Quick Answer
mbam-telemetry.exe is safe. It's Malwarebytes' telemetry component that collects anonymous usage data to help improve protection, performance, and product quality.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Located in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\MBAMService.exe or C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Telemetry\mbam-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs in background, not user-initiated
If you see mbam-telemetry.exe outside the Malwarebytes install folder, suspect malware
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via Malwarebytes Settings → Privacy / Data Sharing, or in Task Manager as a startup item
What is mbam-telemetry.exe?
mbam-telemetry.exe is the Malwarebytes telemetry component responsible for collecting anonymized usage data and health signals to help improve detection, performance, and feature testing across the product.
Telemetry operates in a minimal, privacy-respecting manner. It gathers non-identifying usage events, error reports, and configuration states, then transmits aggregated data to Malwarebytes servers for analysis and product improvement.
Quick Fact: Malwarebytes telemetry was designed to be opt-out by default in some builds but can be disabled per installation settings.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Core Service: Core background service that collects anonymized telemetry data
- Data Sync Listener: Listens for events and queues data for upload
- UI Telemetry Bridge: Communicates user action telemetry from UI
- Health & Diagnostics: Gathers health signals and crash reports
- Network Uploader: Responsible for data upload to Malwarebytes servers
Is mbam-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, mbam-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Malwarebytes distributed by official channels.
Is mbam-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mbam-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can imitate names; verify path and signature.
How to Tell if mbam-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Should be located in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\ or C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Telemetry\mbam-telemetry.exe
- Digital Signature:: Right-click mbam-telemetry.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Malwarebytes, Inc.
- Resource Usage:: Normal background telemetry uses minimal CPU (~0.5-4%) and memory; sustained high usage warrants scanning.
- Behavior:: Telemetry runs as part of Malwarebytes installation and should not launch outside installed folders.
Red Flags: If mbam-telemetry.exe is found in a non-Malwarebytes folder, lacks a valid signature, or runs when Malwarebytes is not installed, scan for malware immediately.
Why Is mbam-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
mbam-telemetry.exe runs as part of Malwarebytes to collect anonymous usage data and health signals, even when the main UI is closed, ensuring updates and protection improvements.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Telemetry Collection: Telemetry is enabled to gather anonymous usage metrics for product improvement.
- Background Health Monitoring: Telemetry monitors software health and crash reports to improve stability.
- Data Sync with Cloud: Telemetry coordinates with Malwarebytes cloud services to sync settings and status.
- Startup and Auto-Update Checks: Telemetry participates in startup routines and update validation.
- Error Reporting and Analytics: Telemetry collects non-identifying error data to assist support and developers.
Can I Disable or Remove mbam-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable mbam-telemetry. You can turn off data sharing in Malwarebytes settings and prevent startup engagement, though this may limit product improvement signals.
How to Stop mbam-telemetry
- Open Malwarebytes Settings: Launch Malwarebytes, then open Settings.
- Privacy/Data Sharing: Navigate to Privacy or Data Sharing section.
- Disable Telemetry: Toggle off 'Share anonymous data with Malwarebytes' or similar option.
- Disable Startup Entry: Task Manager → Startup tab → disable Malwarebytes Telemetry or MBAM service.
- Verify Service Status: Check Task Manager for mbam-telemetry.exe and MBAMService.exe; ensure only minor background processes remain.
How to Uninstall Malwarebytes (removes telemetry entirely)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Malwarebytes → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstallation
- ✔ If you reinstall later, telemetry will be re-enabled only if you opt-in during setup
Common Problems: Telemetry Impact and Troubleshooting
If mbam-telemetry.exe is causing issues, use these checks to diagnose data collection impact and resolve performance hints.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry Enabled but No Internet: Telemetry will queue data; ensure internet connectivity or pause data uploads in settings.
- High Background Activity: Check for multiple instances; end extra mbam-telemetry.exe processes in Task Manager and verify signatures.
- Outdated Malwarebytes Version: Update Malwarebytes to the latest version to ensure telemetry uses current API endpoints.
- Conflicting Privacy Tools: Disable other privacy tools that may interfere with telemetry data sharing.
- Corrupted Telemetry Data: Reset telemetry data by reinstalling Malwarebytes or clearing relevant logs under C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes.
- Excessive CPU/Memory: Reduce telemetry sampling or disable telemetry for non-essential deployments; consider scheduling uploads during idle times.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Malwarebytes and navigate to Settings → Privacy → Telemetry; turn off sharing.
3. Check Task Manager for mbam-telemetry.exe; end unnecessary processes.
4. Update Malwarebytes to the latest version.
5. Restart the computer if changes do not take effect.
6. Review Windows Security or firewall rules that may block telemetry endpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mbam-telemetry.exe safe to run on my PC?
Yes. mbam-telemetry.exe is Malwarebytes’ telemetry component intended for anonymous data collection to improve protection and performance, provided it is located in the official installation folder and signed by Malwarebytes, Inc.
What data does mbam-telemetry.exe collect?
It collects non-identifying usage metrics, health signals, crash reports, and configuration states to help improve product quality and reliability.
Can I disable mbam-telemetry.exe without uninstalling Malwarebytes?
Yes. You can disable data sharing in Malwarebytes settings; this will stop telemetry uploads while keeping the product installed.
Will telemetry slow down my computer?
Telemetry runs in the background but is designed to be lightweight. If you notice performance issues, disable telemetry or update Malwarebytes.
Where is mbam-telemetry.exe located on my PC?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\ or C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Telemetry. Verify the file path and digital signature to confirm legitimacy.
How do I completely remove telemetry data if I uninstall Malwarebytes?
Uninstall Malwarebytes via Windows Settings, then optionally remove remaining Malwarebytes data folders (C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes) to remove telemetry traces.