- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/NT
- Date added: January 26, 2009
- Total Downloads: 112,176,415
- Downloads last week: 114,666
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 5286 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.
More popular Spyware Removers downloads
- 584,427 downloads 1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- 428,800 downloads 2. Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware
- 118,951 downloads 3. IObit Security 360
- 114,666 downloads 4. Spybot - Search & Destroy
- 30,156 downloads 5. Trend Micro HijackThis
- See all Spyware Removers downloads
User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 5286 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 344 user reviewsSee all 344 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Free!
I use it with all desktop/notebook computers I work on.
I encounter no problems when in place.Cons: None to write about.
Summary: I use this product often. Good thing CNET's around. I read CNET stuff everyday! Computer users and non-computer users should visit CNET often.
I will use Spybot often rather than purchase a similar solution. -
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Runs in the background, does what it says it will do.
Cons: I didn't find anything I didn't like.
Summary: I liked it so much, I sent them some money for the software, but this is entirely voluntary.
-
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"It downloads fine. CNET says its free,,, WRONG!!"
Pros: Easy to use . Format and layout user friendly.
Cons: You still have to pay 39.99 for a license to unlock it. Then it will work. I uninstalled it. Will stick with ADAWARE
-
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Got rid of viruses very easily. So simple to use.
Cons: Nothing to note.
-
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"Takes a while but seems to work..."
Pros: easy to use
Cons: takes a lot of time to search
Summary: Worth having.
- See all 344 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
- See more CNET content tagged:
- SpyBot,
- adware,
- anti-spyware
Previous Versions:
