Genuinely free version of MalwareBytes? Else what is good alternative?


  1. ship69
    Posts : 390
    Window 10
       New #1

    Genuinely free version of MalwareBytes? Else what is good alternative?


    Hello

    Is there a genuinely free version of MalwareBytes? Years ago there used to be a genuinely free version of Malwarebytes that everyone in the Windows 10 forums seemed to recommend.

    If this is not longer offered by MalwareBytes, what else do you recommend that it genuinely free?

    Background
    I just followed a link called "Free virus scan & malware removal" and installed "MalwareBytes (version 4.5.12.204)". Big mistake, because even though I haven't used it for literally years, it immediately said that my "14 day trial" has expired. In my opinion it is deeply disingenuous to call it "Free". IMO, it's fair enough to charge for software, but please don't give us deliberately misleading headlines. It will take me a long time to forgive them.

    Thanks

    J
      My Computers
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  3. Bastet
    Posts : 2,550
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
       New #2

    Yes there’s still a free version but will require scans to be manually run rather than automatic.
    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download It will offer a trial of the pro version but you can decline this.
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  4. TairikuOkami
    Posts : 5,452
    Windows 11 Home
       New #3

    MalwareBytes was always free only as the ondemand scanner like Spybot.
    When they introduced realtime protections, it came as the paid version.
    For the record softpedia nicely lists licences: MalwareBytes as freemium.
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  6. Compumind
    Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       New #4

    @ship69 -

    What is your main AV and FW now?

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  7. cereberus
    Posts : 15,485
    Windows10
       New #5

    ship69 said:
    Hello

    Is there a genuinely free version of MalwareBytes? Years ago there used to be a genuinely free version of Malwarebytes that everyone in the Windows 10 forums seemed to recommend.

    If this is not longer offered by MalwareBytes, what else do you recommend that it genuinely free?

    Background
    I just followed a link called "Free virus scan & malware removal" and installed "MalwareBytes (version 4.5.12.204)". Big mistake, because even though I haven't used it for literally years, it immediately said that my "14 day trial" has expired. In my opinion it is deeply disingenuous to call it "Free". IMO, it's fair enough to charge for software, but please don't give us deliberately misleading headlines. It will take me a long time to forgive them.

    Thanks

    J
    Huh - what are you crapping on about.

    The trial reverts to free version if you choose not to pay licence.

    All that happens is you no longer have online protection and have to run scans manually.

    If you looked properly, you would see you could disable online protection immediately.

    At no point have you had to hand over money so calling it deeply disengenuous is a gross exaggeration. At most, it is not as clear as it could be.

    Also, I would not trust any offering of malwarebytes for free as that would not be official.

    Don't blame the product on your lack of understanding how to revert the trial to free version.

    I see no contradiction in offering a trial and giving 14 days trial free but limiting what program can do if you choose not to buy licence.

    After all, the company is not obligated to provide a free version at all, but chooses to do so.
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  8. Roderunner
    Posts : 277
    Windows 11 Home Version 64-bit 22H2
       New #6

    RBS customers can get MBAM Premium free.
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  9. flashh4
    Posts : 352
    Windows 11 Home (x64) Version 23H2
       New #7

    Being a Malware Removal Specialist the only protection i use (and my clients) is Windows Defender ! But i do have them (and i) run scans once a month with MBAM (free), along with AdwCleaner and the most important for deep cleaning Farbar Recover Scan Tool (this is one you better know what you are doing with it) ! My point is why keep something on the computer until you need it, just takes up space !

    Chuck
      My Computer
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