Advertisement

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 23.11.8635
  • 4.2

    (128003)
  • Security Status

Joe Wainer
Joe WainerUpdated 6 days ago

A free and safe companion: Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is a free security software that you can download on your Windows device. Invisible threats lurk behind every click but Avast Free Antivirus serves as a robust protector. Its innovative design effectively counters sophisticated malware. Continual updates enhance its extensive threat-detection database, ensuring robust user security. 

This antivirus stands out by providing a complimentary service that holds its own against paid competitors. Avast is not complacent; it is a dynamic defender, perpetually refining its capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of cybersecurity.

What is Avast Free Antivirus?

Avast Free Antivirus download is a system protection program that scans your Windows device for all available threats like viruses, spyware, malware, adware, ransomware, and more. After scanning, the program puts all suspicious files and folders under quarantine, allowing users to select the ones they wish to keep and the ones they want Avast to delete. You can also use Avast to scan USB drives

The free program isn’t limited to scanning for viruses and includes features such as a robust password manager, Wi-Fi scanner, malicious link filter, and an additional anti-ransomware function. The latter can be used to add a layer of protection to important documents and photographs. The program also lets users change the app’s sensitivity and customize it as per their unique requirements. 

Features

The latest version of the program includes multiple scanning options, password manager, URL filter, network scanner, and silent gaming feature. Moreover, it protects users from malware, viruses, ransomware, and other threats. The comprehensive solution isn’t limited to Windows and is also available for download on Android, iOS, and macOS devices. 

Is Avast Free Antivirus any good?

Although free, Avast Antivirus download offers robust protection against new and advanced threats, thanks to its reliance on machine learning and cloud protection. The app’s virus scanner compares files and programs with an available database of identified malware and separates the ones that are infected or suspicious. Items deemed suspicious are uploaded to Avast’s lab for further analysis. 

Avast Free Antivirus provides advanced protection without impacting your computer's performance. Its design prioritizes user-friendliness and system efficiency, ensuring that your PC runs smoothly. The antivirus incorporates exclusive CyberCapture technology to detect and halt new, unknown threats. 

The updated Wi-Fi Inspector is even more adept at spotting vulnerabilities in your network setup. For secure online browsing, it includes SafeZone, acclaimed as one of the most secure browsers available. Moreover, gamers will appreciate the revamped Game Mode, which suspends non-critical functions during gameplay to enhance performance.

Does the app have a user-friendly interface?

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows 10 and below computers comes with a clean and intuitive interface. Apart from being user-friendly, the application also provides systematic prompts to help beginners get started and take optimal security decisions. The program’s primary page consists of a central text that informs users whether or not their PC is protected. 

In case there’s an issue, the text shows the alphabet X in a dark shade of red. With step-by-step instructions, the app ensures that you eliminate all threats or resolve any issue that may have come up. Additionally, the interface of Avast Antivirus includes all the functions that it offers, as well as links to features that you need to pay to use. The latter can, however, be used to identify existing problems

Does Avast Antivirus offer quick scanning?

Avast free trial consists of multiple scanners, including quick scan, network scan, deep scan, and more. The program’s quick scan feature works by scanning the entire computer but focuses more on areas where viruses are known to take shelter. The scanner takes a look into boot processes, apps, USB drives, and directories. Wi-Fi scanner eliminates the possibility of cyberattacks and hacks. 

Running a deep scan may take a while, but it helps identify all suspicious files and folders. While infectious items are instantly removed, suspicious items are sent to quarantine so that you can take a look at the threats and remove those that you don’t require. Avast also uploads this information to the cloud and its lab to ensure it can analyze and provide protection against new threats

Does Avast Free Antivirus offer any additional features?

Apart from finding and removing malware, Avast Free Antivirus for Windows 7 offers various additional features, including a password manager, behavior shield, Do Not Disturb mode, browser cleaner, driver updater, and more. With the help of Avast, you can safeguard all your passwords and filter and clear any links that might be suspicious or tracking your activity. 

The DND function blocks all popups and can come in quite handy when you’re playing games or watching movies. Users can also use the program’s driver updater to identify and update corrupt or outdated drivers. The behavior shield function is quite essential as it observes all downloaded applications and detects any suspicious behavior that it comes across. 

Additionally, Avast Free Antivirus download also lists features that aren’t included in the free package. These features can be used to identify issues on your PC, but to remove them, you need to either buy the function at an additional cost or upgrade to Avast’s premium security suite. The app also offers a browser extension that you can use to protect your online presence. 

Does Avast slow down the computer? 

Downloading and running Avast Antivirus on Windows 10 might lead to lengthy scan times, which could temporarily reduce your PC's performance. However, when Avast operates in the background, it's designed to be unobtrusive, ensuring that system performance remains unaffected during routine use. Additionally, in response to privacy concerns, the company has made a public commitment that it has ceased the practice of collecting and sharing user data, aiming to enhance user trust and privacy.

Is Avast only free for 30 days?

Avast Antivirus is free to download and you can use it for as long as you want. The program doesn’t put a cap on the number of days you can use its many features. Instead, it only pushes paid features via its free program. These are mostly advanced security functions that users may find useful. The program offers all of these paid features as part of Avast Premium Security software. 

