Avast Free Antivirus for Windows

Avast is a free antivirus program that tops its competitors with the level of protection it offers to its users. Besides excellent detection of and protection against malware, it provides a security scanner for networks, browser protection, a password manager, and much more. All in all, it's a fantastic collection of security features in a single - and free - antivirus.

Designed for modern protection

Avast antivirus is a bundle of security features to protect users and their devices against modern threats. It includes, among other things, anti-phishing software, a system that detects spyware and protects from theft, and a do-not-disturb mode.

You can get it for PC and the mobile antivirus is free. It’s also available across platforms - Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

The latest version of the program is evolved to safeguard ever-modernizing threats. You'll find a Sensitive Data Shield as well, a smart AI that detects private information and increases their level of priority. That's only the beginning of what this software can do.

Streamlined and user-friendly

Avast offers free antivirus software - all you need to do is enter the website and get it. During the installation process, the program will offer to install Avast Secure Browser and make it your default setting, hiding your IP address. You can opt out.

The larger part of the main window is a grey rectangle where you'll find a Smart Scan. On the left-hand side, you'll discover several menus for Privacy, Protection, and Performance.

The antivirus app is user-friendly, which can you can note across its functions. For example, the do-not-disturb function which blocks pop-up notifications to help avoid distractions. Most of the crucial processes run behind the screen, not bothering the user while they keep their device safe.

Features and protection

Avast packs a punch with its massive number of features, which is an added benefit when we consider how low-key most of them are. Smart Scans take a mere minute and check your PC for most possible issues. If you're worried about a particular folder, head to the Virus Scans. You can choose the areas to exclude and scan.

The abilities in the web-filtering sector are available when you enable the Chrome add-on. It will show you which links are dangerous in the search results. Moreover, a Wi-Fi inspector will scan your connection.

The Software Updater is a module that will scan your software for missing upgrades, then download and install them for you.

Finally, if you mind any of your antivirus' operations, you can visit the Settings and tweak the system to work the way you want.

Most lab reports include Avast in their research. Latest studies showed that this program blocks 100% of threats, including Trojans and keyloggers and raises a single false alarm in 1.5 million samples.

Bugs and alternatives

While Avast shows little to no bugs in most scenarios when you download antivirus on Windows 10, it won't work in all cases. There is a solution for this, but it was still a problem for many users who transferred to this new OS.

Some relatively common complaints include that the password manager is weak in comparison to specialized programs. Also, the Web protector won’t detect all links in browsers apart from Chrome and Firefox.

When it comes to alternative programs you could use, Kaspersky is a favorite of many, although Avast features a more modern look. Panda and McAfee are also decent alternatives.

Best free antivirus

The excellent results on various hands-on tests from multiple labs, its registration-free download, and a plethora of extra features, Avast offers more than its competitors in all aspects of antivirus protection. It stands as a fantastic alternative to several separate products.

Especially if you go for paid extras to your bundle, such as the data shredder, it will be the best choice on the market. Still, even the free version packs quite a punch.

With the free virus protection that Avast offers, you'll get supreme performance which lacks from even some paid services. All in all, it's a definite recommendation.