Free anti-spyware programs are available from prominent cybersecurity companies like Trend Micro and ESET
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Some of them only work when you manually start the scan.
Other scanners removesomemalware but not spyware, so I’ve omitted those from this list.
It updates often, installs and scans quickly, and gives you complete control over what gets scanned.
It can scan the whole computer or just parts of it where spyware normally exists.
you’ve got the option to see just how comprehensive it is!
It’s been my #2 pick for a long time.
The software works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
For years, it’s been one of the first programs I install on any new computer.
It’s easy to use and tends to find a lot more malicious items than similar programs.
There’s an option to scan within archives, ignore certain files/folders, and to scan for rootkits too.
Automatic updates, a more detailed scanning schedule, and automatic quarantine are only available in the premium version.
it’s possible for you to start a trial from inside the free version.
The same company also offers the lighter, and portable,Malwarebytes AdwCleanertool.
It finds not only spyware and adware, but also PUPs and surfing app hijackers.
Avast sells paid antivirus programs but also offers this free one, all of which provide anti-spyware protection.
AVG provides not only protection for your box but also for your web activity and email.
Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7 users can download AVG.
It’s also supported on macOS 10.11 and newer.
I like to store this one on my own ‘rescue’ flash drive with other useful recovery tools.
you could choose everything or custom areas like certain folders or hard drives only.
HouseCall is said to run on Windows 10 through Windows XP.
I also used it on Windows 11 and it worked perfectly.
This is a fully portable program, meaning it doesn’t install to your box.
Much like HouseCall, this means it’s easily usable from a portable rig.
It works on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
For that, use one of the other programs I recommend above.
One of the most notable features is its immunization option, which blocks common threats in various web browsers.
It’s as easy as scanning for the vulnerabilities and then selectingApply immunization.
Of course, Spybot can also “search and destroy” spyware, too, using its system scanner.
If you have particular files to scan, you’re free to do that as well.
It’s very lightweight, takes seconds to download and under a minute to start scanning.
I recommend getting this one if you think the other programs in this list look too confusing.
you’re free to use this program in Windows 11 and probably older versions, too.
Dr.Web CureIt!
anti-spyware scanner is completely portable.
You mustpurchase Dr.Web CureIt!to use it in any other form.
EEK can also check for spywaretracesthat exist in the registry and elsewhere that could indicate an infection.
There are also some options for finding potentially unwanted programs and rootkits.
They are both included in this one download.
it’s crucial that you have Windows 11 or Windows 10 to install EEK.
It also works with Windows Server 2016 and newer.
There’s a 32-bit and a 64-bit option on the download page.
It runs on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
It’s said to run on Windows 10, 8, and 7.
It has a clean, new design and isn’t hard to use.
Like most always-on antimalware programs, Adaware supports silent/gaming mode and exclusions.
It can also scan boot sectors, rootkits, archives, processes, cookies, and registry items.
Their website says the program can be installed on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
I’ve tested it on and off over the years, in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
After downloading it, open ComboFix.exe to immediately start the whole process.
After that, the scan starts automatically, and you see the results populate inCommand Prompt.
