Windows Defender

For most people, this will be their default spyware and adware removal program. Published by Microsoft, Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista and is available as a free, easy to install download for earlier versions of Windows. It offers real-time protection, which helps stop malicious programs from ever reaching your computer, and automatically updates itself with information about the latest spyware programs. It also allows you to scan your computer yourself for spyware that may already be installed and it will remove any that is found. Three scanning options are available, which each take different amounts of time and offer different levels of detection.

While Windows Defender is a good basic program with several useful customization options, it's probably not enough to really fully protect against spyware and adware infections. Those who use this program should consider also using one of the other programs described in this article.