Get free antivirus software that offers world-class protection against viruses and other malware, secures your Wi-Fi network, and strengthens your privacy. Over 400 million users worldwide trust Avast to protect them.
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Home Wi-Fi network security
Easy to install, effortless to use
30+ years of cybersecurity experience
Avast Free Antivirus
World-class virus protection for any device
Looking for Avast One instead?
Avast One gives you our award-winning antivirus software, plus some of our best privacy and clean-up tools, together in one handy download.
6 layers of antivirus security
Sometimes your operating system’s built-in protection isn’t enough. Adding Avast’s free antivirus software lets you run automatic smart scans on software, files, and apps to find cracks where malware can slip in, plus send suspicious files for analysis in the cloud, get threat alerts, and more.
Smart Scan
Scans your device for hard-to-find vulnerabilities in hidden places.
CyberCapture
Automatically sends suspicious files for analysis in the Cloud, then pushes a cure to Avast users if needed.
Behavior Shield
Alerts you immediately if any of your apps start behaving suspiciously.
File Shield
Alerts you to any suspicious files — before you open them.
Rescue Disk
Scans your device while your system’s switched off, so you can safely remove malware.
Quarantine
Stores potentially harmful files and completely isolates them from the rest of your operating system.
Avast Free Antivirus offers you even more
Avast Free Antivirus is more than just an antivirus software. It also includes these privacy and security features:
Connect safely and with confidence, even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network and stop them from accessing your sensitive, personal files.
Network Inspector
Connect safely and with confidence, even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network and stop them from accessing your sensitive, personal files.
Firewall
Our intelligent firewall monitors all network traffic between your PC and the outside world and blocks malicious intrusions.
Stay safe when browsing, emailing, or working online. Block malicious websites & unsafe downloads, and stop your device from being hijacked and made part of a botnet.
Botnet Shield
Connect safely and with confidence, even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network and stop them from accessing your sensitive, personal files.
Web Shield
Our intelligent firewall monitors all network traffic between your PC and the outside world and blocks malicious intrusions.
Mail Shield
Mail Shield alerts you to potentially malicious email attachment before you click on them.
Stop hackers from accessing, changing, or locking your personal files then holding you to ransom.
Ransomware Shield
Connect safely and with confidence, even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network and stop them from accessing your sensitive, personal files.
Get an alert if any passwords linked to your email account have been compromised.
Hack Alerts
Connect safely and with confidence, even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network and stop them from accessing your sensitive, personal files.
Over 400 million users trust us with their digital lives
The UI for your software - amazing. Great work over the years. Can't say enough good things!
Ryan R.
4.5
Thank you, Avast, for the excellent work you do. I run your antivirus software on both my Mac OS X and my Windows machines. You have the best products on the market, period.
Eric S.
4.5
I’ve been using Avast for over a year and have found it one of the best free software protection devices on the market.
Daryl C.
4.5
“The well-known security specialist Avast received a total of three awards for its outstanding performance...shows how reliably and securely the security software renders its service...”
Awarded Top‑Rated Product 2022 by AV‑Comparatives
Avast Free Antivirus
Easy to install, effortless to use
Avast’s antivirus scans for security and performance issues and helps you to fix them instantly. It also protects you in real time by analyzing unknown files long before they reach your device. And it’s free — so give it a try.
You may still be wondering...
FAQs
Antivirus software is a type of software designed to detect, prevent, and remove dangerous software or malware from your computer — including viruses, trojans, ransomware, adware, spyware, and more. It starts by scanning a computer’s files, programs, and disks for any hidden malware or other sophisticated threats. If threats are detected, antivirus software can quarantine infected files to prevent it from taking over your whole device.
It’s essential to have antivirus software installed on your computer because it adds a layer of cybersecurity protection and strengthens your online privacy and security. Choosing the right antivirus software can help can prevent threats that could cause data loss, system corruption, financial loss, identity theft, and privacy breaches.
Yes, there are various free antivirus software, although not all of them will provide you with full protection. Avast Free Antivirus is completely free and offers all the security you need.
Avast’s free antivirus software detects and blocks all types of malware in real time to prevent them from infecting your computer. At the same time, it scans your PC to remove viruses and other malware automatically before they can do real damage.
Avast Free Antivirus software keeps your PC safe in real time without slowing it down. Get world-class protection against malware, phishing attacks, Wi-Fi threats, and more with our advanced cybersecurity tool that’s both comprehensive and light on your system’s resources.
Looking for a performance boost? Speed up your PC and get rid of unnecessary files with Avast Cleanup Premium, or protect and optimize your PC all at the same time with Avast One.
Trusted by over 435 million users around the world, Avast uses advanced machine learning techniques to protect against ransomware attacks and other emerging threats. Avast Free Antivirus software detects, blocks, and removes all types of malware: viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans, and more. You’ll also get security for your Wi-Fi network and real-time defense against phishing attacks, unsafe websites, and other threats to your devices.
Avast’s free antivirus software combines cutting-edge, AI-driven cybersecurity with a massive threat-detection network of over 435 million users that lets us protect our entire community in real time against online threats whenever they appear.
Our industry-leading antivirus engine is just one of the many reasons why Avast Free Antivirus consistently earns high praise and top awards from PCMag, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, and other independent experts. We have one of the best antivirus software solutions available, because we have the right antivirus protection for all your needs.
In 2021, Avast released a new and enhanced product called Avast One, which is now available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Germany.
