How To Set Malwarebytes As Default Antivirus

Setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus can greatly enhance your computer's security. With its advanced threat detection capabilities and real-time protection, Malwarebytes offers a robust defense against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that Malwarebytes is your go-to antivirus solution, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your digital world.

Malwarebytes has a long-standing reputation as a leading antivirus software, trusted by millions of users worldwide. It combines powerful technology with a user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for both tech-savvy individuals and those who are less familiar with cybersecurity. In fact, Malwarebytes detects and blocks over 8 million threats each day, making it a formidable adversary against malicious software. By setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus, you can harness the strength of this renowned software and bolster your computer's defenses against malware attacks.

Understanding Malwarebytes as an Antivirus Software

Malwarebytes is a powerful anti-malware software that provides advanced protection against various malicious threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and adware. While it is predominantly known for its malware detection and removal capabilities, Malwarebytes can also function as a reliable antivirus solution. However, to fully utilize its antivirus features, you need to set Malwarebytes as your default antivirus program. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus, ensuring that your system is well-protected from online threats.

H3 - Installing Malwarebytes as an Antivirus

To set Malwarebytes as your default antivirus, you first need to install the software on your system. Follow these steps to install Malwarebytes:

• Go to the official Malwarebytes website.
• Click on the "Free Download" button to download the latest version of Malwarebytes.
• Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file and double-click on it to start the installation.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and select your preferred installation settings.
• After the installation is complete, launch Malwarebytes.
• If prompted, activate the software by entering your license key.

Now that you have successfully installed Malwarebytes, it's time to set it as your default antivirus program.

H3 - Setting Malwarebytes as the Default Antivirus in Windows

Follow the steps below to set Malwarebytes as the default antivirus in Windows:

H4 - Step 1: Disabling Windows Defender

Before setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus, you need to disable Windows Defender to prevent any conflicts. Here's how:

• Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the Start menu and searching for "Windows Security."
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Under the "Virus & threat protection settings," click on "Manage settings."
• Toggle off the "Real-time protection" switch to disable Windows Defender.

Disabling Windows Defender ensures that Malwarebytes can function as the primary antivirus without any conflicts.

H4 - Step 2: Configuring Malwarebytes as the Default Antivirus

Now that Windows Defender is disabled, you can proceed with setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus:

• Open Malwarebytes on your computer.
• Click on the "Settings" tab located at the bottom left corner of the Malwarebytes window.
• In the Settings menu, navigate to the "Security" tab.
• Under the "Security" tab, turn on the "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" toggle switch.

By enabling this setting, Malwarebytes will register itself with the Windows Security Center, indicating that it is the default antivirus software for your system.

H3 - Setting Malwarebytes as the Default Antivirus in macOS

If you are using a macOS device, follow these steps to set Malwarebytes as the default antivirus:

H4 - Step 1: Disabling macOS Built-in Antivirus

Before setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus in macOS, you need to disable the built-in antivirus. Here's how:

• Open the "Security & Privacy" settings on your macOS device.
• Click on the "General" tab.
• Click on the lock icon located at the bottom left corner of the window and enter your administrator password.
• Uncheck the option "Allow your Mac to download apps from the App Store and identified developers" to disable the built-in antivirus.

Disabling the built-in antivirus ensures that Malwarebytes can function as the primary antivirus on your macOS device.

H4 - Step 2: Configuring Malwarebytes as the Default Antivirus

Once the built-in antivirus is disabled, you can proceed with setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus:

• Open Malwarebytes on your macOS device.
• Click on the "Preferences" tab located in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
• In the Preferences menu, click on the "General" tab.
• Under the "General" tab, toggle on the option "Start Malwarebytes for Mac at login" to ensure Malwarebytes runs automatically when you start your device.
• Close the Preferences menu.

With these settings enabled, Malwarebytes will act as the default antivirus in macOS, providing comprehensive protection against malware.

Configuring Additional Settings in Malwarebytes

In addition to setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus, you can configure some extra settings to enhance your protection against online threats. These settings include:

H3 - Real-Time Protection and Scan Schedule

Malwarebytes offers real-time protection that continuously monitors your system for any suspicious activity. To configure the real-time protection settings, follow these steps:

H4 - Real-Time Protection

To configure the real-time protection settings in Malwarebytes:

• Open Malwarebytes on your computer.
• Click on the "Settings" tab located at the bottom left corner of the Malwarebytes window.
• In the Settings menu, navigate to the "Protection" tab.
• Under the "Real-Time Protection" section, toggle on the desired protection modules like "Web Protection," "Exploit Protection," and "Ransomware Protection."
• You can also customize the behavior of each protection module by clicking on the respective module and adjusting the settings.

Enabling real-time protection ensures that Malwarebytes actively monitors your system and prevents any potential threats from causing harm.

H4 - Scan Schedule

Malwarebytes allows you to schedule automated scans to ensure regular system checks for malware. Here's how to configure the scan schedule:

• Open Malwarebytes on your computer.
• Click on the "Settings" tab located at the bottom left corner of the Malwarebytes window.
• In the Settings menu, navigate to the "Schedule" tab.
• Click on the "Add" button to create a new automated scan schedule.
• Configure the desired scan settings, such as scan type, frequency, and target areas.
• Click on the "Save" button to apply the scan schedule.

