What Webroot is and where to get it
Webroot is antivirus and security software that runs on Windows and Mac computers. You install it once, and it works in the background to scan for threats. Before you install, you need a Webroot account — either one you already own, or a new one you create during setup.
You can get Webroot from the official Webroot website (webroot.com) or from a retailer that sells it. If someone gave you a license code or you bought it somewhere, you will use that code during installation. If you do not have one yet, you can create a free trial account on the Webroot website to test it first.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Webroot installer from webroot.com or use a license code you already have to begin the installation process.
- Run the installer file on your computer and sign in with your Webroot account details or create a new account during setup.
- Let the installation finish completely before opening other programs, and restart your computer when prompted.
- After installation, Webroot runs automatically in the background and you can check its status in your system tray or notification area.
- If installation fails, restart your computer and try again, or contact Webroot support if the error persists.
Download the Webroot installer file
Go to webroot.com in your web browser. Look for a button or link that says "Download" or "get your free guide" — it is usually on the home page. Click it, and the website will ask you to sign in or create an account. If you have a Webroot account already, enter your email and password. If you do not, click the option to create a new account and follow the prompts.
After you sign in, the website will show you a download button for Windows or Mac, depending on what computer you have. Click the button for your operating system. A file named something like "Webroot_Installer.exe" (Windows) or "Webroot_Installer.dmg" (Mac) will start downloading. Wait for it to finish — this usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Run the installer and sign in
Once the file has finished downloading, find it on your computer. On Windows, look in your Downloads folder. On Mac, check your Downloads folder or look in the Finder. Double-click the installer file to open it.
A window will pop up asking you to sign in to your Webroot account. Enter the email address and password you used when you downloaded the file. If you created a new account during download, use those same details. Click "Sign In" or "Next" — the exact button name depends on your version of Webroot.
Complete the installation steps
After you sign in, the installer will show you the license agreement. Read it if you want to, then click "I Agree" or "Accept" to continue. The installer will then ask where you want to install Webroot on your computer. The default location (usually "Program Files" on Windows or "Applications" on Mac) is fine — do not change it unless you have a specific reason to.
Click "Install" or "Next" to begin the actual installation. This step copies Webroot files to your computer and sets it up to run automatically. Do not close the installer window or restart your computer during this time — let it finish on its own. You will see a progress bar showing how far along the installation is. This usually takes two to five minutes.
Restart your computer when prompted
When the installation finishes, a message will appear asking you to restart your computer. Click "Restart Now" or "Restart Later" — if you choose later, restart within the next hour so Webroot can fully activate. Save any open work first, then restart.
After your computer restarts, Webroot will start automatically in the background. You do not need to do anything else. On Windows, you will see a small Webroot icon in the system tray (the area at the bottom right of your screen). On Mac, look in the menu bar at the top right. You can click this icon to open Webroot and see its status.
Verify Webroot is running
To check that Webroot installed correctly, look for its icon in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). Click the icon and a small window should open showing that Webroot is "Protected" or "Active". If you see a green checkmark or the word "Protected", the installation worked.
You can also open Webroot fully by clicking the icon and selecting "Open Webroot" or "Dashboard". This shows you more details about your protection status, when the last scan ran, and when your license expires. If Webroot shows any warnings or errors, write down the exact message and contact Webroot support with that information.
What to do if installation fails
If the installer will not open or stops partway through, restart your computer and try downloading the installer again. Sometimes a partial download or a temporary system issue causes the problem, and restarting fixes it. Download the file again from webroot.com, then run the new installer.
If you see an error message during installation, write down the exact text. Common issues include not having enough disk space, another security program blocking the installation, or an outdated version of Windows or Mac. If restarting does not fix it, visit the Webroot support page or contact their support team with the error message. They can tell you what the specific problem is and how to solve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall my old antivirus before installing Webroot?
It is strongly recommended. Running two antivirus programs at the same time can cause conflicts and slow your computer down. Uninstall your old antivirus through Windows Settings or Mac System Preferences first, restart your computer, then install Webroot.
Can I install Webroot on more than one computer?
Yes, but it depends on your license. Most Webroot licenses cover one to five devices. When you sign in during installation on a second computer, use the same Webroot account email and password. Webroot will recognize your license and install on that device too.
What if I forgot my Webroot password?
Go to webroot.com and look for a "Forgot Password" or "Sign In" link. Click it and enter your email address. Webroot will send you a password reset link. Click the link in your email, create a new password, then use that password when you run the installer.
Does Webroot slow down my computer?
Webroot is designed to use very little of your computer's resources. Most users do not notice a slowdown. If your computer feels slower after installation, restart it — sometimes the initial setup takes extra resources. If it is still slow after a restart, contact Webroot support.
Can I use Webroot on a work computer?
Check with your IT department or manager first. Many workplaces have security policies that require specific antivirus software or prevent installing new programs. Installing Webroot without permission could violate your company's policies.