Are there any alternatives?

AVG Antivirus is Avast’s sister company and also offers a range of security features for free. Other antivirus companies that are worth noting are paid but come with a free trial period. Some of these include Kaspersky Internet Security, Quick Heal Antivirus, and Norton AntiVirus

Does Avast offer robust protection?

If you’re worried about the performance of the free antivirus software, you should know that Avast does quite well in that category. The program relies on its machine learning capabilities and cloud protection to identify and eliminate threats from your computer and network. Even though the app is free, it does identify almost all threats and easily removes them from your PC. It also features additional functions such as password manager, URL filter, USB and network scanner, and more! 

Can Avast detect Trojans?

Yes, Avast can detect Trojans. Avast Free Antivirus includes a malware scanner that can identify and remove various types of malware, including Trojans, which are malicious programs often disguised as legitimate software. Avast uses a combination of signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior monitoring to effectively spot and neutralize Trojan threats.

Can I trust Avast?

Avast's products, including those under the AVG brand, are well-regarded in the industry. They are considered to have one of the most advanced threat detection networks globally and have received top rankings and certifications from VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, OPSWAT, ICSA Labs, and West Coast Labs, among others.

In 2023, Avast Free Antivirus remains at the forefront with its cutting-edge features, continuing to uphold its esteemed record in combating viruses and malware. It has a vast user base of over 435 million worldwide and deals with over 1.5 billion threats every month. This success is attributed to its constant real-time scanning and frequent updates to its virus definitions. Avast is notable for providing extensive protection and additional functionalities that often exceed what is available in many paid alternatives.

Avast's user interface is praised for its straightforward design and easy-to-use navigation, making it accessible for users of all technical backgrounds. It is compatible with a variety of operating systems, such as Windows 11, macOS, Android, and iOS. The software enhances security with features like Device Lock, which acts as a theft deterrent, and sandbox technology, which tests suspect files in isolation, providing an added layer of defense.

The company prioritizes customer satisfaction, which reinforces trust in their antivirus solution. Avast offers continuous customer support through multiple channels, including an exhaustive knowledge base, telephone support, and a ticketing system for help and inquiries.

Introducing Remote Access Shield

Enjoy even stronger protection against hackers. This new feature lets you choose who can remotely access your computer and lets you block the rest. (Premium Security users only)

• Ransomware Shield is now free - We’re now offering this feature to Avast Free Antivirus users to maximize their ransomware protection 

• Easier USB drive protection - We’ll now ask you to scan USB drives when you plug them into your computer. (You can also turn this off in your notification settings)

• Improved taskbar icon - There’s no need to keep your antivirus open during scans. You can now see your scan progress from the Avast taskbar icon

• Better botnet protection - Web Shield is even better about stopping malware from connecting to malicious servers

Things to note

• We are no longer releasing new versions of Internet Security and Pro. Every Pro/IS user updated to 20.5 version will end up on Premium Security to enjoy the full feature-set of the paid version

• Teaser: We've added support for scanning Google QUIC protocol in Webshield, though it's enabled only for some users at the moment. We plan to fully scale it in the upcoming version.
 

Points of improvement:

 - Signing in via Google or Facebook — If you choose one of these to sign in, we’ll now redirect you to their websites instead of doing it inside of our app

 - Improved performance — Your antivirus now runs even smoother thanks to tighter integrations with the Windows registry and boot optimizations.

What’s new?

 - Expanded Password Protection — We now protect your passwords in the beta versions of browsers, too. (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and AVG Secure Browser - Premium Versions Only)

- Rescue Disk improvements — Windows 7 users can celebrate knowing this feature works for them again, and we've improved its performance and made sure it properly cleans up related.DLLs for all users.

-Bug stomping — Just the usual bug fixes that keep your antivirus going strong.

PROS

  • Offers in-built browser protection
  • Includes a password manager
  • Features a user-friendly interface
  • Multi-platform compatibility
  • Comprehensive malware protection

CONS

  • May slow down your PC while scanning
  • Certain additional features are available for an extra fee
  • Mediocre VPN service
  • No password manager or parental controls

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


Avast Free Antivirus for PC

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 23.11.8635
  • 4.2

    (128003)
  • Security Status


User reviews about Avast Free Antivirus

  • win10

    by win10

    winer antivirus and more as i expected

  • Actually Smart Person

    by Actually Smart Person

    i'm upset that softonic recommends this malware. Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, and BitDefender for the win

  • Walter R Morales S

    by Walter R Morales S

    Excelente antivirus.

  • ALWIN SALIN

    by ALWIN SALIN

    ITS VERY SECURE AND FAST.I RECCOMMEND IT TO OTHERS ON THE BASIS OF MY USAGE.ITS AWESOME.LOVED IT

  • Lorraine Lewis

    by Lorraine Lewis

    yes . it does the basic protection and i havent had any problems over the period it has been used.

  • Nicolas Lino

    by Nicolas Lino

    Es un buen producto el cual te ayuda a evitar el espionaje en las redes


Advertisement

Explore More

Advertisement

Advertisement

Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.