Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

kstev99 reviewed v30.5.2014 on Mar 19, 2014

Excellent Program ! One of the first things I install on a new computer. Sure, I use a good AV and MalwareBytes, but Winpatrol warns me every time someone tries to sneak an Auto-Updater or something worse into my startup..... or Tries to change my browser homepage or File associations without permission. Very light on resources, and the paid "Plus" version is well worth the few bucks.

Music4Ever reviewed v29.1.2013.1 on Dec 9, 2013

Great program, useful & worth every penny for the plus version - The guy who runs it has ethics too.

Music4Ever reviewed v26.1.2013 on Jan 7, 2013

This update is actually quite old but a most useful program, well worth buying the Plus version.

Music4Ever reviewed v25.6.2012.1 on Sep 20, 2012

Warns me of programs removed & start up programs removed or added & windows systems added & more, well worth running on any PC - A must have & I can't fault this program or the developer.

cltx99 reviewed v25.0.2012.5 on Jul 16, 2012

I've been using Winpatrol for years on all of my computers. It has always done what it is meant to do and it's very user friendly. I have nothing negative to say about it.

Music4Ever reviewed v25.0.2012.5 on Jul 13, 2012

Looks like the last two releases were bug fixes, though not had any issues - Getting better all the time.

@Zootopia3001- Impressed with Ghostery you mentioned on AM review, better than DoNotTrack+ I was using, a brilliant add-on !!

Zootopia3001 reviewed v25.0.2012.5 on Jul 13, 2012

Has had some quirks now and then in the last year(on my XP system) but seems to be resolved now. This is the only active realtime security that I use(paid version) other than Comodo Firewall and OpenDNS. Everything else is passive along with set security settings done either by myself or with the aid of other software such as Windows Worms Door Cleaner, Script Defender and others.

Scotty won't sell you out for a cheeseburger. Always on patrol. Nice software.

Music4Ever reviewed v25.0.2012 on Jul 9, 2012

Excellent program that's worth each & every penny ~

Midnight Rambler reviewed v24.1.2012 on Mar 23, 2012

Got this program cheap but found one reason was that the author takes forever to answer support emails.

Uriel reviewed v24.1.2012 on Feb 2, 2012

Scotty the watch dog is loyal as a dog can be. I have the paid version and this application(Scotty) alerts me whenever updates attempt to re enable start up functions that I don't want running in the back ground. Scotty also guards the registry and prevents changes to it without your consent. There is a host of other features too that will help to make your system more secure in both the free and paid versions.

yetisouth reviewed v20.5.2011 on May 19, 2011

The Full Version (shareware) is doing the job great, but the 'Freeware' version is totally useless. The delay built into the freeware version (to induce you yo buy the Full version) causes the warning come too late - the malware is already installed.
I use RegProt', which is free, works like a charm, and is tiny, so uses very little resources.

HeilNizar reviewed v20.0.2011.1 on Apr 29, 2011

Garbage
Leaves all kind of crap on uninstall.
Should be portable.

Input Overload reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 24, 2010

Great program that keeps an eye on what's happening & uses few resources.

soldier1st reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 24, 2010

unnuyijkseno is a low life spammer who has no life so don't visit the links it posts as they are malware filled

bellgamin reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 23, 2010

WinPat is half--a-HIPS (Host-based Intrusion Protection System). For about the same number of CPU cycles, it makes better sense to run a FULL-on HIPS, such as Malware Defender, or Private FW (which includes a HIPS) -- both of which are free.

However, WinPat gives better protection than no HIPS at all.

flibberyGiveIt reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 23, 2010

Excellent little program that monitors for changes to start up programs,
some file associations, homepage, more with no noticeable CPU load.
Manages browser cookies-let's some be set for automatic removal.
Manages start up programs, allow some to be put on a delayed start.
Monitors active x objects....
Pretty much looks at everything a malicious program/website needs
to change to muck with your computer.

TheDevilHimself reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 23, 2010

It also supports Windows 7 and Windows 7 x64.

cmotdibbler reviewed v19.0.2010.0 Beta on Sep 22, 2010

Used to use this years ago but AutoRuns lets you manage startup programs just as easily (and it is portable).

us3r reviewed v17.0.2010.0.0 on Mar 22, 2010

This program is a useless crapware. I wanted to use it only to manage in easy way which programs should be started with Windows(via registry, startup forlder) . But this BS program adds itself to start up with Windows all the time. What the f@ck for?

zapatero reviewed v17.0.2010.0.0 on Oct 12, 2009

Vey good, I have used it for years. It reports events that my normal AV (avast!) does not see at all, and allows me to take action about them. There is some delay, but this is irrelevant for me.

emanresU deriseD reviewed v16.0.2009.6 on Jun 2, 2009

Even "WinPatrol Plus" doesn't have a true "real time" feature. It does NOT kick in immediately. This software is simple-minded and underpowered.

myboy reviewed v16.0.2009.1 on Apr 8, 2009

The teatimer module in Spybot S&D (also free) does the same thing and without the annoying delay.

clay_N reviewed v15.9.2008.5 on Oct 13, 2008

Very useful tool for managing your system. Does a great job of monitoring my system and reporting new components that try to run. Sure, the free version has a minimum 1 minute delay before notification> If you need real time, spend the $30 and buy Winpatrol Plus. The $30 charge covers all your computers!!

