Avast Free Antivirus 26.10.11201.3859

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus is a free security application for Windows PCs and laptops. It detects and isolates potential cyberthreats and includes tools aimed at online scams, malicious downloads and weaknesses in home Wi-Fi networks. Versions are also available for Mac, Android and iOS, and the software is intended for home and personal use.

Core Protection on Windows

• Smart Scan: Scans the device for hard-to-find vulnerabilities in hidden places.
• File Shield: Scans files as they are added to or opened on the PC.
• Behavior Shield: Alerts the user when an app begins to behave suspiciously.
• Quarantine: Isolates potentially harmful files from the operating system and, if the user chooses, sends them to Avast Threat Labs for further analysis.
• Web Guard: Uses AI to help block scam websites, phishing links in emails and malicious downloads.
• Mail Shield: Warns about potentially malicious email attachments before they are opened.
• Ransomware Shield: Helps prevent untrusted applications from modifying, deleting or encrypting personal photos, files and documents.
• Firewall: Monitors network traffic between the PC and the outside world and helps block malicious intrusions.
• Network Inspector: Helps users connect more safely to Wi-Fi networks, including unsecured ones, and helps keep intruders off the network and away from personal files.
• Rescue Disk: Allows the PC to boot from an external device such as a CD or USB drive.
• Data leak alerts: Notify the user if a password linked to their email account has been compromised, so the account can be secured promptly.

AI-Assisted Scam Checks

Avast Assistant, an AI-powered tool, is used to check suspicious messages or offers. Users can ask whether a message or offer appears to be a scam and receive quick, easy-to-read guidance.

Scanning and Usability

The application scans for security and performance issues and can fix them directly. It also analyzes unknown files in real time before they reach the desktop PC or laptop. The software is described as easy to install and use.

macOS Edition

Avast Free Antivirus for Mac runs in the background to block threats as they appear and can scan the entire Mac for hidden malware. Scan options include a full Mac scan, a custom scan of selected files or folders, scans of external CD, DVD and USB drives, and scheduled scans. Security reports are generated every 30 days, and security updates and new features are received automatically. The optional Online Security browser extension warns about unsafe websites, reduces ad tracking and redirects mistyped addresses to the correct site.

Android Edition

The Android app is distributed as Avast One on Google Play. Its antivirus component scans for viruses and other malware, including spyware, Trojans, adware and ransomware, using web, file and app scanning. Other features include Hack Alert, Network Inspector for Wi-Fi security, Virus Cleaner and File Scanner. Scam Guardian features include Web Guard and Avast Assistant, while Scam Guardian Pro adds Call Guard for blocking scam calls, Safe SMS and Email Guard.

Privacy and Data Handling

According to the data-safety disclosure for the Android app on Google Play, data is encrypted in transit and users can request its deletion. The same disclosure states that certain data types, including app activity, app information and performance data, and device identifiers, may be shared with third parties.

Free and Paid Editions

Avast Free Antivirus is free to download and includes the core protection described above. The Avast One Essentials tier, which includes the free antivirus, also provides free Cleanup and BreachGuard tools. Premium Security, sold as a subscription, adds blocking of scam calls and SMS messages, Wi-Fi network security checks, protection against fake and unsafe websites, and alerts about suspicious emails. The Mac version of Premium Security adds Email Guard, Wi-Fi intruder alerts and Ransomware Shield. Ultimate adds Premium VPN, AntiTrack and Cleanup Premium. Premium plans cover one PC or Mac plus one mobile device, or up to ten devices.

Intended Users

• Home users seeking free malware and scam protection on a Windows PC or laptop.
• Households with Windows, Mac, Android or iOS devices that want apps from the same vendor across platforms.
• Users who may later add paid subscription features, such as the VPN, Wi-Fi intruder alerts or Email Guard.