Malwarebytes Updates

Corrine · Jul 15, 2021

System Requirements: Malwarebytes Version 4.0 no longer works on Windows XP or Windows Vista. However, Malwarebytes 3.x, will be supported for the foreseeable future.

Windows 10 Note: Although Malwarebytes is an antivirus software, if you use another program as your antivirus (Windows Defender, McAfee, etc.) as your antivirus, it is necessary to make a change in Malwarebytes. Go to Settings > Windows Action Center, change the setting to "Never register Malwarebytes in the Action Center". Malwarebytes 4.0 will continue to run with the installed antivirus in compatibility mode.

Microsoft Defender: If you use Microsoft Defender as your antivirus software, do the following:

Open Malwarebytes.
Press the little gear at the top right.
Choose the Security tab.
Enable the three options under the title Scan options.
Disable the option under the title Widows Security Center.

Version 4 User Guide

Corrine · Jul 15, 2021

Malwarebytes Version 4.4.3.125 component package 1.0.1387, released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.3:

Enhanced detection and remediation
Improved performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: MB4 does not launch for users due to mbupdatr.exe hang. (Defect fix is only tracking additional logging put in place).
Fixed: Mwac driver fails to start on Windows 7 machines due to Driver failing digital signature verification. (SHA-2 patch already present)
Fixed: Malwarebytes icon disappears after Sign-In window rendered
Fixed: Degradation of Office Application Launch Times
Fixed: User's seeing "Malwarebytes native message has stopped working" when closing chrome.
Fixed: mbamtray.exe crash reported from users
Fixed: Reopen Allow list from the UI card shows removed exclusions.
Fixed: Several minor UI issues

x BlueRobot · Jul 16, 2021

Corrine said:
Disable the option under the title Widows Security Center.

Looks like that option can only be changed for Premium (paid) editions?

plodr · Jul 16, 2021

Since the free version of malwarebytes is not monitoring in real time, it would not be considered an antivirus replacement and therefore would not interfere with Windows Defender.
I assume people use the free version to do on demand manual scanning for malware. Perhaps also scan the computer for malware weekly or bi-monthly.
Note: I am fortunate enough to have 5 lifetime licenses for malwarebytes.

Digerati · Jul 16, 2021

plodr said:
Since the free version of malwarebytes is not monitoring in real time, it would not be considered an antivirus replacement and therefore would not interfere with Windows Defender.

You lost me here. Malwarebytes Premium (the version the does have a real-time component) does not interfere with Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender is the old name). That's why running with Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium is so often recommended for those who want a little extra assurance. Unlike other 3rd party real-time anti-malware solutions, Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium both play very well together. They don't interfere with each other and they don't hog resources.

The only extra step needed is to go into Malwarebytes Premium control panel, click on the tools "gear" icon, the Security tab, scroll down to Windows Security Center and make sure the slider for "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" is set to "off". This tells Microsoft Defender to stay enabled, and not step out of the way so both will run at the same time.

Corrine said:
Malwarebytes Version 4.0 no longer works on Windows XP or Windows Vista. However, Malwarebytes 3.x, will be supported for the foreseeable future.

Malwarebytes for Windows v3 support for Windows XP and Vista

Malwarebytes is committed to continue support for Windows XP and Vista for as long as Microsoft allows us to.

I am very disappointed in this stance. IMO Malwarebytes is being an enabler of bad practices and habits - giving XP holdouts a flimsy excuse to hang on to those obsolete, superseded (many times over), unsupported, and potentially risky operating systems. Users need to be encouraged to upgrade to W10, not encouraged to hang on to XP and Vista. And IMO, the security software industry should be leading the way and setting the example when it comes to good safety practices.

And "as long as Microsoft allows us to"!

That's nonsense. How is Microsoft going to prohibit any company from making software that runs on XP?

plodr · Jul 16, 2021

Bill, I was replying to xBlueRobot who said a change could not be made in the free version of malwarebytes. I simply pointed at that the change he might want to make would not be necessary in the free version.

Digerati · Jul 17, 2021

Ah, gotcha. Thanks. Sorry if I caused more confusion.

