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Free Anti-Ransomware Protection & Removal Tool

Remove ransomware and protect your Windows, Android, Mac, or iOS device with Avast One — the award-winning, 100% free anti-ransomware tool. Stop dangerous ransomware and other threats before they can harm your files.

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Editors' choice
AV-Test-Top-product-icon
2022
Top Rated
Product

Free ransomware scanner and ransomware protection

Avast has been stopping ransomware for years, and we’re only getting better with age. We’ll keep your computer and all your files safe from this threat.

Avast One comes with many advantages:

We’ve packed the world’s largest threat-detection network and machine-learning ransomware protection into a comprehensive security and privacy tool that won’t slow down your PC. And it’s 100% free.

Award-winning ransomware protection

When it comes to Avast One, the pros agree: you get top-tier protection. PCMag named Avast One a 2021 Editors’ Choice, citing its “numerous excellent lab scores” and praising Avast One as “a partner to keep you, your devices, and your data safe and happy.”

Awards-Stripe-A1

In their 5-star review, TechRadar praised Avast One for its malware protection and prevention strengths alike: “Avast One doesn't just do a good job of detecting malware: it detects and blocks access to malicious websites, reducing the chance you'll get infected in the first place.”

Avast’s top-performing cybersecurity engine has been garnering prestigious awards for years:

  • AV-TEST: Top Product, AV Test Certified, 2020

    AV-TEST: Top Product, AV Test Certified, 2022

  • PC Mag: Editors’ Choice, 2021

    PC Mag: Editors’ Choice, 2021

  • tech-rada-logo-27x27

    TechRadar: 5 stars, 2021

  • AV Comparatives: Top Rated Product Award, 2020

    AV Comparatives: Top Rated Product Award, 2020

A ransomware scanner trusted by over 400 million users

But don’t just take our word for it.

Macs and mobiles need ransomware protection, too

Ransomware doesn’t only try to hold your PC hostage, it will try to encrypt your files on any device it can access, including your Mac and your mobile phone. Avast’s free antivirus software can protect and remove the underlying ransomware malware from those devices.

Avast’s antivirus software for Mac improves your Mac’s impressive built-in security with specialized protection against threats of all kinds. Our leading security tool fights malware like ransomware and viruses while also countering phishing attacks, malicious websites, Wi-Fi snoops, and other threats.

Android devices are vulnerable to ransomware, too. Avast’s free Android security tool gives your phone the same ransomware-stopping power your PC enjoys. With one of the world’s largest threat-detection networks, our security app protects against mobile malware while also helping you avoid phishing attacks and Wi-Fi threats.

Download our free ransomware protection and removal tool

Avast One is the best free anti-ransomware tool you can get to keep your PC safe, or to remove ransomware from an infected system. And best of all? It’s absolutely free.

FAQs

How can I prevent ransomware?

The best way to avoid ransomware and other malware is to use a powerful antivirus tool while also practicing safe online habits, such as choosing not to click on strange links or download unknown files.

Is ransomware a virus?

Technically, no. A virus self-propagates, while ransomware encrypts and holds your files hostage. Instead, we classify ransomware as “malware” — which is an umbrella term that encompasses all kinds of threats, including ransomware and viruses.

How to remove ransomware from an infected device

Even if all your files are encrypted, you can remove certain strains of ransomware from your PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone by using a comprehensive cybersecurity tool like Avast One. There are also free ransomware decryption tools available online. And don’t worry about the claims that these tools will delete your files — that’s just a bluff to try to get you to pay the ransom.

Does the built-in security on Windows 10 provide enough protection against ransomware?

Windows 10 and 11 both have built-in features that can help protect against ransomware. To enable Windows ransomware protection, find Ransomware protection under the Virus and threat protection tab within the Windows Security app and turn on Controlled folder access.


Just note that Windows Security may not be enough to protect you from all malware strains — a comprehensive cybersecurity solution like Avast One will protect you against new and emerging malware threats, as well as phishing attacks and data breaches. Plus, Avast One includes a built-in free VPN and other advanced privacy tools.

System requirements

We’re not demanding. All you need is a PC with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 or 7*, 1 GB RAM 
and 2 GB of hard disk space. And that’s it.

* Both the 32- and 64-bit versions, excluding Starter and RT editions.

Windows 10 compatible

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Get free ransomware protection for PC with Avast One

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Get free ransomware protection for Mac with Avast One

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Get free ransomware protection for Android with Avast One

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Get free threat protection for your iPhone with Avast One

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