Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that scans and remove malware from your computer. It is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms and has a free and premium version. Although this is a solid application there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Malwarebytes unable to connect the service error.
How To Fix Malwarebytes Unable To Connect The Service Error
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Check if the Malwarebytes service is running
Malwarebytes has a service running on your computer and if this service is not running then you are most likely to experience this problem. The first thing you will need to do is to make sure that it is running.
- Click on the Start menu
- Type “services.msc” and open the first result by running it as an administrator.
- Click on the Name column and locate the Malwarebytes service.
- Right-click on it and click on Properties.
- Locate the Startup type option and change it to Automatic if any other setting has been enabled.
- If the service is not running, make sure you start it by clicking on Start until its status changes to “Running”.
Check if the Malwarebytes unable to connect the service error still occurs.
Uninstall then reinstall Malwarebytes
There’s a possibility that the problem is caused by a corrupt installation of Malwarebytes. If this is what’s causing the problem then you will have to uninstall then reinstall Malwarebytes.
- Open Malwarebytes then go to My Account and click on Deactivate.
- Open Settings – Advanced Settings and uncheck the box next to the “Enable self-protection module”.
- Close the program and download mbam-clean.exe from Malwarebytes’ site (the download will start immediately).
- Close all open programs and temporarily disable your antivirus.
- Run the mbam-clean.exe tool and follow the instructions on screen. Reboot your computer when prompted
- Download the latest version of Malwarebytes from their site and install it by following the instructions on screen.
If you are having a problem uninstalling Malwarebytes then try doing the procedure in Safe Mode.
- Type “msconfig” in the Search bar and navigate to the Boot tab.
- In the Boot tab, check the box next to the Safe boot option and click on the Radio button next to the Minimal option.
- Click on OK and confirm that you are about to restart your computer.
- The computer should restart in Safe Mode.
- Open Settings by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu and navigate to Apps.
- Locate Malwarebytes on the list of installed apps and click on Uninstall.
- Open msconfig again and disable the Safe boot option.
- Reinstall Malwarebytes by downloading the latest version from their site.
Check if the Malwarebytes unable to connect the service error still occurs.
Temporarily disable the antivirus
Although Malwarebytes can work with any antivirus software there are instances when the antivirus software can cause issues with the way Malwarebytes works. To check if this is what’s happening right now you will have to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using Windows Security
- Select Start – Settings > Update & Security – Windows Security – Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
- Switch Real-time protection to Off.
If you are using Avast
- Search for the Avast icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Avast shields control.
- Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.
If you are using AVG
- Search for the AVG icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Temporarily disable AVG protection.
- Choose how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too.
- Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using McAfee
- Search for the McAfee Antivirus icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Exit.
- You should see a dialog box warning you that McAfee‘s protection will be turned off. Click on Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program
Check if the Malwarebytes unable to connect the service error still occurs. If it doesn’t then you should add Malwarebytes to the exception list of your antivirus software.