Malwarebytes anti-malware is a tool that is used as protection against malware infections. Even after downloading the tool correctly, the tool might malfunction at times.
Generally, when users click on the tool icon the circle starts rotating and soon an error message appears stating “Unable to Start. Unable to connect the service.” Hence, this is Malwarebytes unable to connect the service error.
So, if you want the tool to run correctly, it is necessary to remove the error at the earliest.
What Causes Malwarebytes unable to connect the service Error?
At first, it is necessary to know what are the prime reasons behind the error Malwarebytes unable to connect the service. Hence, take a look below.
- If the Malwarebytes application launch was unsuccessful due to some reasons.
- Moreover, improper installation of the Malwarebytes application is equally responsible for not able to connect the service.
- In addition, the confliction of the antivirus software with the files also responsible for this issue.
- Apart from that file corruption, application server service issues can also lead you to this situation.
Methods to Resolve Malwarebytes Unable to Connect the Service Error:
Try out the viable troubleshooting methods in order to resolve the issue hassle-freely.
Fix 1: Reinstall Malwarebytes from Scratch
A certain number of users have reported that simply by reinstalling the Malwarebytes application the issue might be resolved permanently. Hence, try out the below steps.
Step 1:
First, click on the Windows and R key at the same time to expand the Run window. Now, type “regedit” in the Run window and hit the Enter button to execute the command.
Step 2:
Next, navigate to the following folder location,
For 32 bits,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
For 42 bits,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
Step 3:
After that, recover the user ID and key. Now, put the login credentials in the respective place. Next, you should continue with the removal process.
Step 4:
Expand the MBAm and then navigate to the My Account section. Later, tap on the Deactivate option under the My Account section.
Step 5:
Next, open the Settings option and then move to the Advanced Settings. Uncheck the box corresponding to the, “Enable self-protection module” option.
At last, follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the Malwarebytes application from your device.
Now, try to open the Malwarebytes on your device and check whether the tool is opening or not.
Fix 2: Uninstall MBAM in Safe Mode
In case, if you fail to uninstall the MBAM in the normal startup, then try to restart the computer in safe mode and then uninstall the Malwarebytes from your device. To do so, go through the following steps and perform them correctly.
Step 1:
At first, press the Windows button and R key together to expand the Run dialog box. Now, type ‘msconfig’ in the Run window and hit the Enter key. After that, move to the Boot section.
Step 2:
Under the Boot option, check the box corresponding to the Safe boot option. Then, click on the radio button under the Minimal section.
Step 3:
A confirmation box will appear on the system screen. Hit the OK button. Now, restart the system. Soon your computer will open up in the Safe Mode.
Step 4:
Thereafter, expand the Settings option from the Start menu and then go to the Apps section. Now, search for the MBAM from the installed apps and right-click on it.
Step 5:
A drop-down menu will appear on the system screen. Select the Uninstall option from the list. Again, open the ‘msconfig’ and turn off the Safe boot option.
Step 6:
At last, reinstall the MBAM after downloading the latest version of the MBAM from the official website.
Fix 3: Check Out the Malwarebytes Services
The error Malwarebytes unable to start might occur when the software is unable to communicate with the services.
If there is an issue in the services or if this feature is turned on, you will encounter this error message. Hence, you need to ensure that it is running properly and turned on. Here is the procedure to check the Malwarebytes services.
Step 1:
First of all, click on the Start button and then type ‘service.msc’ in the search bar and hit the Enter button.
Step 2:
Now, press on the Name column if you want to order the services that are running in alphabetical order. Now, locate the Malwarebytes service from the list.
Step 3:
Right-click on it and press the Properties tab. After that, verify the Startup type option and change it to Automatic option. In case, if you found that the service is not running properly, then change the status into Running. Press the Start button until the status changes into Running.
Step 4:
You might have received an error message while you click on the Start button starting with the “Windows could…… running in the same process. Follow the further steps shown ahead to fix this error message.
Step 5:
Right-click on the Malwarebytes service. A drop-down menu will appear on the system screen. From the list, choose the Properties option. After that, navigate to the ‘Log on’ section. Now, try to change the Account and click on the Browser button.
Step 6:
Find and select Local Service and then press the OK button. Hence, you might need to provide administrative credentials when you apply the changes.
Step 7:
Now, start the Service by right-clicking on the Services and selecting the Start button if it is not running state. A computer reboot might be required to complete the process. We hope, after applying these steps, you will not confront the problem again.