Antivirus software is a type of software designed to detect, prevent, and remove dangerous software or malware from your computer — including viruses, trojans, ransomware, adware, spyware, and more. It starts by scanning a computer’s files, programs, and disks for any hidden malware or other sophisticated threats. If threats are detected, antivirus software can quarantine infected files to prevent them from taking over your whole device.

It’s essential to have antivirus software installed on your computer because it adds a layer of cybersecurity protection and strengthens your online privacy and security. Choosing the right antivirus software can help can prevent threats that could cause data loss, system corruption, financial loss, identity theft, and privacy breaches.

Yes, there are various free antivirus software, although not all of them will provide you with full protection. Avast Free Antivirus is completely free and offers all the security you need.

Avast’s free antivirus software detects and blocks all types of malware in real time to prevent them from infecting your computer. At the same time, it scans your PC to remove viruses and other malware automatically before they can do real damage. 

The basic level of virus protection, like Windows Defender (Windows built-in security), may not offer the same comprehensive features, updates, and support as advanced antivirus software.

Technology is always changing which means cybercriminals can develop new tactics. Windows Defender can serve as basic protection for your computer but may not be enough to protect you from new emerging threats. It's important to consider a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity for optimal protection in the long run and you can start by trying out a free virus protection software, like Avast Free Antivirus.

Trusted by over 435 million users around the world, Avast uses advanced machine learning techniques to protect against ransomware attacks and other emerging threats. Avast Free Antivirus software detects, blocks, and removes all types of malware: viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans, and more. You’ll also get security for your Wi-Fi network and real-time defense against phishing attacks, unsafe websites, and other threats to your devices.

Avast’s free antivirus software combines cutting-edge, AI-driven cybersecurity with a massive threat-detection network of over 435 million users that lets us protect our entire community in real time against online threats whenever they appear.

Our industry-leading antivirus engine is just one of the many reasons why Avast Free Antivirus consistently earns high praise and top awards from PCMag, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, and other independent experts. We have one of the best antivirus software solutions available, because we have the right antivirus protection for all your needs.

In 2021, Avast released a new and enhanced product called Avast One, which is now available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Germany. 

Now known as Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender isn’t enough to match leading third-party antivirus programs for desktop PCs and laptops. While it’ll keep your computer relatively safe against most types of malware, its anti-phishing protection is limited to Microsoft Edge — so you’ll need Avast Free Antivirus to protect you on other browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Microsoft Defender also doesn’t score quite as highly with independent testing labs like AV-Comparatives. For comprehensive threat protection on your PC, go with Avast — the world’s most trusted antivirus.

You can use our free antivirus for as long as you want once you activate it. After 12 months, our app might prompt you to reactivate your free subscription so that you can keeping using it. If you decide to change device, you’ll need to download our free antivirus app again on that specific Windows PC. Upgrading to a paid subscription for Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) allows you to use our paid app on up to 10 devices at once across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Upgrading to the (Single-Device) or (Multi-Device) versions of Avast Premium Security also gives you access to more advanced in-app features. If you already have Avast Free Antivirus installed, right-click on the Avast icon in your Windows taskbar, and then click Registration information. After this, click on Upgrade now on the My subscriptions screen and choose Avast Premium Security within the comparison table. This will allow you to upgrade to paid subscription.