Avast Free Antivirus: Features, Requirements and Paid Tiers
Check what Avast Antivirus Free has to offer you for the best computer security!
Avast Free Antivirus is a no-cost security suite for Windows 7 to Windows 11 that combines on-access malware scanning (File Shield), behavior monitoring, a Web Guard against phishing and scam sites, a Mail Shield, Ransomware Shield, a firewall, Network Inspector for Wi-Fi checks and a bootable Rescue Disk. It needs 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of disk space. Paid Avast tiers add more in-app features, a premium VPN and multi-device plans.
This guide covers what each protection layer does, what the free edition needs to run, where the paid tiers differ, and how licensing for several devices works with Avast and with other vendors such as McAfee.
What protection does Avast Free Antivirus include?
Avast Free Antivirus includes a set of shields that work in the background plus on-demand tools, according to the official Avast Free Antivirus page. The core components are:
- Smart Scan: a combined scan that looks for malware and vulnerabilities in hidden places on the system.
- File Shield: scans files when they are added to or opened on the PC.
- Behavior Shield: alerts you when an installed app starts acting suspiciously.
- Quarantine: isolates potentially harmful files so they cannot run, with the option to send them to Avast Threat Labs for analysis.
- Web Guard: blocks scam sites, phishing links and malicious downloads.
- Mail Shield: warns about potentially malicious email attachments before you open them.
- Ransomware Shield: helps stop untrusted apps from modifying, deleting or encrypting personal files.
- Firewall and Network Inspector: monitor network traffic and check Wi-Fi networks for intruders and weak spots.
- Rescue Disk: lets you boot the PC from a USB drive or CD to clean malware that blocks Windows from starting normally.
- Hack Alerts: notify you when an email address and password appear in a known data leak.
Avast also lists an assistant that helps judge whether a message or offer is a scam. Feature names change between versions, so check the settings panel of your installed build if a shield is missing from this list.
What are the system requirements?
Avast Free Antivirus for Windows runs on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, excluding the Starter and RT editions. Avast lists 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free hard drive space as the minimum, and supports ARM processors on Windows 11 only. An internet connection is required for virus definition and program updates.
Avast offers separate free apps for other platforms:
| Platform | Minimum version |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 7 (not Starter or RT) |
| Mac | macOS 10.13 High Sierra |
| Android | Android 9.0 |
| iPhone and iPad | iOS 15.0 |
Windows 7 and 8.1 no longer receive security updates from Microsoft, so an antivirus on those systems reduces risk but cannot replace an operating system that is still patched.
How does Avast Free compare with Avast Premium Security and Ultimate?
Avast Free Antivirus is described by Avast as basic protection, while Premium Security and Ultimate are the paid tiers with more in-app features. The Avast plan comparison page positions them like this:
| Tier | How Avast describes it | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus | Basic protection for your devices | Free, installed per device |
| Premium Security | Comprehensive protection against internet threats | Single-device or 10-device plan |
| Ultimate | Premium security, privacy and performance features, including Premium VPN | Single-device or 10-device plan |
The free edition is enough for most home users who want real-time scanning and web protection on a single Windows PC. A paid tier makes sense if you want one subscription that covers a household's PCs, Macs and phones, or a bundled VPN. Expect upgrade prompts in the free edition: they are part of how Avast funds the free product, and you can dismiss them.
How to install Avast Free Antivirus safely
Avast Free Antivirus installs in a few minutes when you download it from Avast directly:
- Open the official Avast Free Antivirus download page and download the installer.
- Run the installer and read each screen: uncheck any optional browser or extra software offers you do not want.
- Let the installer finish, then allow the first definition update to complete.
- Run a Smart Scan and review any detections in Quarantine before deleting them.
- Remove any other real-time antivirus first: two active scanners slow the system and can conflict.
After installation, open Windows Security and check under Virus and threat protection that Avast is listed as the active provider.
Can you get bulk or multi-device antivirus licenses?
Bulk antivirus licenses are sold as multi-device subscriptions or as separate business products, and the free tier of any vendor does not cover commercial fleets. Avast sells a 10-device Premium Security plan for households. McAfee, a name often misspelled as "McAfree", sells household plans and states on mcafee.com that its unlimited plans only cover household devices you own for personal, non-commercial use; companies are pointed to McAfee Business Protection instead.
Before you buy any multi-device or bulk license, check these points:
- Buy from the vendor's own site or an authorized retailer, never from key resellers selling "bulk" codes cheaply.
- Confirm whether the license is for personal or commercial use.
- Check the device count and which platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) count toward it.
- Note the renewal price, which is often higher than the first-year price.
If you need to remove an existing suite before switching, see how to remove the Bitdefender Agent or how to uninstall True Key from McAfee and Intel Security bundles.