Undesired Username reviewed v15.9.2008.5 on Oct 13, 2008

This might be useful if "real time" didn't mean, at best, "some time over the next minute".

radiomaffia reviewed v15.5.2008.0 on Jul 7, 2008

Good program except for the REALTIME warnings, they are just too late. What ever happened with Browser Sentinel(?)haven't heard from them since they changed there version from 1.35 to 2.11 and was a few years ago , that was the program with REAL realtime warnings.

aruprc reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Jul 5, 2008

Not bad, light on resources, does its job well without much drama. The default polling interval for startup entries is around 2 minutes and even though not real time, its close enough. Runs fine with other AVs and Windows defender which does real time polling and finally has x64 support. The start up delayer is another nifty feature.

Isys reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 28, 2008

I always run as admin, don't use uac, do use autoruns, never have problems but can't be bothered with know it all geeks either. Only Pro version of Winpatrol monitors startup in realtime, get your facts right, otherwise a handy program for little tasks like delaying startup programs etc.

aking80 reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 28, 2008

Wonderful program.

@cowgaR: People can and will do what they want. Your opinion is valued but your thoughts went a bit too far.

cowgaR reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 28, 2008

useless...

for first, stop being paranoid

for second, use your computer as a limited/restricted/standard (or whatever windows calls it) user, like it was intended since NT 3.5 user guidelines (looong before any linux, I used windows in such a manner long before they were written;-)

it is not my fault you are being stupid, then again, if you're not, and you're installing something as an administrator (for a while) you can use gorgeous TOTAL UNINSTALL (not advertising, you can try free trial yourself) to see where ALL things go...and you see it 10 times better than with this appz

then again, if you want to see your startup mess, use free AUTORUNS from sysinternals...best autorun util in this part of the galaxy

not to mention you have your firewall running and logs are enabled so you see what's going on...you don't have?

well then you really need some antivirus, antispyware, antimalware, even this useless crap to SEE WHAT'S GOING ON!?!

wise ppl don't need that, they KNOW what they're doing and when, not to mention under std account the programs can do s*** to LOCAL MACHINE registry, root, windows folder and so on and on, and UAC is running on Vista so what?!?...

hey, and I like versioning, version 15!, almost like my beloved (s***ty) ultraedit *grin*

just another useless appz that will steal your memory and slows down your comp, just a little tough...

darthbeads reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 28, 2008

The disaster that is why hello there's "review" smells like user error amongst other far (more foul, and less family-friendly) things to me....

why hello there reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 27, 2008

My goodness what a waste of time this thing is. I installed version 15, only to find it looks exactly the same as version 9 or whatever from a few years ago! I had it set to monitor startup items in "real time", then deleted and added items... Only to find... NOTHING happening! No alerts, nothing. Do I have a mistaken definition of "real time"? Maybe if I took a nap it would have alerted me, but honestly, who needs this crap?

Gee, I hope this is "user error"! I mean, when YOU add new shortcuts to the Startup folder, you get an alert from WinPatrol IMMEDIATELY, right? RIGHT? Sure you do...

xapaox reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 27, 2008

currently installed on my vista pc and without problems, everything is fine just like when i had it on win xp. A must have!

bufftbone reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 26, 2008

Dont hate the playa, hate the game!

Straspey reviewed v15.0.2008.0 on Apr 25, 2008

Been using this program since version 9.x and cannot live without it.

Not only will it give you real-time warnings of any changes being made to your system, but the PLUS version offers a huge database of information on all the files which it detects. I paid for this program and cannot praise it highly enough. The new version has ActiveX controls for IE as well.

Also, the developer is a wonderful guy who really knows his stuff and you should check out his blog.

pctech5189 reviewed v14.0.2007.1 on Mar 27, 2008

Best security software very light not even noticable when running. Excellenet detection of new registry. I use this with avast and is the best. That guy with the 4 rating is a joke when he said somthin bout version 11 that version is old this is version 14.

zapatero reviewed v14.0.2007.1 on Feb 4, 2008

WP does not react immediately, it has a noticeably delay. But it is a useful monitor and do not introduce problems like many other security apps do.

radiomaffia reviewed v14.0.2007.0 on Jan 28, 2008

When this app was running in his 11.XXX version it had some critics that it was not warning you in realtime, if something happens you allready had to take action and after 1 minutes winpatrol awakes and was warning you about changes, did they solved this problem now because I see everybody is rating it with 5*... (except mine)

RWW reviewed v12.2.2007.0 on Oct 29, 2007

Excellent! Have used it on two machines and works perfectly. Used Mike Lin's Startup Monitor 'til he gave that up.

flibberyGiveIt reviewed v12.2.2007.0 on Oct 29, 2007

I paid for it. That's the highest praise I can give.

