related files manually:

1. Quit Malwarebytes:
   • Make sure Malwarebytes is not running. You can quit it by clicking the Malwarebytes icon in the menu bar and selecting Quit.
2. Delete main application:
   • Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
   • Locate Malwarebytes, right-click its icon, and select Move to Trash.
3. Delete associated files:
   • With Finder active, click Go in the menu bar, then select Go to Folder....
   • Enter the following path to find and delete associated files:
     • ~/Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/
     • ~/Library/Caches/com.malwarebytes.antimalware
     • ~/Library/Preferences/com.malwarebytes.antimalware.plist
     • /Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/ (Note: you will need administrative rights to access this)
   • Check each directory manually to make sure all related files have been deleted. If present, move them to the trash.
4. empty the trash:
   • Right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select Empty Trash. This will permanently remove Malwarebytes and all its related files from your system.

Method 3: Using a third-party uninstaller tool

Another option for uninstalling Malwarebytes is to use third-party uninstaller applications, which are designed to completely remove apps and their associated files. These tools can be especially useful if you're experiencing problems with other uninstallation methods:

• Download and install a reputable uninstaller tool like CleanMyMac or AppCleaner.
• Launch the uninstaller and search for Malwarebytes.
• Select Malwarebytes from the list of applications it finds.
• Follow the tool's instructions to completely remove Malwarebytes and all related files.

Post-uninstallation steps

After you've successfully uninstalled Malwarebytes, it may be helpful to take a few additional steps to ensure your system continues to run smoothly:

• Run system cleanup:
  • Use built-in or third-party tools to clean up any residual files that could not be removed during the uninstallation process.
• Check for software conflicts:
  • Make sure there is no conflict with other security software. Sometimes having more than one security application can slow down the system.
• Optional reinstall:
  • If you were using Malwarebytes for protection, consider installing an alternative to ensure continued protection for your Mac.

Conclusion

There are several methods you can use to uninstall Malwarebytes from your Mac, whether through its built-in uninstaller, manually, or through a third-party application. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference and situation. By following the steps in this guide, you will be able to effectively and completely remove Malwarebytes from your Mac, ensuring that it leaves no unnecessary files or data behind. Always remember to maintain a good level of security on your device even after removing such software, so that your data and personal details remain safe and secure.

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