A Malwarebytes scan is an essential step to protect your device from malware, spyware, and other threats. However, some users experience a scan stuck or frozen issue, where the scan stops progressing or hangs at a specific percentage. This can be caused by system conflicts, outdated software, or corrupted files. The good news is that most of these problems can be resolved with a few simple solutions.
Common Causes of Malwarebytes Scan Stuck or Frozen
- Outdated Malwarebytes Version – Older versions may have bugs affecting scanning.
- Conflicts with Other Security Software – Antivirus programs or firewalls can interfere with scans.
- Corrupted Malwarebytes Installation – Damaged program files may prevent scans from completing.
- Heavy System Resource Usage – Low RAM or high CPU usage can cause scans to hang.
- Problematic Files or Malware – Certain infected files may block the scanning process.
How to Fix Malwarebytes Scan Stuck or Frozen
1. Restart Malwarebytes and Your Computer
- Close Malwarebytes completely using Task Manager (Windows) or Force Quit (macOS).
- Restart your computer to refresh system resources.
- Reopen Malwarebytes and try scanning again.
2. Update Malwarebytes
- Open Malwarebytes → Settings → About → Check for Updates
- Install all updates for both the software and malware definitions
- Restart Malwarebytes and retry the scan
3. Run Malwarebytes as Administrator
- Right-click the Malwarebytes shortcut
- Select Run as Administrator
- This allows the program to access all system files required for scanning
4. Disable Conflicting Software
- Temporarily turn off other antivirus programs, firewalls, or VPNs
- Restart Malwarebytes and initiate the scan
- Re-enable your security software after the scan completes
5. Perform a Clean Installation
- Uninstall Malwarebytes completely from your system
- Download the latest version from Malwarebytes official website
- Install the fresh copy and try running the scan again
6. Scan in Safe Mode
- Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking
- Run Malwarebytes scan in Safe Mode to avoid conflicts with other programs
- Safe Mode allows Malwarebytes to scan critical system files more effectively
7. Exclude Problematic Files (Optional)
- If the scan freezes on a specific file, note the file path
- Add the file to the Exclusions list in Malwarebytes temporarily
- Retry the scan and remove the exclusion afterward
8. Contact Malwarebytes Support
If none of the above steps work:
- Visit Malwarebytes Support
- Submit a ticket with your Malwarebytes version, system details, and scan error description
- Include screenshots if possible
Support agents can provide advanced troubleshooting to ensure scans run smoothly.
Tips to Prevent Malwarebytes Scan Issues
- Keep Malwarebytes updated regularly
- Avoid running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously
- Ensure your system meets minimum requirements for Malwarebytes
- Restart your computer periodically to maintain system performance
Conclusion
A Malwarebytes scan stuck or frozen is often caused by outdated software, system conflicts, or corrupted files. By updating Malwarebytes, running it as administrator, disabling conflicting programs, performing a clean installation, or scanning in Safe Mode, most users can fix the issue quickly. Persistent problems can be resolved with Malwarebytes support, ensuring that your device remains fully protected against malware and other threats.
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