Corrine · Jul 30, 2021

Malwarebytes Version 4.4.4.126 component package 1.0.1404, released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

Brute Force Protection (for RDP)
Added Naming for Teams UI branding in the Check for Updates Dialog
Uninstall Protection
Users are now allowed to suppress Scan Notifications when no threats are found
Enhanced detection and remediation
Improved performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Fix problem with showing the reboot dialog when C.U. stuck in some situations.
Fixed: Web exclusions get cleared when turning off Web Protection
Fixed: Italian language 'Scan time' formatting issue in UI
Fixed: Checking for updates doesn't inform user of network error when unable to reach license server
Fixed: Permanent exclusion can be added as "IP address" or "Website" exclusion when navigating to blocked IP
Fixed: Browser Guard - MB4 interaction doesn't work after MB4 restart (need to restart Chrome also)
Fixed: Reopening of Chrome leads to high memory consumption of Native Messaging Host App
Fixed: Allow List: Add an item window and Allow a file/website/app/previously detected exploit window are not aligned when German language selected
Fixed: Spelling issue Swedish
Fixed: mbamtray 'Access violation' crash under certain circumstances
Fixed: Tooltip content gets cut if opened on the edge of the window
Fixed: Several minor UI issues

Corrine · Aug 20, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.5.130 component package 1.0.1430 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.5:

Security Advisor Status Page and Dashboard Updates
Teams onboarding experience
Improved (more granular and configurable) AE Application Behavior protection
Enhanced detection and remediation
Improved performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: X/Close is not working on the enter user access password window when uninstalling MBAM
Fixed: Detected threats not showing in quarantine under certain circumstances
Fixed: User can bypass password prompt to "Detection History" by using Notification Center
Fixed: Notifications are seen when navigating to website with hide setting enabled
Fixed: Mwac.sys BSOD (DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION -0x133)
Fixed: Default Threat Scan not Added after Additional Scheduled Scans are added
Fixed: Cannot Interact with Dashboard Buttons if Settings is Opened at the Scan Results Screen
Fixed: "Site can't be reached" when navigating to the website temporary excluded by BG
Fixed: MbamBgNativeMsg.exe is not updating on 7x86 when instance is running
Fixed: Unsanctioned (possibly hardcoded) renew for 2 year at 50% promotion appears as a dashboard message for certain premium Users

Corrine · Sep 8, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.6.132 component package 1.0.1453 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.6:

Improved UI Scaling for high DPI
Improved synchronization between Brute Force protection and Web protection
Scan Reminder Notifications
User Access Controls Renamed to Tamper Protection
Enhanced performance
Enhanced detection and remediation

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Trial could not be started: Unable to check for updates because an update check is already in progress
Fixed: MBAM restart prompt for CU update disappears immediately after rendered
Fixed: Mbam crash heap_corruption (0xc0000374) under certain circumstances
Fixed: BSOD caused by Web Protection under certain circumstances
Fixed: Some Ig-xx.exe files are not removed after clean installation of MBAM
Fixed: Can't manually delete MWAC exclusion by BG command
Fixed: BFP setting remains active when MWAC is turned off
Fixed: Brute Force Protection informational prompt is misleading
Fixed: For Teams - message is shown as "Activate Malwarebytes for Teams" during license activation
Fixed: Unexpected MBAM notification appears when typing previously detected and allowed URL in the Chrome's address bar
Fixed: Browser Guard: BG does not install for Edge, even though the installer offers it
Fixed: Unable to show Scan progress page after visiting Settings tabs in UI
Fixed: Expiration Date value does not change when Trial End Date changes server side
Fixed: A few (additional) UI minor Issues

Corrine · Sep 24, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.7.134 component package 1.0.1464 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.7:

Detection and remediation enhancements
Improved functionality for starting trials
Only one prompt per UI session for Tamper Protection
Security Advisor added capabilities
- Wi-Fi Monitoring
- Scan History Monitoring
Browser Guard integration readiness with FireFox
Enhanced performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Customer experiences BSOD (BugCheck 3B) related to farflt.sys with MB4 CU (1.0.1306)
Fixed: Malwarebytes freezes/crashes when user adds app to Allow list under certain circumstances
Fixed: MBAM fails to launch after upgrade. User gets the 0xC0000022 error message.
Fixed: BFP isn't switching on when resetting settings to default for Teams
Fixed: A few (additional) UI minor Issues

Corrine · Oct 7, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.8.137 component package 1.0.1474 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.8:

Web Protection False Positives Rapid Response
Browser Guard integration on FireFox ready and will be released soon
Enhanced detection and remediation

