The Best Spyware Removal Software for Your Desktop (Ranked and Rated)

Also sometimes called adware, spyware is a type of malware that covertly infects computers to collect user data without consent. Spyware might monitor the websites a user visits, redirect a browser to a different website, or send pop-up advertisements. More malicious spyware can even track keystrokes to collect personal information such as login IDs, passwords, browsing history, email addresses, email content, banking information, credit card numbers, and anything else you type on your computer. As a result, spyware makes your computer sluggish and puts your identity, privacy, and security at risk.

How Do I Check My PC for Spyware?

To check your desktop computer for spyware, you can manually look for it by opening the computer's Task Manager. First, click on the Processes tab. Then, read through the list of applications and processes currently running. Perform a quick search to learn more about any unknown applications before removing the ones you do not know.

If you know what you're looking for, manual checks can be effective. However, you can improve the process and save time by automating a spyware check with security software. While some types of antivirus software include spyware scans and removals, highly rated software designed specifically for detecting and removing spyware is recommended.

How Do I Get Rid of Spyware on My Computer?

The fastest, most effective, and most efficient way to remove spyware from a PC is to use security software to detect and delete spyware applications. To ensure effectiveness and security, you must use a legitimate spyware removal product and ensure that it is compatible with any other antivirus software running on your computer. It's important to note that good spyware removal software can also help prevent your computer from becoming infected in the future.

Additionally, you should always keep your operating system and applications updated. These updates introduce new patches to further strengthen your computer and eliminate vulnerabilities.

As a last resort, a PC can be reset to factory settings which removes all files, settings, and programs installed on the computer - including spyware. This is an extreme measure, however, and should not be performed without first backing up all of your files. After a factory reset, none of your settings, files, or programs will remain. While this method is quite effective, rare specialized types of spyware might survive.

The Top 10 Best Spyware Removal Software for Your Desktop

1. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes has millions of users and provides good detection, removal, and protection against spyware. Although its free version is missing some useful features, the paid options are very affordable.

Is Malwarebytes Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Malwarebytes Better Than Windows Defender?	The two are fairly comparable, but the premium version of Malwarebytes includes several features that Windows Defender does not.
Price	Free $0.00; Standard $45.00/year; Plus $60.00/year; Ultimate $120.00/year
Can Malwarebytes Restore Removed Items?	Deleted items cannot be restored in Malwarebytes.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, anti-malware, ransomware protection, exploit protection, VPN
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	Yes
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	No
Keylogger Blocking	Detection and removal
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook

2. Bitdefender

Bitdefender's Total Security suite offers everything PC users need to protect themselves, their computers, and their sensitive information. In addition to all of the standard protections, it includes embedded ad and tracking blockers and a hardened browser specifically designed to safeguard financial transactions.

Is Bitdefender Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Bitdefender Better Than Windows Defender?	Bitdefender offers more features and protection than Windows Defender, but you will have to pay to use them.
Price	All-in-One Plans: Premium 71.99, Ultimate $79.99/first year
Can Bitdefender Restore Removed Items?	Yes, Bitdefender can restore quarantined and deleted items.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, internet security, ransomware, firewall, spyware, safety checks, spam filtering
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	Yes
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	No
Virtual Keyboard	Yes
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	No
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

3. Norton

Norton has been a trusted name in online security since the early 1990s, and it has a good track record. Its contemporary products are advanced and well-rounded, offering excellent protection, detection, and removal features. Additionally, its LifeLock feature helps users monitor their identity and quickly detect identity theft. With LifeLock, Norton provides assistance to help users address and deal with identity theft if it occurs.

Is Norton Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Norton Better Than Windows Defender?	Although Norton offers no free version, it is often touted as superior to Windows Defender because it offers a more robust suite of tools.
Price	Plus $29.99; Standard $39.99; Deluxe $49.99; Norton 360 with LifeLock $79.99/first year
Can Norton Restore Removed Items?	Deleted files can be recovered if they have not been overwritten (replaced with a new file in the same location as the original).

