Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender: A Comprehensive Guide

Malwarebytes is a well-known antivirus software that specializes in detecting and removing malware from computers. Windows Defender, on the other hand, is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 10. But can Malwarebytes and Windows Defender work together?

The short answer is yes. Malwarebytes Free can be used alongside Windows Defender to provide an extra layer of protection against malware and other threats. In this article, we will discuss how to use Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender, its benefits, and some tips to ensure maximum protection for your computer.

What is Malwarebytes Free?

Malwarebytes Free is a free antivirus software that specializes in detecting and removing malware, spyware, adware, and other potentially unwanted programs. It uses advanced technology to identify and remove threats that other antivirus programs may miss.

Malwarebytes Free offers real-time protection, which means it actively scans your computer for threats and blocks them before they can cause any harm. It also offers a variety of scan options, including quick scan, full scan, and custom scan, which allows you to scan specific files or folders.

What is Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that comes with Windows 10. It offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats. Windows Defender is designed to be a lightweight and unobtrusive antivirus program that runs in the background without affecting your computer's performance.

Windows Defender offers several scan options, including quick scan, full scan, and custom scan. It also includes features such as firewall protection, network protection, and browser protection.

How to Use Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender

Using Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender is easy. Here are the steps:

Download and install Malwarebytes Free from the official website.
During the installation process, Malwarebytes Free will ask you if you want to enable the free trial of Malwarebytes Premium. If you don't want to use the premium version, simply decline the offer.
After installing Malwarebytes Free, open Windows Defender and go to Settings.
Click on "Virus & threat protection."
Scroll down and click on "Manage settings" under "Exclusions."
Click on "Add or remove exclusions."
Click on "Add an exclusion" and select "Folder."
Navigate to the folder where Malwarebytes Free is installed (usually C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware).
Click on "Select Folder."
Repeat steps 6-9 for any other folders you want to exclude from Windows Defender.
You're done! Malwarebytes Free will now work alongside Windows Defender to provide extra protection against malware.

The Benefits of Using Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender

There are several benefits to using Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender:

Extra protection: Malwarebytes Free specializes in detecting and removing malware, spyware, and other threats that Windows Defender may miss.
Real-time protection: Malwarebytes Free offers real-time protection, which means it actively scans your computer for threats and blocks them before they can cause any harm.
Customizable scan options: Malwarebytes Free offers a variety of scan options, including quick scan, full scan, and custom scan, which allows you to scan specific files or folders.
Lightweight: Malwarebytes Free is a lightweight antivirus program that runs in the background without affecting your computer's performance.

Tips to Ensure Maximum Protection for Your Computer

While using Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender can provide extra protection for your computer, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure maximum protection:

Keep your software up to date: Make sure you always have the latest version of Malwarebytes Free and Windows Defender, as well as any other software you use.
Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts to prevent hackers from gaining access to your computer.
Be careful when downloading files: Only download files from trusted sources, and always scan them with Malwarebytes Free and Windows Defender before opening them.
Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) when browsing the internet to encrypt your traffic and protect your privacy.

Conclusion

Using Malwarebytes Free with Windows Defender can provide extra protection against malware and other threats. By following the steps outlined in this article and following some basic tips, you can ensure maximum protection for your computer.

Remember to always keep your software up to date, use strong passwords, be careful when downloading files, and use a VPN when browsing the internet. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy a safe and secure computing experience.