How to fix
“Malwarebytes Anti-malware Unable to Connect the Service” Error? 
on Windows

Up until now, Malwarebytes kept running without any bugs. Now I click on its icon, but the circle keeps rotating. After seconds the message pops up saying that “Unable so Start. Unable to connect the service.” Any advice?

“Malwarebytes Anti-malware Unable to connect the service” error might appear due to different reasons. Even if you are a Mac OS user, you can still encounter the issue as it is not limited to Windows solely.

In order to solve the issue effectively, it is necessary to identify the core problem displaying the alert. This system error does not necessarily mean that your computer has been infected with the malware which meddles with this well-known security application.

However, such case should not be excluded either. Due to the efficiency and popularity of the programs, some cyber criminals craft malware specifically targeting Malwarebytes. In that case, you may need to run the program in Safe mode.

Alternatively, due to simultaneous update process both, Windows and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, the “Unable to Connect the Service” message might appear. However, in that case, system restart helps solve the problem.

Furthermore, the problem might lie in the very program. If you downloaded the program recently, it is likely that the installation process did not go smoothly. If the program has operated until now flawlessly, the issue might lie in the Malwarebytes service. Take a look at the below “Malwarebytes Unable to Connect the Service” error solution options.

Option 1. Change Malwarebytes Service Startup type

1. Click Windows key+R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Find Malwarebytes Service entry.
4. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
5. In the windows, change the startup mode from Manual to Automatic. If the program still does not launch, reboot the device.

Option 2. Launch mbam.exe file

If the shortcut icon got corrupted by any chance, you might try launching the tool via its main executable file.

1. Enter the Local Disk, then navigate to Program Files.
2. Go to Malwarebytes, Anti-Malware folder and launch mbam.exe file.

Option 3. Rename mbam.exe file

In case the program does not launch, the issue might be of malicious origin. As some of the threats are programmed to block mbam.exe from running, you might bypass it by altering the executable. Change the “mbam” to any other abbreviation.

Note. If you have purchased the premium version, you are granted optional tool – Malwarebytes Chameleon. You can find it via the Start options. Click on the Star button. Find Malwarebytes folder icon. Once you expand it, you will find a subfolder Tools. Once you access it, you will find Malwarebytes Chameleon option.

Option 4. Deactivate Premium version

Some users reported that they noticed the error after their Premium Trial had expired. However, this method is only effective if the error appears occasionally and you are still able to launch the app. Under the Settings section, enter My Account tab and click Deactivate Trial.

Option 5. Launch Windows in safe Mode

In older Windows versions, you can enter Safe Mode with Networking simply tapping F2 or F8 before Windows logo appears. In Windows 10, there are a couple of options to enter the mode. The fastest of them is to set safe boot via the System Configuration tool.

1. Click on Windows key+R. Type msconfig.
2. Enter Boot section and mark Safe boot option.
3. After restarting the device and finish the work, exit the mode the same way. Launch System Configuration tool, unmark the Safe Boot option.