FAQ
Is Avast Free Antivirus really free?
Yes, the Windows edition is free to download and use without a time limit. Avast shows upgrade offers for its paid tiers inside the app.
Does Avast Free Antivirus include a VPN?
No full VPN is part of the free edition. Avast lists Premium VPN as part of its Ultimate plan; if you want a free option, read how Proton VPN's free tier works in the browser.
Can I use Avast Free Antivirus in a business?
Avast Free Antivirus is a consumer product. Businesses should check Avast's business offerings or another vendor's business line rather than installing consumer licenses on company devices.
Does an antivirus replace a password manager?
No. Hack Alerts tell you when a password leaked, but a password manager such as Bitwarden with Argon2 key derivation is what lets you replace leaked passwords with unique ones.
Related: Remove True Key, Remove Bitdefender Agent, Proton VPN free browser extensions
respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.
So if used Windows OS, will use its first party program “Windows Security”. It’s just that ignorant people are lured into third-party products by cunning snake oil-like advertising.
The principle of security is to “avoid danger”, and it is important for users to correctly learn, understand, and practice what is dangerous and how to avoid it.
Trying to rely on third-party “AV” products without learning or practicing anything is just stupid.
“respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.” where did this come from? Doesn’t sound right to me. When I worked at a massive clothing company, many computers had Adobe Creative Cloud/Suite installed.
@bruh,
> “respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.” where did this come from?
My example is the company I work for (manufacturing industry with a wide base of supply chains).
Therefore, different companies have different “enterprise policies”.
Enterprise Policy (EP) is not available in normal Windows OS.
For that reason, it is necessary to conclude a contract with Microsoft with a volume license for the enterprise version (limited to large corporations).
That EP is a policy set by the company.
Since our company has a very large supply chain, we have our own “Systems Headquarters” where we manage, control and maintain the entire company’s systems.
In other words, the system headquarters manufactures (sets up) all company PCs, seals them so that they cannot be customized on terminals (office and remote work), hands them directly to each department (and members), and provides them (installation or a loan).
All company PCs can only connect to the company’s (constantly monitored) host server and nothing else, preventing unauthorized use. When working, even if you are at home, you are obliged to wear a uniform, and you are prohibited from bringing in personal items or contacting the outside world (phone calls, visitors, etc.).
Because it is such a special system, it is impossible to customize the specifications set up by the system headquarters.
No data can be stored locally on the PC, everything resides on the company’s hosted servers. Of course, there is no download or installation function on the terminal. There is also no ability to open attachments. Critical information exchanges take place in meetings and (tracked) mail and courier services.
The above is only an outline in a as far as safe (no problem) with category due to the confidentiality obligation for security measures.
Another important point is “measures against eavesdropping and leakage”, which forces a wired connection (Wi-Fi connection is not available).
My example:
Of course, Windows OS machines use “Windows Security”.
“Windows Security” will be able to perform hidden functions, and fine-tuning by using ConfigureDefender and DefenderUI.
https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/manage-microsoft-defender-with-defenderui
Moreover, used “simplewall” to control all of communication, and strengthen measures with AdGuard for Windows.
https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall
https://adguard.com/en/welcome.html
Furthermore, Unchecky and AppCheck Anti-Ransomware are also registered and enabled on startup.
https://unchecky.com/
https://www.checkmal.com/product/appcheck/
Others use EmoCheck, Start Emergency Kit Scanner, Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, RogueKiller to run checks as needed.
https://github.com/JPCERTCC/EmoCheck
https://www.emsisoft.com/en/emergency-kit/
https://www.malwarebytes.com/
https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/roguekiller/
Importantly,
Set the executable file to “Administrator permission required”.
In principle, “JavaScript” is disabled. Therefore, I never use browsers (such as Google chrome) or apps that cannot disabled it.
Avast Software (Czech Republic) acquired AVG (Netherlands) for $1.3 billion in July 2016, and in July 2017 acquired CCleaner developer Piriform (UK) for an undisclosed amount. After that, due to repeated scandals, it was completely acquired by Gen Digital Inc. (formerly Symantec Corporation and NortonLifeLock) in the same industry in September 2022. From that background, AVG and Avast are only nominal and are “actually Gen Digital” products.
Scandal in Avast products:
In 2014, Avast’s online support forums were famously compromised, exposing the names, passwords, and email addresses of 400,000 people.
Additionally, an illegal incident with CCleaner after Avast acquired it (forcing users to run a malicious version of CCleaner with a backdoor, unable to End task or even uninstall).
Installing products of Avast Software (Avast Secure Browser, Avast Passwords, CCleaner, etc.) without consent and setting them as default apps.
Avast Software products collect and sell user data (collecting user data such as browsing behavior and history and sending it to remote servers).
