Monitor Computer Activity with Win Spy
The Windows operating system records all kinds of information when the computer is used. It records what searches are performed on the computer system, what programs are opened or saved, which urls are opened and which documents have been opened recently.
While many users do not worry about those information, some prefer to manage which information is recorded and which is not.
While there are options to deal with these information, for instance by running a cleanup program such as CCleaner regularly, you may also want to know what kind of information is recorded in first place to make a better decision.
Naturally, you can also use it to look up what other users have been doing on a machine, provided that you have access to the account they used.
Super WinSpy
Win Spy is a free software program that can monitor computer activity, or to be more precise, to display what has been recorded by the Windows operating system in the past.
It displays general operating system items like the recent documents but also Internet Explorer specific records extracted from the index.dat file.
Each of the eight pieces of data bits the program makes available are accessed with a click on one of the tabs on top of the application.
The program lists all records in a table afterwards that reveals file paths and file names, but not additional information such as the time of the event.
Files can be executed by double-clicking them. While the application is great to monitor computer activity, it does not come with the means to erase the information.
A simple web search usually provides the tools to delete the information from the computer system.
Update: The most recent version of Win Spy is fully compatible with all recent versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Support for Firefox and Chrome has been added as well in a recent version so that these two browsers and Internet Explorer are supported now.
Win Spy can be a useful tool to verify that the recording of data on the system has been stopped. It is usually necessary to change settings in the Windows Registry for that though. Check out this tutorial as a starting point.
Update 2: Super WinSpy is no longer available. We have uploaded the latest release version of the software program to our download server. Note that we have done so for archiving purposes, and don't support the program in any way. You can download the application with a click on the following link: Super WinSpy
Does it come back after every “moment” update?
Yeah right.. Like this is going to stop defender from running =) This is comedy gold right here.
no ‘about the author’ paragraph?
For permanent disable defender is if removed complete from system no just change permission folder.
Just this is joke.
simpler, load Autoruns (SysInternals)
– filter “Defender”
– untag all entries
– reboot
nothing has changed since my 1st modification years ago
I wouldn’t disable Defender imho, it has too many hidden roots inside Windows itself. One time I tried to uninstall it using brute force scripts and then the Onedrive feature stopped working definitely. A reinstallation was needed and since those times I prefer to maintain Defender untouched. It’s a better method to install another antivirus and it will disable Defender in a safer and easier mode (e.g., Avast is the best in this way, and also Panda Cloud Free is good too).
U are just * [Editor: removed] thats the problem ;p first of all u shall always debloat windows u shall have max 65 services with your drivers for pc and windows own servs. You didnt know what that script did
You can not stop defender from running in background or remove it without some penalty. All you can do is to limit telemetry.
@borts,
It’s probably Smartscreen which is preventing WD from being disabled. Get rid of that and the problem should be solved: https://thegeekpage.com/disable-windows-defender-smartscreen/#How_to_disable_the_Windows_Defender_SmartScreen_via_Local_Group_Policy_Editor
Remove Windows and go for Linux.
Linux sucks dude. Besides it’s not comparable to Windows, these OSes are in different classes entirely.
I use Linux as my daily driver. It’s far more stable than Windows. When’s the last time you used Linux, 2010?
@basingstoke
You’re right, dude. Bro, linux is just a bunch of code that starts before the OS, dude. Brobrodude, that shit ain’t even got emojis, dudebrodudeman! Dudebro, it’s no way near as cool as Windows with its hardcoded abilities to make money off the user, bro. Yo brodude man, you’re the coolest dude ever man, bro. Dude.
Lol what? Windows 7 doesn’t come with any Emojis
Download Autoruns and remove the checkmark from Windows Defender. It doesn’t remove it, but it will never run. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns
Just use “Defender Control”:
https://www.sordum.org/9480/defender-control-v2-1/comment-page-1/#comments
Per this video,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLIjr7FyxZ8
it also works on Windows 11 too…
Win Defender, is completly the most succesful free-built in antivirus of Microsoft. Really nice product. Saved my ass a lot of times. Has updated malware database, completly strong defence
from whatever smart screen disables. Or if you want better and more upgrated (paid) program,
you can go further. But defender is always on your side.
Why would one disable Windows (or Microsoft) Defender in the first place?. I consider this to be playing with fire big time. Everybody knows that if one is using another A-V, Defender will be disabled on its own and won’t be in one’s way.
Why would I want to disable Windows Defender in the first place? It’s a great anti virus in my opinion. Been using it since Windows 8 and and never had a problem or a virus. Why mess with a good thing, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
How a ridiculous article!
I am thoroughly stunned.
Why Should You Disable First-Party Windows Defender?
I can only think that it is “malice or perversely intention (want you to buy a third-party AV where you can expect a back margin)” to guide invalidation without showing the premise.
No sane company will use third-party closed source programs (such as AV).
As I thought, “Ghacks Technology News” seems to be coming to downfall.