: While not the full Malwarebytes suite, this is a completely portable, standalone utility owned by Malwarebytes that focuses on removing adware, PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), and browser hijackers. You can download it directly from the Malwarebytes Free Tools page. Consumer Alternatives
is another professional portable product designed for use on a USB drive. It leverages the same advanced technologies found in the standard version to deliver industrial-strength malware detection and removal. When plugged into an infected computer, it can automatically remove spyware, Trojans, worms, and other malware without requiring a full installation on the host system.
: Specifically built to detect and remove malicious rootkits that might hide from standard scanners.
A portable application is designed to run directly from removable media, such as a USB flash drive or an external hard drive, without requiring installation. Unlike standard software, portable apps do not write files to the Windows registry or system folders, allowing them to leave no trace on the host machine. This approach offers two main advantages: Malwarebytes Anti-malware Portable
A true portable security scanner provides unique advantages when rescuing compromised systems:
There is a common misconception that Malwarebytes discontinued its portable version. Historically, the company offered and the Malwarebytes Portable via third-party packagers like PortableApps.com.
Sometimes, a malware infection can lock certain files, preventing you from deleting them manually. is a small, portable application designed specifically for this purpose. It can delete any type of locked file, whether it's from a malware infection or a file that will not delete due to another error. This is an invaluable tool in the final cleanup phase, ensuring that no stubborn remnants of an infection remain. : While not the full Malwarebytes suite, this
: A portable, command-line tool used to detect and remove threats from endpoints. Proprietary Scanning
Traditional antivirus software runs constantly in the background, consuming CPU and RAM. Portable scanners only use system resources while open and leave no background processes running after they are closed. How to Get and Use Official Malwarebytes Portable Tools
Download the official Malwarebytes Chameleon ZIP file from the Malwarebytes website using an uninfected computer. Extract the contents to a USB flash drive. Plug the USB into the infected computer. It leverages the same advanced technologies found in
Repacked portable executables rarely update correctly, meaning they cannot detect modern zero-day threats or evolving ransomware strains.
: Once the system is completely clean, you can easily uninstall Malwarebytes via the Windows Control Panel if you prefer not to keep the software running in the background.