By scheduling regular scans, you can ensure that your system remains protected from potential malware threats.

H3 - Web Protection and Browser Extensions

Malwarebytes offers web protection features and browser extensions to safeguard your online browsing experience. Follow these steps to configure these settings:

H4 - Web Protection

To configure web protection in Malwarebytes:

• Open Malwarebytes on your computer.
• Click on the "Settings" tab located at the bottom left corner of the Malwarebytes window.
• In the Settings menu, navigate to the "Protection" tab.
• Under the "Web Protection" section, toggle on the "Enable Web Protection" option to block malicious websites and downloads.
• You can also customize the web protection settings by clicking on the "Advanced settings" link.

Enabling web protection ensures that Malwarebytes prevents your browser from accessing potentially harmful websites and downloads.

H4 - Browser Extensions

Malwarebytes provides browser extensions for popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. To install and configure the extensions:

• Open your browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).
• Visit the respective browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome and Firefox Add-ons for Mozilla Firefox).
• Search for "Malwarebytes Browser Guard" in the extension store.
• Click on the "Add to Chrome" or "Add to Firefox" button to install the extension.
• Once installed, the extension will automatically activate and provide an additional layer of protection against online threats.
• You can manage the extension's settings by clicking on its icon in the browser's toolbar.

By installing the Malwarebytes browser extensions, you can ensure a safe and secure browsing experience.

Conclusion

Setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus is essential for maximizing your system's protection against malware and other threats. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully set Malwarebytes as your default antivirus in both Windows and macOS. Additionally, configuring additional settings such as real-time protection, scan schedules, web protection, and browser extensions further enhances your defense against online threats. Take the necessary steps to ensure that your system is well-protected from malicious attacks by utilizing Malwarebytes as your default antivirus.

Changing the Default Antivirus to Malwarebytes

If you want to set Malwarebytes as your default antivirus software, follow the steps below:

1. Install Malwarebytes

To begin, download and install Malwarebytes from the official website.

2. Open Malwarebytes

Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the program by double-clicking the desktop icon or searching for it in the Start menu.

3. Navigate to Settings

In the Malwarebytes interface, click on the "Settings" tab located at the top-right corner.

4. Go to the "Security" Tab

In the left-hand navigation panel, click on the "Security" tab.

5. Enable the "Use Malwarebytes as the default antivirus application" Option

Under the "Default antivirus engine" section, enable the toggle switch for the "Use Malwarebytes as the default antivirus application" option.

6. Save Changes

Once you have enabled the option, click on the "Apply" or "Save" button to save the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus can provide enhanced protection against malware and other cyber threats. Here are some commonly asked questions about setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus:

1. Can I use Malwarebytes as my primary antivirus software?

Yes, you can use Malwarebytes as your primary antivirus software. It offers comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. By setting it as the default antivirus on your computer, Malwarebytes will automatically scan and protect your system from potential threats.

It's important to note that Malwarebytes is designed to work alongside traditional antivirus software, so you can use it in conjunction with your existing antivirus program for maximum protection.

2. How can I set Malwarebytes as my default antivirus?

To set Malwarebytes as your default antivirus:

1. Open the Malwarebytes application on your computer.

2. Go to the Settings menu.

3. Click on the "Security" tab.

4. Under the "Windows Security Center" section, toggle the switch next to "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" to enable it.

By following these steps, Malwarebytes will be set as your default antivirus, and it will be recognized by the Windows Security Center.

3. What are the benefits of setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus?

Setting Malwarebytes as the default antivirus offers several benefits:

- Enhanced protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats.

- Automatic scanning of files and programs for potential threats.

- Real-time protection against malicious websites and phishing attempts.

- Integration with the Windows Security Center for centralized monitoring and management of antivirus software.

4. Is it necessary to have another antivirus program if I set Malwarebytes as the default?

While Malwarebytes provides robust protection against malware, it's recommended to have another antivirus program alongside it for complete defense against a wide range of threats. Malwarebytes primarily focuses on malware detection and removal, whereas traditional antivirus software offers broader security features.

By using both Malwarebytes and another antivirus program, you can benefit from a comprehensive security solution that covers a wider spectrum of threats.

5. Can I switch back to my previous antivirus software after setting Malwarebytes as the default?

Yes, you can switch back to your previous antivirus software after setting Malwarebytes as the default. Simply follow the steps provided by the previous antivirus program to set it as the default again.

However, it's worth considering the benefits of using Malwarebytes as your primary antivirus and weighing them against the features offered by your previous antivirus software.

In conclusion, setting Malwarebytes as your default antivirus is a simple process that can provide enhanced protection for your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that Malwarebytes is the primary antivirus program on your device, offering real-time scanning and proactive threat detection.

Remember to keep Malwarebytes updated regularly to ensure it is equipped with the latest virus definitions and security enhancements. Additionally, it is recommended to supplement Malwarebytes with a robust anti-malware suite for comprehensive protection against all types of threats. With Malwarebytes as your default antivirus, you can enjoy a safer online experience and peace of mind knowing that your computer is well-guarded against malware and other malicious activities.