PELock
PELock protects compiled Windows applications against cracking, tampering, and reverse engineering, and includes tools for software licensing.
What PELock is
PELock protects compiled Windows applications against cracking, tampering, and reverse engineering, and includes tools for software licensing. It works with 32-bit Windows Portable Executable files such as EXE, SCR, DLL, OCX, CPL, BPL, DPL, ACM, and AX. Its anti-debugging methods are designed to detect cracking tools and block their actions. The license key manager can generate and verify RSA-2048 keys, manage users, and block illegally shared keys. Developers can set trial limits by days, executions, expiration date, or minutes of use. A virtual DLL binder can combine an application and libraries into one EXE, loading the libraries in memory without writing them to disk. SDK examples cover C/C++, Delphi, Lazarus, FreePascal, PureBasic, PowerBASIC, D, and Assembler. Plugins can add compression, detection, licensing checks, and loader functions. The maker lists compatibility from Windows 95 through Windows 10 and Windows Server 2003 through 2012, including 32- and 64-bit Windows.
Good
- Protects several compiled PE file formats
- License manager generates and verifies RSA-2048 keys
- Configurable limits for application trials
- Virtual DLL binder packages libraries into one EXE
- SDK examples cover multiple languages
Watch out
- Targets Windows applications
- Demo adds a startup message and expires after seven days
- Full version requires an internet connection
Who it suits
PELock is for developers distributing compiled Windows software who need application protection and licensing controls. Its SDK examples span several programming languages, while its trial settings can support time- or use-limited evaluations.
Verdict
PELock brings executable protection, key management, and trial controls together for Windows software. Check the demo restrictions and listed Windows compatibility range against your needs before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From PELock's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Personal License | $159, paid once | Licensed to an individual · Cannot be transferred or reimbursed by a company · Free lifetime upgrades and support |
| Company License | $299, paid once | Multi-user license for companies and organizations · Free lifetime upgrades and support |
The facts
Each one read from PELock's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Anti-debugging
- The product describes methods to detect cracking tools and block their actions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Demo limits
- The demo version adds a startup message, causes protected applications to expire seven days after protection, prevents project loading and saving, and omits some protection features.checked 7 Oct 2026
- DLL bundling
- The virtual DLL binder can combine an application and additional DLL libraries into one EXE, loading the libraries in memory without writing them to disk.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Exploit mitigations
- The product page says it supports applications using CFG, ASLR, DEP, and SAFESEH mitigations.checked 7 Oct 2026
- File support
- It can protect compiled Windows Portable Executable files, including EXE, SCR, DLL, OCX, CPL, BPL, DPL, ACM, and AX formats.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Its license key manager can manage users and keys, generate and verify keys, and block illegally shared keys; the page says keys use RSA-2048.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Plugins can add compression algorithms, cracking tool detection, licensing checks, and loader functionality; listed compression plugins include LZMA and kkrunchy’s lz77.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PELock protects 32-bit Windows applications against cracking, tampering, and reverse engineering, and includes a software licensing system.checked 7 Oct 2026
- SDK languages
- The SDK and examples cover C/C++, Delphi, Lazarus, FreePascal, PureBasic, PowerBASIC, D, and Assembler; the download page also links to the SDK on GitHub.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers lifetime email support and full access to the community forums with a full license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The download page lists 512 MB RAM and 14 MB free disk space, and says the full version requires an internet connection.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The contact page identifies Bartosz Wójcik as the maker; the site footer identifies PELock LLC and shows 2001–2026.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial controls
- Application trials can be limited by days, executions, expiration date, or minutes of use.checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Windows compatibility
- The maker lists support from Windows 95 through Windows 10 and Windows Server 2003 through 2012, and says the product has been tested on 32- and 64-bit Windows versions.checked 7 Oct 2026
Alternatives to PELock
- 1
Obsidian
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSExtensionLinux8.4From $48 a year - 2
Enigma Protector
WebAPILinuxSelf-hosted7.4 - 3

Virbox Protector
AndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.1CN¥2,499 one-time - 4
VMProtect
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6 - 5
Crinkler
Free planWindows6.3Free plan - 6

Themida
Windows6.3From €79 a year
