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, included in the Avast One app, is free and offers all the security you need.

Avast free antivirus software detects and blocks various 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 the Avast One app with Free Antivirus.

Trusted by millions of users around the world, Avast uses advanced machine learning techniques to protect against ransomware attacks and other emerging threats. Free antivirus software from Avast detects, blocks, and removes various 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.

The Avast One app with Free Antivirus combines cutting-edge, AI-driven cybersecurity with a massive threat-detection network of millions of 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 free antivirus software from Avast 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 your needs. Avast Free Antivirus is now part of Avast One.

Now known as Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender might not be enough to provide comprehensive protection 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. You’ll need the Avast One app with Free Antivirus to help 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, download the Avast One app with Free 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 premium protection in the Avast One app on up to 10 devices at once across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Upgrading to Avast Premium Security also gives you access to more advanced in-app features. If you already have the Avast One app with 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.