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PELock
What it is
PELock is a Windows application protection and licensing tool for developers distributing compiled software. It protects 32-bit Windows Portable Executable files, including EXE, SCR, DLL, OCX, CPL, BPL, DPL, ACM and AX formats, against cracking, tampering and reverse engineering. Its anti-debugging methods are designed to detect cracking tools and block their actions; the product also supports applications using CFG, ASLR, DEP and SAFESEH mitigations. A license key manager can manage users and keys, generate and verify RSA-2048 keys, and block illegally shared keys. Trial limits can be based on days, execution count, expiration date or minutes of use. The virtual DLL binder packages an application and additional DLL 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 add options such as compression, licensing checks and loader functions. PELock is Windows-only; the maker lists compatibility from Windows 95 through Windows 10 and Windows Server 2003 through 2012. It has a free trial, while paid pricing starts at $59 one-time.
For and against
For
- Protects a range of Windows executable formats
- Supports RSA-2048 license keys
- Offers several trial-limit options
- Includes SDK examples for multiple languages
- Free trial is available
Against
- Windows platform only
- Demo adds a startup message
- Demo projects cannot be loaded or saved
- Full version requires an internet connection
The verdict
PELock combines executable protection, licensing controls, trial limits and DLL bundling in a Windows-focused product. Review the demo restrictions and confirm which license fits your use before purchasing.
Who it suits
PELock is aimed at developers who need protection and license controls for compiled Windows applications. Its SDK examples cover several programming languages, including C/C++, Delphi and FreePascal.
Plans and prices
Personal License
Licensed to an individual · Cannot be transferred or reimbursed by a company · Free lifetime upgrades and support
Read 7 Oct 2026 · pelock.com
Company License
Multi-user license for companies and organizations · Free lifetime upgrades and support
Read 7 Oct 2026 · pelock.com
On the record
- Anti-debugging
- The product describes methods to detect cracking tools and block their actions.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Exploit mitigations
- The product page says it supports applications using CFG, ASLR, DEP, and SAFESEH mitigations.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The contact page identifies Bartosz Wójcik as the maker; the site footer identifies PELock LLC and shows 2001–2026.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PELock protects 32-bit Windows applications against cracking, tampering, and reverse engineering, and includes a software licensing system.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers lifetime email support and full access to the community forums with a full license.pelock.com · read 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Trial controls
- Application trials can be limited by days, executions, expiration date, or minutes of use.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- 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.pelock.com · read 7 Oct 2026