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, spyware, identity protection, online privacy, ransomware
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	No
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	Yes
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Android, Mac, iOS

4. Total AV

Total AV provides strong, real-time protection against spyware and internet trackers through a well-designed and easy-to-use interface.

Is Total AV Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Total AV Better Than Windows Defender?	Total AV is more user-friendly than Windows Defender and offers strong malware protection in addition to tune-up tools.
Price	Free; Antivirus Pro $29.00/$99.00; Internet Security $39.00/$129.00; Total Security $49.00/$149.00 first year/renewal
Can Total AV Restore Removed Items?	Files in the trash are automatically deleted after 30 days. Before that time, deleted files can be restored and recovered from the trash.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, internet security, real-time protection, VPN, password protection
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	No
Network Security Scan	No
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	Yes
Virtual Keyboard	Yes
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

5. McAfee

Founded in 1987, McAfee developed VirusScan, which was the first-ever anti-virus software on the market, and the company has been a popular option in antivirus software ever since. Their modern products are robust and offer a wide array of features.

Is McAfee Trustworthy?	Yes
Is McAfee Better Than Windows Defender?	McAfee provides superior, comprehensive security compared to Windows Defender.
Price	Essential $39.99; Premium $49.99; Advanced $99.99; Ultimate $199.99/two years
Can McAfee Restore Removed Items?	McAfee offers backup software that allows you to restore files that have been deleted.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, malware, spyware, ransomware insurance coverage, identity theft coverage, credit lock, account cleanup, password management, file shredder
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	Yes
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	No
Keylogger Blocking	Yes
Virtual Keyboard	Yes
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

6. Surfshark

Surfshark's winning feature is its powerful VPN with unlimited simultaneous device use. Its unusual packages pair the VPN with a variety of antivirus and other protections including malware and spyware in addition to identity protection features and monitoring.

Is Surfshark Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Surfshark Better Than Windows Defender?	While Windows Defender offers somewhat better and more consistent protection (antivirus and malware) than Surfshark, it does not offer a VPN or other popular features that are available with Surfshark.
Price	Starter $26.28; One $32.28; One+ $51.48/year
Can Surfshark Restore Removed Items?	No, Surfshark does not restore deleted files.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	VPN, ad blocking, identity protection, antivirus, spyware, malware, data management
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	No
Network Security Scan	No
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	Yes
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Chrome, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Edge

7. AVG

Owned by Norton, AVG has consistently been shown in testing to offer excellent malware detection. In addition to superior malware protection rates, AVG has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide array of additional features and tools.

Is AVG Trustworthy?	Yes
Is AVG Better Than Windows Defender?	Lab testing has shown AVG to be much more effective than Windows Defender regarding malware detection in lab tests.
Price	Free; Ultimate $59.88/first year
Can AVG Restore Removed Items?	Yes, AVG can restore deleted files using the System Restore feature.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, malware, spyware, enhanced firewall
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	Yes
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	Yes
Virtual Keyboard	Yes
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes (with Secure Identity plan)
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

8. Avira

Owned by Norton, Avira Premium not only includes automatic updates but also the latest tools and versions of its products. Additionally, it features a full unlimited VPN, a robust network scanner, and strong anti-spyware features.

Is Avira Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Avira Better Than Windows Defender?	Avira's free version is not considered to be as robust as Windows Defender, but its paid, all-in-one versions are thought to offer a more complete software suite.
Price	Free; Avira Prime $59.99; Avira Internet Security $34.99/first year
Can Avira Restore Removed Items?	Avira cannot restore deleted items.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, malware, spyware, VPN
Security Suite	Avira provides options for an all-in-one security suite
Hardened Browser	No
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	No
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	Yes
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

9. Avast AntiTrack

Owned by Norton, Avast AntiTrack is excellent at thwarting trackers that are embedded in the websites you visit. The software is especially good at confusing trackers that use an advanced form of identifying and tracking called fingerprinting which identifies users with a whole collection of data stored in your browser.