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Pluralization issues with trial expiring toast notifications
Fixed: Trial countdown notifications out of sync with dashboard countdown
Fixed: Error 32 Sharing Violation during upgrades under certain circumstances
Fixed: Malwarebytes will not open after Install/Upgrade under certain circumstances
Fixed: User gets MWAC block page for FPRR-whitelisted website
Fixed: Mbae.dll is injected for processes protected within pentest mode only after service restart
Fixed: New Version does not update DisplayName and DisplayVersion values in Uninstall key
Fixed: Popup dialogs don't close on Escape key
Fixed: mbam.exe crash on attempt to update to new version
Fixed: A few (additional) UI minor Issues

Corrine · Oct 22, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.9.142 component package 1.0.1486 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4

What’s New in 4.4.9:

Security Advisor New Features
- Windows Firewall Status monitoring
Enhanced detection and remediation
Enhanced performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Browser Guard Integration - Multiple blocks are seen with Win 11 machine using Chrome
Fixed: Native exe does not start on Win 11 machine for FF
Fixed: Mbae.dll fails to inject into running svchost processes, which were running before enabling pentest mode
Fixed: Recurring CPU spikes in mbamtray.exe under certain circumstances
Fixed: Scheduled scan changes are not read correctly by Narrator until UI restart
Fixed: Wrong date is shown on Scan history monitoring
Fixed: MBAMTray.exe crash (Access Violation) in Qt5Core.dll
Fixed: A few (additional) UI minor Issues

Additional information about the update from Malwarebytes for Windows 4.4.9 Release Notesi:

Issues fixed

MBAM-5448: Multiple blocks reported while browsing on Google Chrome using Windows 11 devices despite having Malwarebytes for Windows integrated with Browser Guard.
MBAM-5368: Incorrect date displayed under the Scan history section.
MBAM-1990: Scheduled scan changes are not read correctly under certain circumstances.
MBAM-4489: Recurring memory usage spikes with the mbamtray.exe process.

Corrine · Nov 4, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.10.144 component package 1.0.1499 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4:

What’s New in 4.4.10:

Updated RTP card states and buttons locations for free users
Added Security Advisor shields on the main screen dashboard
Enhanced detection and remediation
Enhanced performance

Some Issues now addressed:

AE winword.exe test sample detection only occurs with pen testing ON
High CPU usage during WU searches
Fixed: MBAMInstallerService fails when the system temp directory is not located in the system drive
Memory (and COM handle leak) when using MBScanner
Mwac.sys BSOD, UDP Context list is corrupted on release
Issue seen after installer upgrade where UI does not open unless as Admin
Mbae.dll is uninjected for processes protected within pentest mode
MBAMInstallerService fails when the system temp directory is not located in the system drive
Fixed: A few (additional) UI minor Issues

Corrine · Nov 19, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.4.11.149 component package 1.0.1513 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.4:

What’s New in 4.4.11:

Enhancements to Security Advisor
- Show Windows Firewall status indicator on SA instantly
- Replace shields fo Sec Adv for dark mode on the Dashboard
- Sort order for monitored items and cards
Enhanced detection and remediation
Enhanced performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Immediately after Windows start-up, Security Advisor indicates Firewall is off
Clicking on General Settings -> Firewall -> "View Settings" in Security Advisor disappear the FW bullet item
Users still seeing, "Updated Available" notifications with the setting turned off.
RTP card doesn't contain RTP switches after activating Trial
"Restore Defaults" doesn't restore BFP to enabled for Teams
Certain memory leaks in MbamUI
UI minor Issues

Corrine · Dec 13, 2021

Malwarebytes version 4.5.0.152 component package 1.0.1538 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.5:

What’s New in 4.5:

New Installer (v258)
Security Advisor
Windows Updates Monitor
Revisions to Firewall Monitor
Allows to Dismiss scheduled Scan monitoring
Info tips have been added to some of the Panes
Categories can now be collapsed or expanded
Progress indicator for Component Updates
Added Info tip for "Notify me when a new version becomes available" Setting
Enhanced detection and remediation
Harden MWAC against inadvertently blocking local network addresses
Improved performance

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Security Advisor incorrectly reports that the firewall is off
Fixed: Clicking Buy Now on Iris Message causes a pending reboot to trigger
Fixed: Office-wscript/cmd bypass is not blocked by AE under certain circumstances
Fixed: Outbound UDP connection is blocked for DNS requests in local network segments
Fixed: Second navigation to blacklisted website with disabled MWAC leads to ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
Fixed: Several UI issues
- Wrong info button icon color in dark theme

Corrine · Jan 18, 2022

Malwarebytes version 4.5.2.157 component package 1.0.1562 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.5:

What’s New in 4.5.2:

Security Advisor
- Animation when resolving issue in a card on SA page
Update the copy of info-tip for Brute force protection
Scan report: Add completion status and update Scan result label
Reduce image memory usage in C++/Qml

