Download Free Antivirus Software | Avast 2024 PC Protection (original) (raw)

Download free antivirus

Award-winning virus and malware protection

Download a free antivirus for your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop to help detect and isolate potential cyberthreats while optimizing your home Wi-Fi security and more.

Download free antivirus

Millions of people chose Avast Free Antivirus to get:

Safer browsing and emailing

Home Wi-Fi network security

Easy to install, effortless to use

30+ years of cybersecurity experience

Scans files and apps for potential malware vulnerabilities. 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

Scans any file added to or opened on the user’s PC for threats.

Rescue Disk

Rescue Disk allows a user to boot their PC from an external device (CD, USB drive).

Quarantine

Isolates potentially harmful files from your operating system and sends to Avast Threat Labs for further analysis if you want.

Get more than just free antivirus software, thanks to these extra privacy and security features:

Network Inspector

Connect more safely, even on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, block hackers and intruders from piggybacking on your network more easily, and help keep them away from your sensitive, personal files.

Firewall

Our intelligent firewall monitors all network traffic between your PC and the outside world and helps block malicious intrusions.

Web Shield

Web Shield blocks websites if it detects malicious code or malware, plus it blocks links on emails potentially linked to phishing.

Mail Shield

Mail Shield alerts you to potentially malicious email attachment before you click on them.

Ransomware Shield

Keep your information safer. Don't let your personal photos, files, and documents become hostage to ransomware — help prevent untrusted applications from modifying, deleting, or encrypting them.

Hack Alerts

Help keep your email accounts and their passwords secure. If we detect that your email passwords have been part of a leak or hack, you’ll get an alert, allowing you to re-secure your account immediately.

Hundreds of millions of users trust us with their digital lives

I have used Avast for a few years. The protection is the best for the money. I also cover my phones with Avast and I haven’t had any problems yet.

I have used Avast for many years. The reason is very simple: you offer a great free version that actually works. This lets me afford the other amazing services you offer when needed, like Avast Cleanup.

I've used Avast Free Antivirus on my computers, tablets, and smart phones for many years. It updates frequently and automatically. It automatically scans and protects me from malicious web sites. It does what I need. What more could I ask?

“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

Our antivirus software scans for security and performance issues and helps you to fix them instantly. It also protects you in real time by analyzing unknown files before they reach your desktop PC or laptop — all for free.

You may still be wondering...

FAQs

What is antivirus software?

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 them 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.

Is there a 100% free antivirus?

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.

How do I detect and remove viruses and other malware?

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.

Is free virus protection enough protection?

The basic level of virus protection, like Windows Defender (Windows built-in security), may not offer the same comprehensive features, updates, and support as advanced antivirus software.

Technology is always changing which means cybercriminals can develop new tactics. Windows Defender can serve as basic protection for your computer but may not be enough to protect you from new emerging threats. It's important to consider a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity for optimal protection in the long run and you can start by trying out a free virus protection software, like Avast Free Antivirus.

What does antivirus software do?

Trusted by hundreds of millions of 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.

Why is Avast one of the best free antivirus solutions?

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.

Why is Avast Free Antivirus even better than Windows Defender?

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.

How long can I use Avast Free Antivirus on my device?

You can use our free antivirus for as long as you want once you activate it. After 12 months, our app might prompt you to reactivate your free subscription so that you can keeping using it. If you decide to change device, you’ll need to download our free antivirus app again on that specific Windows PC. Upgrading to a paid subscription for Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) allows you to use our paid app on up to 10 devices at once across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Upgrading to the (Single-Device) or (Multi-Device) versions of Avast Premium Security also gives you access to more advanced in-app features. If you already have Avast Free Antivirus installed, right-click on the Avast icon in your Windows taskbar, and then click Registration information. After this, click on Upgrade now on the My subscriptions screen and choose Avast Premium Security within the comparison table. This will allow you to upgrade to paid subscription.