Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that is designed to work with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is quite effective in scanning and removing malware from a device and comes in a free or paid version. Although this is a stable application there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Malwarebytes real time protection keeps turning off issue.
How To Fix Malwarebytes Real Time Protection Keeps Turning Off Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below you should try restarting your computer first to refresh the operating system and to remove any software glitch that could be causing the problem.
Update Malwarebytes
One of the common reasons as to why the real protection feature keeps turning off is because of a bug in the current software version. You will need to check if an update is available and install it.
- If you have received a version update message you can simply click on Install Now.
- If you haven’t received this notification then you will have to check for updates manually.
- Open Malwarebytes by double-clicking its icon.
- Go to the Application tab in Settings and click on Install Application Updates under the Application Updates section.
- You should see a message saying there are no updates available or a message saying Progress: Updates successfully downloaded. If there are updates ready to be installed, click OK and then click Yes when prompted to install updates immediately.
- Follow the instructions on-screen in order to complete the process
Check if the Malwarebytes real time protection keeps turning off issue still occurs.
Reinstall Malwarebytes
Another method in fixing this problem is to uninstall then reinstall Malwarebytes. This is quite effective in fixing problems caused by a corrupted software.
- Type “regedit” in the Search bar which you should be able to access after clicking on the Start menu or the search button next to it.
- Retrieve your ID and Key. Location for Windows x86 32-Bit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware. Location for Windows x64 64-Bit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
- Open MBAM – My Account and click on Deactivate. Navigate to Settings – Advanced Settings and uncheck the box next to the “Enable self-protection module” option.
- Close MBAM and download the “mbam-clean.exe” tool from Malwarebytes’ site . Close all open programs and temporarily disable any other security tools you may have open.
- Run the mbam-clean.exe tool and follow the instructions which will appear on screen. Reboot your computer when prompted to do so.
- Download the latest version of MBAM from their site and install it by following the instructions on screen.
- Uncheck the box next to the Trial option. After the program launches, click on the button which says Activation.
- Copy and paste the ID or Key you retrieved from your registry in the dialog box which should automatically activate your license.
Check if the Malwarebytes real time protection keeps turning off issue still occurs.
Run Malwarebytes as an administrator
If the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should try running Malwarebytes as an administrator.
- Exit Malwarebytes by right-clicking on its icon at the right part of the taskbar at the bottom of your screen (system tray) and choosing the Quit option.
- Locate the desktop shortcut for Malwarebytes or locate it in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose the Run as Administrator option. Confirm any dialogues which may appear.
Check if the Malwarebytes real time protection keeps turning off issue still occurs.