In 2021, Avast released a new and enhanced product called Avast One, which is now available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Germany.
Now known as Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender isn’t enough to match leading third-party PC antivirus programs. While it’ll keep your computer relatively safe against most types of malware, its anti-phishing protection is limited to Microsoft Edge — so you’ll need Avast Free Antivirus to protect you on other browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Microsoft Defender also doesn’t score quite as highly with independent testing labs like AV-Comparatives. For comprehensive threat protection on your PC, go with Avast — the world’s most trusted antivirus.
Visit our Support Center for more FAQs
How to install
Get protected right away by following these 3 easy steps:
Step 2
2. Open the file
Open the downloaded file and approve the installation.
Step 3
3. Install the file
Run the installer and follow the simple instructions.
System requirements
All devices require an internet connection for automatic security and program updates.
PC with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 (both the 32 and 64-bit versions, excluding Starter and RT editions), 1 GB RAM and 2 GB of hard disk space.
Mac running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
Android phone or tablet running operating system Google Android 6.0 (Marshmallow, API 23) or higher.
iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.0 or higher.
You might also be interested in...
Learn more about some of our specialized privacy solutions, below.
Get security tips for your device, straight from the experts
Webcam Security: How to Stop Your Camera from Being Hacked
Webcam hacking and extortion is real. Find out if your webcam has been hacked, how to protect yourself and avoid living your own 'Black Mirror' nightmare.
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Spam Text Messages (SMS) — How to Stop or Block Spam Texts
Spam text messages are a major nuisance. Here's how to block unwanted texts on Android & iPhone and stop spam before it starts.
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How to Stop Your Smart TV From Spying on You
Concerned about smart TV cameras and tracking? Find out if your Smart TV is spying on you and how to disable built-in cameras and voice-recording features.
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What Is Scareware? Detection, Prevention, and Removal
Scareware tricks users into downloading malicious software through pop-ups or fake virus alerts. Learn how to prevent and remove scareware.
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Can Macs Get Viruses?
Mac users often feel protected by the security features in macOS, but Macs can get viruses. Find out why Mac viruses can still be a threat.
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What Is Spyware, Who Can Be Attacked, and How to Prevent It
Spyware is a type of malware that spies on your computer and steals sensitive information. Learn what spyware is and how to stay protected.
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What Is a Security Breach?
A security breach is any incident resulting in unauthorized access to data, apps, networks, or devices by bypassing their security mechanisms.
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What Is an Evil Twin Attack and How Does It Work?
An evil twin attack is a cyberattack that works by tricking users into connecting to a fake Wi-Fi access point that mimics a legitimate network.
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Newsletter
As an expert in cybersecurity with a deep understanding of antivirus software and online protection, I can attest to the significance of choosing the right antivirus solution to safeguard your digital life. Over the years, I've closely followed the evolution of cybersecurity technologies, and one standout name in the industry is Avast.
Avast, with its 30+ years of cybersecurity experience, has positioned itself as a leader in providing world-class virus protection. With over 400 million users worldwide trusting Avast, the evidence of its effectiveness is clear. Numerous accolades, including being awarded the Top-Rated Product in 2022 by AV-Comparatives, further underscore its reliability and security.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Smart Scan and CyberCapture: Avast's antivirus software employs a Smart Scan that thoroughly examines devices for vulnerabilities in hidden places. Additionally, CyberCapture automatically sends suspicious files for cloud-based analysis, ensuring a swift response to emerging threats.
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Behavior Shield and File Shield: Avast incorporates Behavior Shield to provide immediate alerts if any apps exhibit suspicious behavior. File Shield complements this by warning users about potentially harmful files before they are opened.
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Rescue Disk and Quarantine: In the event of an infection, Avast's Rescue Disk scans devices while the system is switched off, allowing for the safe removal of malware. Quarantine isolates potentially harmful files from the rest of the operating system, preventing further damage.
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Wi-Fi Network Security and Firewall: Avast goes beyond traditional antivirus protection by offering features like Wi-Fi network security and an intelligent firewall. These components monitor network traffic, blocking malicious intrusions and securing connections even on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks.
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Safe Browsing, Email Protection, and Web Shield: Avast ensures safe online experiences by blocking malicious websites, preventing unsafe downloads, and safeguarding email attachments through Mail Shield. The Web Shield monitors network traffic, blocking malicious intrusions in real-time.
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Ransomware Protection and Shield: Avast provides robust protection against ransomware, preventing hackers from accessing, changing, or locking personal files. The Ransomware Shield adds an extra layer of defense against this growing threat.
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Data Leak Alerts and Hack Alerts: Users receive alerts if passwords linked to their email accounts have been compromised. Additionally, Hack Alerts help block unauthorized access to personal files.
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User Testimonials and Awards: Testimonials from satisfied users, such as Ryan R. and Eric S., along with awards like the Top-Rated Product 2022 by AV-Comparatives, serve as concrete evidence of Avast's effectiveness and user satisfaction.
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Avast One: Avast One is introduced as an enhanced product that combines award-winning antivirus software with additional privacy and clean-up tools, offering users a comprehensive cybersecurity solution.
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FAQs: The FAQs section addresses common questions, providing valuable information about antivirus software, the importance of real-time protection, and the specific benefits of Avast Free Antivirus.
In conclusion, Avast Free Antivirus stands out not only for its longevity in the cybersecurity domain but also for its continuous innovation, user-friendly approach, and the comprehensive protection it offers against a wide range of online threats.
