IObit Malware Fighter is an antivirus software designed to protect web users from malware, from Trojans to rootkits and ransomware. However, it can’t stop any malicious software from infecting your devices if it encounters an issue.
When IObit Malware Fighter refuses to open, stops detecting your system against threats and doesn’t show any signs of being active, it needs some manual repairs.
If you’re having problems with IObit Malware Fighter Free or Pro, read on to find out how to fix your antivirus and test it to ensure it’s giving your device the proper defence it needs.
- Best antivirus software (2023)
- Exclusive: Bitdefender antivirus is so good ‘even our competitors use us’
Update your antivirus
If your IOBit Malware Fighter software is acting up, you’ll first want to check if it needs an update. Not only can this clear up any issues the AV is experiencing, but it will also help protect your device from new threats.
Antivirus software these days are efficient enough to stay updated and notify users if they require a refresh. You will usually get a notification about your software needing an update. While it can be a pain to click “Update” and restart your device for the update to take effect, it’s certainly worth doing.
While protection programs are designed to detect malware signatures automatically and use behaviour-based detection to thwart any malicious software it sniffs out, even these systems need an update from time to time. This makes sure that any new threats that have surfaced can’t get by any older systems set in place as hackers continue to find ways to sneak past a system’s protection.
All the best protection software will notify you that an update is needed if you open the app. Otherwise, you can update that software manually.
For IObit Malware Fighter users, the paid Pro version automatically updates the program and database to the latest version; the Free version does not. Regardless, it’s good to know how to update the AV software manually.
You can manually update by opening IObit Malware Fighter and clicking the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select Check for Updates to update the program and database.
You can also update the antivirus by clicking Fix All on the main screen. Finally, you can right-click the IObit icon in the system tray on the task bar and selecting Check for Updates.
Test your antivirus
If IObit Malware Fighter can’t detect or protect you from the simplest of malware, there’s no point in installing it. Well, that’s why we review different software to make sure it’s all up to scratch, but there’s another way to test if your security is working: get malware.
It’s never something you want to have on your device, but the EICAR test file will put your worries at ease. It was developed by the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) to test products. And before you ask, “But isn’t using test malware still risky?” No. Not in the EICAR test file’s case.
The EICAR test file isn’t actual malware. It mimics the behaviour of malware that the security software can pick up. Providers acknowledge this as a general standard for testing, so your antivirus software will detect it like any other malware once it is detected.
So, to make sure your protection is working, try to download the EICAR test file via the website and see if IObit Malware Fighter detects it. If it doesn’t, then you’ll want to try other means.
Upgrade your antivirus software
More likely than not, the protection software on your device is the program that came with your device when you purchased it. You may have forgotten it was there or installed free software a while back. They may not be up to standard anymore, or your device may not click with them.
IObit Malware Fighter Free offers basic malware detection and protection for users. Since it’s free, it’s worth installing on your device if you don’t already have antivirus protection. However, it offers minimal real-time protection and saves many of its security tools for its paid version.
IObit Malware Fighter Pro provides users with an anti-ransomware tool, behaviour monitoring, detection for malware running in RAM and a Bitdefender engine for optimal detection and protection. It may not be the best antivirus software around, especially since it offers an engine from another AV. If you’re thinking about getting trusted protection, it may be time to look at other protection services (more on that below).
How to remove antivirus software
Whether you’ve previously been attacked by malware that’s disrupted your IObit Malware Fighter or your antivirus experienced a little hiccup, sometimes the best thing to do is to uninstall and reinstall the software.
Like with any PC, you can uninstall an app or program by heading into settings. Some software, such as Bitdefender or Norton, have an option to reinstall the app. However, if the option isn’t available, just install the package from your provider’s website again.
There are several ways to uninstall the Avast One antivirus program. To do so, follow the steps below.
Uninstall with Control Panel
1. On your Windows PC, type in “Control Panel” in the search field located on the Task Bar.
2. Click on the Control Panel app.
3. A window will pop up. Under Programs, click on Uninstall a program.
4. A list of installed programs will show up. Right-click Norton 360, or double-click and select “Yes”.
5. Follow the steps the Norton 360 service provides to uninstall.
6. Restart your device.
Uninstall in Safe Mode
Sometimes, an antivirus won’t be able to uninstall because it is running in Windows. If you’re unable to remove Norton 360, it’s best to uninstall it using Windows Safe Mode. Follow the steps below to use Safe Mode.
1. On your Windows PC, type in “Change advanced start-up options” in the search field located on the Task Bar.
2. A Settings window will pop up. Under Recovery options, click on Restart now next to Advanced startup.
3. In the next window, click Restart now.
4. A menu will appear. Click Troubleshoot.
5. Select Advanced options, then Startup Settings.
6. Click Restart.
7. Using the number keys, select Enable Safe Mode.
Use different antivirus software
If nothing appears to be working, it’s high time you change your protection software, preferably one of the best antivirus software.
Many free malware removal apps will dispatch malicious software on your device, but it’s a good idea to ensure these tools are trustworthy.
The best antivirus apps come with a suite of security features that can eliminate viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware or any malicious software that burrows into your device. Some software, such as Norton 360, offers security subscriptions specifically for multiple device platforms, like iOS on iPhone, macOS for Mac, Android and Windows. This makes it a more cost-effective option for those needing specific device protection.
IObit doesn’t have the best reputation as an anti-malware and anti-virus program, as it doesn’t have any antivirus scores from major testing labs. This doesn’t mean it can’t defend you against malicious software, but other AV services have solid results.
If your budget is tight, we recommend free apps from known cybersecurity companies, including Avast One and AVG AntiVirus. These will detect and remove malware on your device and more. Otherwise, check out our thoughts below.
- Norton 360 Platinum review: Security multiplied
- Avast One review: Strong protection for free!
- Bitdefender review: All-in-one premium security
- AVG Antivirus review: Free antivirus for the win
Should I use antivirus software?
The best antivirus software will detect and remove malicious programs and software affecting your device – including browser hijackers, ransomware, adware, spyware and more. Simply installing an antivirus and performing a system scan should be able to detect the source of the issue and get rid of it. What’s more, you don’t need to pay for all the security tools an antivirus service offers, as free antivirus software from providers such as Bitdefender, Avast One or AVG offers the same detection and removal features.
Still, protection software such as Malwarebytes Premium or Norton 360 Platinum offer plenty of fantastic features that will keep you guarded against threats you may not even be aware of. Plus, they even throw in VPNs, password managers and more to make navigating the internet a breeze.