Note that this is note an arrog, uh, automatic
program like Norton AV, it is a watch dog. Woof,
what should we do about this program from the Sony/
BMG music disk that wants to run on next startup?

DakotaSunRunner reviewed v12.2.2007.0 on Oct 29, 2007

Excellent program, nothing more need be said.

Tao2005 reviewed v12.0.2007 on Sep 10, 2007

What can I say bout this program. Only that it's the best and raddist program out there. The best tool, that I have downloaded ever.

p51d007 reviewed v12.0.2007 on Aug 5, 2007

Another "must have" for your toolbox. The feature I like the most is the monitoring of the startup folders. Sometimes the most innocent looking program will try to hide something in the startup folder, but "Scotty" the watch dog will bark and alert you beforehand.

bobad reviewed v12.0.2007 on Aug 3, 2007

Many people recommend to use "layers" of spyware and Trojan protection. This is one of those layers you need... a program that detects changes to what starts up with Windows through any of several means.

If you really think about it, just about all malware adds itself to the registry's "run", "run services", the Startup Folder, the Win.INI or System.INI files. Therefore, this little program can stop (or at least warn you about) probably 95% of all malware trying to infect your system.

I'll probably be lambasted for saying this, but I believe a smart and conscientious user could get by with WinPatrol and nothing else for protection. Good dog! You get a 5!

Tao2005 reviewed v11.3.2007 on Jul 11, 2007

Great Start Manager. Blows MSconfig out of the water, I will also say the same for Autoruns. Both Managers are excellent, thought I do use this one all the time. I would rate it higher, but the counter only goes to 5.

DIRKES reviewed v11.2.2007.1 on Apr 5, 2007

I work now now a few years with it. WinPatrol shows, if software get installed in the windows 'autostart' folder and WINDOWS-registry.
I manage cookies and services with it. Simply a be worth program.

skymanner reviewed v11.0.4.2007 Beta on Jan 30, 2007

I have used this program for over 4 years now and it works so much so that I would never run a computer connected to the internet without it. It is clean, simple and error free.

Bachalor reviewed v11.0.4.2007 Beta on Jan 30, 2007

Timt tot ime i test software. Winpatrol helps me a lot, if software install inadvertently software or entries in the registry.

imnra reviewed v10.0.5 on Oct 10, 2006

Been using this software for years and it just gets better. You can view all services, hidden files, and get details/info....even edit your tasks/services (disable, stop, start or remove). In addition you can monitor any changes. WinPatrol will notify you of changes to your tasks & services. This software is easy to use and offers users easy methods to edit and view system files. I give it a 5! Try it for awhile and then try to get by without it. Never had a compatibility problem (IE7, SpyWare Doctor, Norton 2007, etc.).

bellgamin reviewed v10.0.5 on Oct 9, 2006

WinPat is okay for blocking unwanted start-ups. However, as stated in below comment by nefarious, WP is no match for *serious* malware. Further, it does not disclose WHICH registry entries it does & does not cover. By no means does WP cover all the sensitive registry entries, as listed over YONDER. Further, the scope of WP's registry coverage is not user configurable.

For better patrolling of startup entries, consider such programs as AppDefend, System Safety Monitor, Spybot S&D Tea Timer, & MJRegistryWatcher.

rpsgc reviewed v10.0.3 on Aug 12, 2006

Awesome piece of software! Can't live without it ;)

zapatero reviewed v10.0.3 on Jul 21, 2006

Version 10.0.3
Winpatrol does have real-time detection capabilities. For example, I have received warnings about new start-up programs, modifications to the HOSTS file, new IE helpers and changes to IE home and search pages. In every case I have been able to approve or reject the change.

nefarious1 reviewed v10.0.1.0 on Jun 30, 2006

It continues to baffle me why people still rave about this application. Of course, the praise is mainly because it's free (except for the useless "PLUS" features).

The "Startup Programs" that are monitored don't cover everything. The "File Types" monitoring keeps track of what master file types specified extensions use, but it totally ignores the contents of the master file types themselves. So, all software (whether malware or otherwise) would have to do is to edit the master file type--something you can easily prove yourself, assuming you are a WinPatrol fan who has actually run Regedit before.

And the "Real-time" monitoring settings are a joke. I've tested this, and it certainly is NOT "real time".

I'll graciously give it a 3 because it can be handy to keep on top of non-malicious use of common startup locations and services, but as for intercepting malware... Please, don't make me laugh.

andyted2 reviewed v10.0.1.0 on Jun 30, 2006

I have been using this program since ver 8. that I got free on a magazine disc and I look forward to the same protection that I have with Ver.8, I would highly commend this program to anyone who wishes to protect their PC from Malware.
Andyted2