PonchoGuard for Windows (PC Guard)
When a remote-control program like AnyDesk starts, PonchoGuard asks one calm question.
Tech-support scams often end with a stranger taking over the computer. PC Guard notices when a remote-control program starts, like AnyDesk, TeamViewer or Quick Assist, and asks: "Did someone call and ask you to open it?"
Set it up
- On the Windows computer, get PonchoGuard from the Microsoft Store.
- Open it. In the welcome window, leave Start when I sign in to Windows checked.
- Press Turn on PonchoGuard. PonchoGuard sits in the small icons next to the clock.
- To try it, click the PonchoGuard icon and choose Try a practice alert.
When the question appears
- End it closes the program. Choose this if a stranger called you. Then hang up and call your family.
- Keep it open if you opened it yourself, for someone you know. PonchoGuard stays quiet about that program for 1 hour.
Connect the computer to your family
The computer shows a 6-digit code. A helper in your family types it on their phone, and you say yes on the computer. Family alerts from the computer come with the Family + PC Guard plan (up to 3 computers).
- On the computer, open PonchoGuard and choose Connect to my family. It shows 6 numbers, like 482 915. The code works for 10 minutes.
- Read the numbers to your helper, in person or over the phone. Only give this code to your family. PonchoGuard and Microsoft never call you to ask for it.
- Your helper opens PonchoGuard on their phone and goes to Family, then Their computers (on the family dashboard: Settings, then Computers and browsers). Under Add a computer they type the code, pick whose computer it is and press Connect.
- The computer asks Is this your family? and shows your helpers’ names. If they are your family, press Yes, connect. If you do not know them, press No, I don’t know them: nothing is connected.
- Both screens say Connected. Your helpers get a notice.
If the code ran out, press Get a new code on the computer. To disconnect, open PonchoGuard’s Settings and press Unpair this PC; your helpers are told. An older PonchoGuard for Windows that shows no code can still be connected with a setup file: in the family dashboard, open Settings, Computers and browsers, then Other ways to connect a computer.
Turn it off
- Click the PonchoGuard icon next to the clock and choose Turn off for now.
- Press Turn it off. If someone on the phone asked you to do this, choose Keep it on and call your family.
PC Guard does not read your files or what you type. It may not notice a program that was renamed. For fake virus warnings in the web browser, see the Chrome and Edge extension.