Even in this “gHacks Technology News”, there have been articles about Avast Software for a long time, and there are many comments. In those, consistently concluded that Avast-related products were “deceptive and should be avoided”.
Above all, users must understand that the product is capable of scanning everything in your system and sending the data out under the guise of inspection.
If it’s a “closed source program”, it’s not trustworthy.
This is a program that should be avoided as well as “Google” products.
But what is this article (written by Shaun) published under the name gHacks?
Although it bears the name of “gHacks”, it is actually nothing more than “Advertising”, and is it not a “fraudulent business method using brand power” that deceives readers (who do not know the history of the past)?
> As a teacher of mine used to say : “Everything is information, even a lie”.
This is right in matters of the world, but there should be no deception and lies when it comes to the “gHacks Technology News” billboard. That is the lifeblood of “gHacks”.
Articles by authors other than Martin and Ashwin should be clearly displayed as “just Advertising”.
Although labeled just “SPONSORED CONTENT” at the beginning, but many readers will perceive (create the illusion of) it as “gHacks Technology News.
Should improve presentation so that no one misunderstands!
I don’t get the people who complain about gHacks dying.
gHacks has always looked out for its readers and what better way to do that than to let them know that they could get better security than what they already have – for free! This helps users privacy far more than advertising some half baked alternative to proprietary software made by a bunch of hobbyists so I’m glad gHacks is keeping it real and looking out for us.
Ghacks indeed is alive!
I’d say, it’s not because a product is sponsored that it would mean it’s a bad product, no more than a good one.
I think we must make the effort to differentiate the various aspects of a product :
– is it sponsored or not? If it is, why is it? To increase market share, to get a market share, to be better known?
– technically, is it good, bad, does it work as announced?
– when it comes to applications/software, is it malware, is it secure, does it respect privacy, does it hide trackers?
– Ease of use and aesthetics, what about?
– … ? : Non exhaustive list, any other considerations?
Maybe do we have the tendency to evaluate a product on the basis of above points selectively which would bias an objective approach.
A product may be of high quality but if I focus on privacy I may very well condemn it, i.e. Google products.
I’ve seen software, even add-ons be poorly rated on the ground their interface was unaesthetic: come on!
Some comments here sort of dig into a product’s owner, its history within several owners, and those owner’s very history as to having been concerned with reliability in terms of quality and/or morality : I believe that is another point to consider but also that companies policy *can* change over time, as well as we, individually, may progress, or not : would I condemn anyone eternally once proven he has changed? Same with a product, I’d prefer to try to remain objective : what is the situation NOW (as CNN’s ‘Situation Room’!).
Whatever, hatred never enlightens, when hatred is concerned of course, no more than systematical partial judgements based on priorities which may be a sufficient argument for ourselves but perhaps far less when it concerns our comments meant to deliver a global appreciation. This is why, personally, I consider ratings, scores as null when they are not accompanied by an an argument, an explanation, an objective explanation.
RIP gHacks :(
ghacks is a commercial ad site…
think of softonics, anyway…
am so turned down now,
from 100 to below zero…
still visit here daily, though
out of habit… but duhh,
feel so sorry for them who
come and all who seek.
I feel so sorry for everyone
and all who come here,
like me.
Well written and sadly so true.
Ghacks.net/author/martin
It’s a blend. Fish ‘n’ sharks. Most of us recognize sharks, not always when sharks are disguised as fish in which case they should be labeled as such ; sponsored. Yet some non-sponsored articles may appear as sponsored : I may promote a product free of whatever sponsorship : there is a user’s subjectivity to take into consideration.
Many sites proceed as such, mixing informative articles with sponsored ones (though sponsored articles may also be informative, I guess it depends a lot on the sponsor and on the writer). For instance one of the French sites I visit quite often (no language option) is [https://www.presse-citron.net/], and this site does exactly that : many interesting articles about technology, the digital world but not only, in a similar way to the “new” Ghacks. There’s a comment section for most articles, though non for sponsored ones, lol. People there don’t complain, or when they do it’s more about an article’s pertinence than about the site including sponsored articles. That’s how it goes, money is everywhere, be it to survive be it for profit, be it for astronomical profits, and the latter doesn’t concern web sites.
The main thing IMO is that valuable, objective articles remain. Otherwise, we skip. This said some objective articles may very well be poorly thought/written and sponsored ones written with talent and informative. Binary approaches are seldom the ones which allow interesting approaches of life, IMO of course.
As a teacher of mine used to say : “Everything is information, even a lie”.
My last reaction to Avast was “nope, thanks” it was overloaded with stuff that don’t belong to an antivirus when I only need an antivirus.
Defender is enough for mostly all common W10/11 users anyway.