Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry active in background
Baseline MBAM telemetry runs to report issues and collect diagnostics; excessive activity may indicate other issues
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling via Malwarebytes settings or Windows Services will stop telemetry reporting
What is mbam-telemetry.exe?
mbam-telemetry.exe is the dedicated Malwarebytes telemetry component that runs in the background to monitor and report product usage, performance, and diagnostic data to Malwarebytes for quality assurance and troubleshooting.
This process collects anonymous telemetry to help Malwarebytes improve detection, performance, and support tooling. It operates with the MBAM service and respects user-established privacy options as configured in the console.
Quick Fact: Malwarebytes telemetry helps correlate crash data with specific components to accelerate fixes and feature improvements.
Types of MBAM Processes Related to Telemetry
- Telemetry Service: Runs in background to collect and send data
- Diagnostic Reporter: Aggregates crash and performance metrics
- Uploader: Transmits anonymized data to Malwarebytes servers
- Updater Connector: Coordinates telemetry upon update checks
Is mbam-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, mbam-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Malwarebytes downloaded from official sources.
Is mbam-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mbam-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if mbam-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe. Any mbam-telemetry.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click mbam-telemetry.exe in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show Malwarebytes, Inc.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU/memory when idle. High usage or constant network activity may indicate other software or malware.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run as a background service and report, not interfere with user applications. Unsolicited UI prompts are suspicious.
Red Flags: If mbam-telemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when MBAM is not active, has no digital signature, or uses constant network bandwidth, scan with antivirus and Malwarebytes.
Why Is mbam-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
mbam-telemetry.exe runs to collect telemetry data and support diagnostics for Malwarebytes, especially during active protection, updates, or crash reporting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Protection and Usage: Telemetry runs to monitor Malwarebytes components while the service is active.
- Background Data Reporting: Telemetry reports anonymized usage metrics to improve product quality.
- Update and Health Checks: Telemetry coordinates data during update checks and health reporting.
- Crash/Diagnostics Reporting: If a crash occurs, telemetry helps capture diagnostics for support.
- Startup and Background Tasks: Telemetry may start with Windows as part of Malwarebytes services to ensure protection is available.
Can I Disable or Remove mbam-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable mbam-telemetry.exe. It is safe to limit telemetry if you prioritize privacy, and you can adjust Malwarebytes settings or disable related services.
How to Stop mbam-telemetry.exe
- Pause Telemetry in Malwarebytes: Open Malwarebytes, go to Settings > Privacy > Telemetry, and disable data sharing.
- Disable Service Startup: Open Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Malwarebytes Telemetry (mbam-telemetry.exe)
- Stop Background Apps: In Malwarebytes, disable 'Continue running in the background' if available
- Manual Stop: Open Services.msc, locate Malwarebytes Telemetry Service and stop it
- Uninstall Malwarebytes (optional): If you remove Malwarebytes entirely, telemetry will also be removed. Consider alternative security tools.
How to Uninstall Telemetry (as part of Malwarebytes)
- ✔ Open Apps & Features, select Malwarebytes, and choose Modify/Uninstall
- ✔ During reinstall, choose Customize and disable Telemetry or data sharing
- ✔ Alternatively, uninstall Malwarebytes entirely if you do not want Telemetry
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mbam-telemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources or causing performance issues, review telemetry settings and the Malwarebytes service.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry Upload Spikes: Check for active diagnostics; you can disable in Settings > Privacy.
- Background Data Continuously Sent: Limit data collection or scheduling in Malwarebytes Telemetry options.
- Outdated Malwarebytes Version: Update Malwarebytes to the latest version via Settings > About.
- Conflicting Security Software: Some antivirus or VPN software can conflict; temporarily disable to test.
- Malware Infection: If suspect, run a full Malwarebytes scan and ensure OS is clean.
- High CPU from Other Malware Apps: Identify culprits via Task Manager; optimize or disable other heavy apps.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Malwarebytes -> Settings -> Privacy -> Telemetry and disable data sharing
2. Restart Malwarebytes service
3. Ensure Windows updates are current
4. Check for conflicting software
5. Run a Malwarebytes scan to rule out malware
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mbam-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, mbam-telemetry.exe is a legitimate Malwarebytes component, not a virus. Verify its location in C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes and that it is digitally signed by Malwarebytes, Inc.
Why is mbam-telemetry.exe running in the background?
It runs to collect diagnostic and usage data to help Malwarebytes improve protection, performance, and troubleshooting.
Can I disable mbam-telemetry.exe without affecting protection?
Yes, you can disable telemetry reporting via Malwarebytes settings; the core protection components will continue to run without telemetry data.
Where is mbam-telemetry.exe located on Windows?
Typically under C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes\mbam-telemetry.exe, depending on the installation.
How do I know mbam-telemetry.exe is legitimate?
Check digital signature (Properties > Digital Signatures) and ensure the path shows Malwarebytes, Inc. Also verify the file size matches official versions after a Malwarebytes update.
Will disabling telemetry affect Malwarebytes support?
Telemetry data helps support diagnose issues; disabling it may limit diagnostic data but protection remains active.