Spybot 2.9.85.5

Winner of Best Anti-Malware Tool in 2017 and 2014.

Overview

SpyBot – Search & Destroy (Spybot-S&D) finally released its next update version. Within the past five years, this smart app won a large audience of loyal users thanks to its great features, functionality and protection it grants free of charge.

Spybot-S&D scans, detects and removes spyware from your PC or laptop. Not all paid anti-virus programs cover spyware as they are now – widespread, cunning, silent. They track your browsing behavior without your consent and transmit the gathered data to compilers and advertising agencies, and who knows where else. You may notice a new browser toolbar you didn't install, or your browser starts crashing unexpectedly with no apparent reason, or your home page changed without your authorization. You should know these are the signs your PC is most likely infected with spyware. In case, there are no suspicious symptoms your computer may still be spyware affected and sending your sensitive data to third parties. Spyware emerges every day in large quantities and Spybot-S&D is a free and effective solution to this problem. In fact, giving this nifty freeware a try won't do you any harm. When Spybot-S&D finds spyware modules, it either removes them to Quarantine, or replaces them with empty folders that do not transmit anything, because sometimes host applications won't work without the bot. However, these cases are rare and removing spyware does not affect host applications performance.

Installation

The installation will take you a couple of minutes, just pay attention to the wizard instead of only clicking Next on every window. You are offered to donate, but you can choose to “decide later”. It is advisable to close other applications for a smooth installation process. If you already had a previous version of SpyBot SDD 2 installed, you can choose to uninstall it which will require a reboot. Installation resumes after reboot. You can choose some basic settings right at the installation process: schedule regular scans, updates, immunizations. You can also choose the level of your personal involvement and control between fully automated performance and manual which gives you more control and responsibility. After installation, you can change these settings if you need to. There are no bundled software that comes with the installation.

Interface

Spybot-S&D's interface is easy, but requires a little getting used to, mainly due to the number of options. If you choose the manual mode, where updates and scans are prompted by user, you will easily find the buttons to Update and Start a Scan in the Start Center. Spybot-S&D offers a comprehensive User Manual for enhanced experience. There have not been detected any compatibility issues so far.

This version offers Internet protection enabled by default. Overall interface experience is positive – clear, user-friendly. It is possible to sort things out even for a PC beginner.

Pros

- Removes usage tracks (files you open, websites you visit, cookies, programs you use) and temporary files making it harder for unknown spyware transmit data about your browsing behavior.
- Supports Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape Communicator, Mozilla Firefox.
- Finds and corrects invalid registry entries.
- Generates extended system reports for advanced users.
- Is available in English, German, French, Italian and Russian.
- Is compatible with all Windows editions, including XP, Windows 7 and 8, both 32- and 64-bit versions.
- Shreds, kills and scans separate files.

Cons

Could not identify any.

Alternatives

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware detects, destroys and prevents malware. HijackThis, a free utility that scans your computer and finds settings that may potentially have been altered by spyware, malware or adware. SpywareBlaster, a trusted free application that prevents spyware installation on your PC. Dr.Web CureIt! Is a free utility that scans and cures your PC from malware.

Conclusion

We rate Spybot S&D excellent 5 stars. Free, easy to use even for beginners, this smart application offers spyware protection and some basic PC maintenance, like cleaning temporary files and immunization, scanning, shredding or killing files and folders. Although it is not a full replacement for an anti-virus program, it is an excellent complimentary means of PC security.