A free and efficient anti-spyware tool
SpyBot – Search & Destroy is a free and robust anti-spyware tool that protects you and your device from online threats. The Windows application applies a unique method to find and eliminate different types of malware, tracking tools, and other unwanted software. While the program offers a range of premium edition plans, the free version consists of all the essential tools you would need to protect your online privacy.
Offers various benefits
Spyware programs are viruses designed to gather personal information such as your passwords, username, debit and credit card details, email accounts, and more. Detecting these programs is extremely difficult, given they secretly run in the background collecting data without any consent whatsoever. However, once found, you can get rid of the malicious software with a spyware tool.
SpyBot Search & Destroy free is such tool, detecting spyware on your computer and removing them instantly. For a safer-networking experience, SpyBot protects users against many types of spyware, including keyloggers, adware, tracking cookies, and malware attacks. It runs in the background to protect you against privacy breaches and cyber attacks.
Beginner-friendly interface
When you complete SpyBot Search & Destroy download and install it on your computer, a window opens up asking you to choose your preferred language. The program then opens to a home screen containing a primary menu as well as a few toolbars with well-placed icons for specific functions. Upon opening the menu, you can start or schedule a scan, customize operations, and manage cookies.
Automatic and manual operation
The moment you start using the application, you will get a prompt asking you to choose between manual and automatic controls. If you select the latter, the program takes care of all its functions, including running background scans and removing unwanted software. This option comes in handy if you’ve never worked with an anti-spyware tool before.
However, if you select the former and take manual control of SpyBot free, you can customize a range of the program’s operations. You can explore log files and decide when the application starts, scans, and displays warning threats. In case you want to go back to automatic scanning and removal, you can easily switch back anytime you like.
Multiple scanning options
Sometimes, when you download software programs from the internet, malicious spyware installs itself on your PC. SpyBot Search & Destroy free lets you scan your Windows device using its three different scanning options. If you opt for a deep scan, the program checks the entire system and flags any spyware that it finds. However, it doesn’t provide in-depth information on the type of malware located.
The program also gives users the option to run a quick scan. With it, you can scan specific files, folders, or applications. While the deep scan takes time, this scan lets you handpick folders, like the download folder, and finds any spyware you may have unintentionally installed. You can also use SpyBot free to schedule scans during startup or after every few hours.
Additional scanning feature
The free version of the SpyBot application also performs a Rootkit scan. This is, as the name suggests, a scan that locates rootkits. This type of malware uses high-end technology to hide its actions from system processes as well as other users. The scan checks the system’s registry and different processes to find and eliminate rootkits.
Blocks dangerous sites
SpyBot comes with an essential feature called immunization, which blocks access to dangerous sites and prevents plugins and cookies from stealing information. The tool works with almost all internet browsers, including Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. While the feature is quite handy, it doesn’t yet work with Microsoft Edge.
Another essential feature included in the app’s free version is its online trace deletion, including browser history, apps, cookies, and opened files. While you can do all of this by yourself using browser settings, SpyBot Search and Destroy free download does a thorough job and protects you from adware that tracks your online activity.
Control system startup
With SpyBot’s help, you can manage apps that load when your computer starts up. The program comes with a comprehensive set of toolbars so you can inspect behavior and make changes when necessary. However, since the program lets you make registry changes, you must stay extra cautious while using this feature to ensure you don’t make changes that impact the system.
Is SpyBot Search and Destroy safe to use?
Yes. The program is safe to use and doesn’t slow down your Windows 7 or above PC. Compared to other tools, the program uses limited CPU and RAM, and you should not notice it while it is running. In spite of that, the program doesn’t do well with speed, so you may have to wait a while for it to complete a deep scan.
Is SpyBot Search and Destroy free?
Yes. You can download and use the program for free. However, this version of the tool doesn’t work in real-time and has limited capabilities. It only offers anti-spyware scanning and deletion, startup administrator, and system immunization. It doesn’t include anti-virus, and for that, you may need to upgrade to the premium edition or install a separate antivirus program.
Are there any alternatives?
While SpyBot is comprehensive, it doesn’t include some features that users may be looking for when downloading an application that provides overall system security. If you’re looking for alternatives, you should therefore check out Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, and CCleaner.
Should I download SpyBot Search & Destroy?
If you already have an anti-virus application on your computer and are looking for a program that protects you specifically against spyware, tracking cookies, and adware, you should download SpyBot. The program performs numerous scans to eliminate threats and keep your information private. However, if you want comprehensive network security, you may want to look for another program or upgrade to the paid version.
Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn’t intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser’s start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don’t see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies.
Spybot-S&D is free, so there’s no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too