Avast also offers a variety of other downloadable tools, including free antivirus protection.

Is Avast Trustworthy?	Yes
Is Avast Better Than Windows Defender?	The paid versions of Avast antivirus software offer several features that Microsoft Defender does not. Avast's free version, however, lacks parental controls and sign-in protection.
Price	1 PC $54.99/year; 10 Devices $64.99/year
Can Avast Restore Removed Items?	Deleted files cannot be restored in Avast.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Spyware
Security Suite	Avast One offers a premium security suite with a variety of tools
Hardened Browser	No
Network Security Scan	No
Webcam Protection	No
Keylogger Blocking	No
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	Yes
Identity Monitoring	No
OS Compatibility	Windows, Mac

10. ESET

ESET offers a wide range of packages and cybersecurity software suites that include various features and applications. It consistently tests well for malware detection, making it an excellent choice for detecting and removing spyware from your PC. Additionally, its unique anti-theft feature can help you secure and find your laptop or Android device if it is lost or stolen.

Is ESET Trustworthy?	Yes
Is ESET Better Than Windows Defender?	ESET has consistently achieved significantly higher scores on malware detection rates compared to Windows Defender.
Price	Free; Essential $41.99; Premium $48.99; Ultimate $125.99/year
Can ESET Restore Removed Items?	Yes, ESET can restore some deleted files. In some cases, though, files will not be able to be restored.

Specs and Configurations
Protection Type	Antivirus, malware, server, email, password, anti-theft, network
Security Suite	Yes
Hardened Browser	Yes
Network Security Scan	Yes
Webcam Protection	Yes
Keylogger Blocking	Detection
Virtual Keyboard	No
Active Do Not Track	No
Identity Monitoring	Included with some plans
OS Compatibility	Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS

FAQs: Frequently Asked Spyware Removal Questions

Can Antivirus Remove Spyware?

Some antivirus software also detects and removes spyware. You should check to determine whether or not your computer is protected against spyware. If your antivirus software does not protect against spyware, then you should also use spyware detection and removal software that is compatible with your antivirus protection.

Does Resetting a PC Remove Spyware?

A factory reset of a PC should remove spyware. Although they are rare, some specialized spyware programs can survive a factory reset by infecting the computer's recovery partition, peripherals, or backup.

Should You Have More Than One Spyware Remover Software Program on Your Computer?

You can have multiple spyware removers on your computer at once, but it is generally not recommended unless you verify that the programs are compatible. Incompatible programs can conflict with each other, render each other ineffective, cause operating issues, lead to system crashes, and even result in PC performance issues. While it's possible to have multiple, you should never run them at the same time.

Does VPN Remove Spyware?

While a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your computer from spyware on public networks, it does not detect or remove spyware that has already infected your PC.

Can Spyware Be Removed Remotely?

In some cases, yes, spyware can be remotely removed from a PC. Some antivirus and spyware removal software companies offer remote assistance with spyware removal.

How Do You Recognize If Spyware Has Infected Your Computer?

Aside from scanning your computer with spyware removal software, signs of a spyware infection include:

• Your computer has become sluggish and is slower to open programs or process tasks.
• Pop-up ads and windows open frequently.
• You are often redirected to websites you did not intend to visit.
• You see new toolbars in your web browser.
• New icons appear in the task tray on your screen.
• Your browser has a new homepage (and you did not change it).
• Your browser now directs you to a different search engine when you click "search."
• You begin receiving error messages from Windows.
• Some keys might not work in your browser.

How Often Should You Scan Your Computer With Your Spyware Removal Software?

Experts recommend updating your spyware removal software daily and performing a full scan of your home PC for spyware every week. Quick scans can be performed daily, and custom scans should be run anytime you suspect a particular download. You can schedule these scans to occur at convenient times.

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