You ship a Windows program, and within days someone has opened it in a debugger, found your license check and posted a crack. VMProtect is built for that problem. It changes selected parts of your compiled code so they are much harder to read and patch.
Quick facts
- Current version: 3.11
- Platforms: Windows, macOS and Linux versions. The Windows version can also protect macOS and Linux binaries, and the reverse is true too.
- Editions and prices: Lite 399, Professional 599, Ultimate 999 (USD).
- Updates: each purchase includes one year of free updates. After that you can renew, or keep using the version you have without restrictions.
- Trial: a demo is offered for Windows, macOS and Linux.
How it protects your code
VMProtect doesn't just scramble your program. It transforms the code into its own set of commands, and those commands run on a virtual machine with a different architecture. The virtual machine and the new commands are built into the protected application. The protected program needs no extra libraries or modules to run.
Key features
Code virtualization that runs your sensitive routines on a custom virtual machine
Protected fragments run on several virtual machines embedded in your application. This makes analysis and cracking much harder. All editions include code virtualization and code mutation.
Choose what to protect with markers, a built-in disassembler and debug symbols
You choose which parts of the program to protect, so you don't have to protect everything. You can mark fragments in your source with SDK markers. Newer releases also add markers that protect a whole function, and these need debug symbols from DWARF, MAP or PDB files. The program's built-in disassembler and a MAP file help you pick the right code.
Memory protection, import protection and packing in every edition
Lite includes memory protection, import protection and packing alongside the virtualization features.
Serial numbers you can generate and verify yourself
The built-in licensing system comes with an SDK and uses the RSA algorithm. The vendor says this makes it impossible for hackers to create a keygen. You can limit free upgrades, and VMProtect Ultimate adds online and offline activation.
Scripts, watermarks and a console version for build automation
Professional adds an advanced interface, a built-in script language, watermarks and a console version. You can use these to automate protection in your build process.
Who it's for
It suits developers who ship native Windows, macOS or Linux software and want to guard licensing checks and valuable algorithms. It also suits teams that want protection and serial-number licensing in one tool. If you only need basic protection, Lite covers virtualization, mutation, packing and import protection. If you need your own activation server, you need Ultimate.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Virtualization runs the protected code on a custom virtual machine.
- Protected programs need no extra libraries.
- One license covers several applications.
- Windows, macOS and Linux are supported.
- You can keep using the version you have after the update year ends.
Cons
- The scripting, watermarks and console version need Professional or higher.
- Licensing and activation need Ultimate, and virtual files work only for Windows binaries.
- Whole-function markers need debug symbols.
- Updates after the first year cost extra.
- The installer is large. The Windows demo is about 168 MB.
FAQs
Do I need a separate license for each application?
No. One license is enough to protect several applications.
Can I protect macOS or Linux files from Windows?
Yes. The Windows version supports macOS and Linux binaries, and the other versions do the same for Windows.
What happens when the first year ends?
You can renew the annual subscription for new versions. You can also keep using your current version without restrictions.
Can I install it on more than one computer?
Yes. After purchase you can install it on any computer you need for your work.
Can I upgrade my edition later?
The vendor's FAQ covers upgrading between Lite, Professional and Ultimate licenses.
System requirements
Versions are available for Windows, macOS and Linux. The vendor's pages list no further requirements. Protected programs need no extra libraries or modules to run.