- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: January 26, 2009
- Total Downloads: 110,879,142
- Downloads last week: 103,767
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 5205 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.
The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.
Unfortunately, the program has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors. The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn't, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.
Watch the CNET video review of Spybot - Search & Destroy:
Publisher's description
From Patrick M. Kolla :Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
What's new in this version:
Version 1.6.2 features support for the latest Opera releases, support for Google Chrome, and improved support for fast user switching while Spybot is running.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 5205 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 263 user reviewsSee all 263 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Spybot is just great It increases my comfort level knowing that my PC is well protected
Cons: There is nothing not to like. Your updates are timely and have proven to be just a great tool
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"worked fine until it became the default program for mp3"
Pros: worked great for the most of the time, boyfriend thinks it caused the pc to slow down and added its own spyware
Cons: became the default program for opening mp3s and wanted to scan every mp3 before playing it
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: It has allways worked for mer
Cons: Sometimes was confusing, but I was able to use it satisfactorily
Summary: It relieved my nervousness about spyware
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Once again most computer users are looking for something simple that works. Spybot does just that.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: It is always working. I have yet to have anything malicious on my computer since using Spybot Search & Destroy.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Works first time, is quick and reassuring.
Cons: To many options.
- See all 263 user reviews Write review
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