Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that provides robust protection against various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and adware. One of its key features is the ability to automatically scan your computer for malware on a regular basis. However, there may be situations where you want to stop Malwarebytes from automatically scanning your computer. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you might want to disable automatic scanning and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Why Disable Automatic Scanning in Malwarebytes?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable automatic scanning in Malwarebytes:
- System Resource Usage: Malwarebytes can consume significant system resources, especially during scans. If you have a low-end computer or are running resource-intensive programs, you might want to disable automatic scanning to free up resources.
- Scheduled Scans: If you have scheduled scans set up in Malwarebytes, you might want to disable automatic scanning to avoid conflicts with other scheduled tasks or programs.
- Manual Scanning: Some users prefer to manually scan their computers for malware instead of relying on automatic scans. Disabling automatic scanning allows you to take control of when and how you scan your computer.
- Conflicts with Other Security Software: In some cases, Malwarebytes might conflict with other security software installed on your computer. Disabling automatic scanning can help resolve these conflicts.
How to Stop Malwarebytes from Automatically Scanning
Stopping Malwarebytes from automatically scanning your computer is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
For Malwarebytes Version 4 and Later
Method 1: Disable Automatic Scanning from the Settings
- Open Malwarebytes and click on the Settings icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the window.
- In the Settings window, click on the Protection tab.
- Under Scan Options, toggle the switch next to Automatically scan for malware to the Off position.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Method 2: Disable Automatic Scanning from the Dashboard
- Open Malwarebytes and click on the Dashboard tab.
- Click on the Scan button.
- In the Scan window, click on the Settings icon (gear icon) next to the Scan button.
- Toggle the switch next to Automatically scan for malware to the Off position.
- Click OK to save the changes.
For Malwarebytes Version 3 and Earlier
Method 1: Disable Automatic Scanning from the Settings
- Open Malwarebytes and click on the Settings icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the window.
- In the Settings window, click on the Scanner Settings tab.
- Under Scanner Settings, uncheck the box next to Automatically scan for malware.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Method 2: Disable Automatic Scanning from the Dashboard
- Open Malwarebytes and click on the Dashboard tab.
- Click on the Scan button.
- In the Scan window, click on the Settings icon (gear icon) next to the Scan button.
- Uncheck the box next to Automatically scan for malware.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Scheduled Scans: If you have scheduled scans set up in Malwarebytes, disabling automatic scanning will not affect these scheduled scans. You will need to manually disable or delete the scheduled scans if you no longer want them to run.
- Real-Time Protection: Disabling automatic scanning does not affect Malwarebytes’ real-time protection feature, which continues to monitor your computer for malware in real-time.
- Manual Scanning: If you disable automatic scanning, it’s essential to regularly manually scan your computer for malware to ensure it remains protected.
Conclusion
Disabling automatic scanning in Malwarebytes is a straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. Whether you want to free up system resources, avoid conflicts with other security software, or take control of when and how you scan your computer, disabling automatic scanning can be a useful option. However, it’s essential to remember to regularly manually scan your computer for malware to ensure it remains protected.
What is Malwarebytes and why does it automatically scan my computer?
Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software designed to detect and remove malicious software from your computer. It automatically scans your computer to ensure it remains free from malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, and other types of online threats. The automatic scanning feature is enabled by default to provide real-time protection and prevent malware infections.
However, some users may find the automatic scanning feature intrusive or resource-intensive, especially if they have other antivirus software installed on their computer. In such cases, disabling the automatic scanning feature may be necessary to avoid conflicts or improve system performance. Fortunately, Malwarebytes allows users to customize their scanning settings, including disabling automatic scans.
How do I stop Malwarebytes from automatically scanning my computer?
To stop Malwarebytes from automatically scanning your computer, you need to access the software’s settings. You can do this by opening Malwarebytes and clicking on the “Settings” icon, usually represented by a gear or cog symbol. In the Settings window, navigate to the “Scan Schedule” or “Scheduled Scans” section, depending on your Malwarebytes version.
In this section, you will find options to disable or modify the automatic scanning schedule. You can choose to disable all scheduled scans or select specific scan types to disable, such as quick scans or full scans. Make sure to save your changes to apply the new settings. Alternatively, you can also use the Malwarebytes tray icon to quickly disable or enable automatic scans.
Will disabling automatic scans compromise my computer’s security?
Disabling automatic scans in Malwarebytes may compromise your computer’s security if you don’t take alternative measures to protect your system. Malwarebytes is designed to detect and remove malware in real-time, and disabling automatic scans may leave your computer vulnerable to new threats. However, if you have other antivirus software installed, it may still provide some level of protection.
To minimize security risks, it’s essential to regularly scan your computer manually or use other antivirus software that offers real-time protection. You can also consider enabling automatic scans during periods of low system activity, such as when your computer is idle, to ensure your system remains protected without compromising performance.
Can I schedule manual scans in Malwarebytes instead of automatic scans?
Yes, Malwarebytes allows you to schedule manual scans, which can be a good alternative to automatic scans. By scheduling manual scans, you can choose when and how often you want to scan your computer, giving you more control over the scanning process. To schedule a manual scan, access the Malwarebytes Settings and navigate to the “Scan Schedule” or “Scheduled Scans” section.
In this section, you can create a custom scan schedule that suits your needs. You can choose the scan type, frequency, and time of day for the scan to run. Make sure to save your changes to apply the new schedule. Scheduling manual scans can help you balance system performance and security, ensuring your computer remains protected without compromising performance.
How do I know if Malwarebytes is currently scanning my computer?
Malwarebytes usually displays a notification or icon in the system tray when it’s scanning your computer. You can also check the Malwarebytes dashboard or main window to see if a scan is in progress. Additionally, you may notice a slight increase in system resource usage, such as CPU or disk activity, when a scan is running.
If you’re unsure whether Malwarebytes is scanning your computer, you can open the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to check for any Malwarebytes processes running in the background. This can help you determine if a scan is currently in progress and adjust your system usage accordingly.
Can I disable automatic scans for specific types of scans, such as quick scans or full scans?
Yes, Malwarebytes allows you to disable automatic scans for specific types of scans. In the Malwarebytes Settings, navigate to the “Scan Schedule” or “Scheduled Scans” section, where you can find options to disable or modify specific scan types. For example, you can choose to disable automatic quick scans but keep full scans enabled.
Disabling specific scan types can help you balance system performance and security. For instance, you may want to disable automatic quick scans during peak system usage hours but keep full scans enabled to run during periods of low system activity. Make sure to save your changes to apply the new settings.
Will disabling automatic scans in Malwarebytes affect my subscription or license?
No, disabling automatic scans in Malwarebytes will not affect your subscription or license. Malwarebytes subscriptions and licenses are tied to the software’s activation and registration, not to specific features like automatic scans. As long as your subscription or license is active, you can continue to use Malwarebytes with or without automatic scans enabled.
However, keep in mind that disabling automatic scans may impact the effectiveness of Malwarebytes in detecting and removing malware. If you’re concerned about system performance or conflicts with other antivirus software, consider scheduling manual scans or adjusting your scanning settings to balance security and performance.