Avast Free Antivirus: Download and Set Up on Windows
Avast Free Antivirus · for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
Developer: Gen Digital (Avast) (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: avast.com
Link not working? Let us know
Avast Free Antivirus is a free security program from Avast, part of Gen Digital. It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7 with 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of disk space; Avast also offers free apps for Mac, Android and iOS.
Avast’s free antivirus is one of the longest-running no-cost security suites for Windows. It sits in the background and checks files, websites and email as you use them, rather than waiting for you to run a scan.
The shields that come with the free version
- File Shield: Scans files as they are opened or added to the PC.
- Behavior Shield: Watches running programs for suspicious activity.
- Web Guard and Mail Shield: Check websites and email for harmful content.
- Ransomware Shield: Protects chosen folders from unauthorized changes.
- Network Inspector: Looks for weak spots on your home Wi-Fi network.
- Rescue Disk: Lets you build bootable media for cleaning a PC that will not start normally.
Getting it onto your PC
- The Download button takes you to Avast’s official free antivirus page.
- Run the downloaded setup file and read each screen; the installer may suggest other Avast products, which you can skip.
- Run a first Smart Scan to get an overview of the PC’s current state.
Before you install
Your PC needs Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 or 7 (Starter and RT editions are excluded), 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free disk space. On ARM-based PCs, only Windows 11 is supported. Keep a single real-time antivirus active at a time: running two side by side tends to slow the system and cause conflicts.
The free tier covers the core protection. Extras such as a VPN (SecureLine VPN) and PC cleanup tools are sold as separate Avast products, so expect occasional offers for them inside the app.
Pros
- Several real-time shields at no cost
- Wi-Fi network check and rescue disk included
- Still supports older Windows versions
Cons
- Offers for paid Avast products appear in the app
- VPN and cleanup tools are separate purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Avast Free Antivirus on a Mac or phone?
Avast publishes separate free apps for macOS 10.13 or later, Android 9 or later and iOS. The Windows program itself is for PCs only.
Should I keep Microsoft Defender running alongside Avast?
Only one real-time antivirus should be active. When a third-party antivirus is installed, Windows normally lets it take over real-time protection.
Avast Free AntivirusFreemium
Download (opens in a new tab)
