Spybot–Search & Destroy

Spybot–Search & Destroy is a free program which will scan your hard drive for spyware and adware programs which cause your computer to run slowly and which pose a security and privacy risk. It also has an "immunize" feature which can help protect your computer from becoming infected again by spyware and adware.

Quick SetupFor Experienced Users

Experienced users can quickly download and install Spybot–Search & Destroy by downloading it from our download site. Follow the on-screen installation instructions to install and configure the program. When the installation is complete, update the spyware/adware definitions to the latest version.

Download Spybot–Search & Destroy

Step-By-Step Installation GuideFor Novice Users

1. Download the latest version of Spybot–Search & Destroy
2. Launch the setup program and install it on your computer.
   1. Double-click the Spybot setup icon.
   2. The installation wizard will appear.
   3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install AVG. Below is a complete list of the screens that appear and what you should do on each screen:

      Select Setup Language

      Make sure "English" is selected, then click "OK."

      Welcome

      Click the button labeled "Next."

      License Agreement

      Read the license, then click "I accept the agreement." Click "Next" to continue.

      Select Destination Location

      Click "Next" to continue.

      Select Components

      Uncheck the box labeled "Additional languages," then click "Next" to continue.

      Select Start Menu Folder

      Click "Next" to continue.

      Select Additional Tasks

      Make sure the last two options, "Use Internet Expolorer protection" and "Use system settings protection" are both checked. Click "Next" to continue.

      Ready to Install

      Click the button labeled "Install."

      Completing the Setup Wizard

      Click "Finish."

Running Spybot–Search & Destroy for the First Time

When you launch the program for the first time, it will automatically request an update. The following instructions guide you through this process:

1. 
   • Click "Next."
2. 
   • Click "Search for updates."
   • Spybot will connect to the Internet and search for updates to its spyware/adware definition files.
3. 
   • After the search for updates has completed, click the button labeled "Download all available updates."
4. 
   • Once the update process has completed, you will see the main program window (as shown above.)
   • To scan your computer for spyware/adware, click the button labeled "Check for problems."
   • Spybot will begin searching your entire hard drive. This process may take a while.
5. 
   • Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of problems like the one shown above.
   • To clear all the items off your computer, click the button labeled "Fix selected problems."
6. 
   • Before deleting files from your computer, Spybot will create a System Restore Point in case a problem arises after the spyware/adware is cleareed. This process may take a while.
   
   • Click "Yes" to remove all the detected spyware/adware.
   • In some cases, you may be told that some items could not be removed because the files were in use. If this happens, Spybot will ask if it may run itself the next time you boot your computer. Click "Yes" to allow this action, then reboot your computer.

• Once the files are removed, a warning will likely appear stating that you should immunize your computer. Click "OK" to proceed.
• In the main Spybot window, click the "Immunize" icon in the left-hand column.

To Protect Your Computer from Future Spyware/Adware Infections

Spybot can immunize your computer to prevent the accidental download and installation of many types of spyware and adware.

1. Open the "Immunize" window by click the "Immunize" icon in the main Spybot program window.
2. 
   • Click the button labeled "Immunize."

Keeping Spybot Up-to-Date

As with virus software, you need to keep Spybot up-to-date in order to get the best protection from spyware/adware. Manual updates can be performed by click the "Update" icon in the left-hand column in the main Spybot program window.