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: 4.5.0 Upgrade failures in the field under certain circumstances
Fixed: UI Crashing in the field Under certain circumstances
Fixed: mbamtray crashes on Windows 11 and Windows 7 under certain circumstances
Fixed: BSOD caused by MWAC (mwac+15eca)
Fixed: BSOD occurs everytime a scan is run with RTP enabled under certain circumstances
Resolved: MWAC interferes with Techloq Filter
Fixed: Misleading Brute Force Protection infotip in Security Advisor while BFP is enabled
Fixed: Several Minor UI issues

Corrine · Feb 14, 2022

Malwarebytes version 4.5.4.168 component package 1.0.1599 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.5:

What’s New in 4.5.4:

Security Advisor
- Added Chrome updates monitoring to Security Advisor
- Added Tamper Protection monitoring to Security Advisor
- Added info-tips on real-time protection layers
- Added VPN Monitor
- Added Browser Guard monitoring
Script CLI detections are now displayed
Advanced Options are now hidden during Upgrades
Updated the modal window for premium features
Detection and remediation enhancements
Performance enhancements

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Toaster Notification seen with button not displayed
Fixed: DefaultBrowserChanged Event leads to error loop after attempt to change default browser to Opera
Fixed: GetDefaultBrowser() returns an exception for Opera as a default browser
Fixed: Browser Guard - Is browser installed returns wrong value for Firefox and Edge browser
Fixed: IsDefaultBrowserBgSupported does not return correct value for the browser that is supported
Fixed: Is browser installed API returns false for the browser integration enabled
Fixed: Installer Restart screen is "detached" so it looks like 2 installers are running
Fixed: Automatically Check for Threat Intelligence Updates feature will be activated in Free after default settings restore
Fixed: "Tamper protection enabled" password prompt is shifted after wrong password is specified
Fixed: There are no Pending/Successful messages next to the Web Protection when it is turned on from the Brute Force Protection modal
Fixed: Possibly wrong registry key is used for Default Browser monitoring
Fixed: Browser Guard Integration fails after default browser has changed to Firefox
Fixed: MBSetup hangs at install window after user clicks OK to dialog saying there's a problem with network connection
Fixed: Component Update to a new version takes longer than 30 seconds
Fixed: Web Protection deadlock during shutdown
Fixed: Errors PredetectWLCache::AddEntry for one of our detection engines
Fixed: Mbae.dll is uninjected for processes protected within pentest mode
Fixed: Sign in: Forgot password field is not accepting non-Latin letters
Fixed: It is possible to install MBAM directly to system critical folders
Fixed: MS office blocked with pentest mode enabled only on Win7x86
Fixed: Several Minor UI issues

Corrine · Mar 2, 2022

Malwarebytes version 4.5.5.175 component package 1.0.1621 released.

From Malwarebytes 4.5:

What’s New in this 4.5.5:

Security Advisor
- Improved experience for Free Users
Anti-Exploit: MS Access Detections with Access Shield Disabled
Performance enhancements

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Restart Required tray notification is cut
MB4 Tray icons freezing or crashing
Shield image on the RTP card has a wrong width for Free user
MBAM crash after deactivation (MWAC.sys verifier is enabled)
Security Advisor displays incorrect firewall status
Chrome updates monitor tooltip temporarily not adjusted to a new text when changing statuses
Fixed: Several more Minor UI issues

Corrine · Mar 16, 2022

From Malwarebytes 4.5:

What’s New in this 4.5.6:

Complete scan notification setting is now in: Settings - Notifications tab
Enhanced Detection and Remediation
Performance enhancements

Some Issues now addressed:

Addressed: MBAM UI will not open after 4.5.2 upgrade install for certain circumstances
Fixed: Language codes in MBSetup.exe do not match those expected by the UI - sometimes resulting in default to English
Fixed: Learn more link in the In App cart is not working
Fixed: MBAM crash after deactivation (MWAC.sys verifier is enabled)
Fixed: Language setting is changing back to English after Malwarebytes update
Fixed: MBAMService stuck in StopPending state
Fixed: Security Advisor issues with dots in multiple languages
Fixed: Security Advisor Tamper Protection tooltip unable to auto-resize
Fixed: Security Advisor Online Privacy tooltip unable to auto-resize

Malwarebytes Updates

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator

Sysnative Staff, Contributor

ModeratorHardware ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

Sysnative Staff, Contributor

ModeratorHardware ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst