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Avast Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus is one of the best free antivirus software programs you can download. It's a complete tool that protects against threats from the internet, email, local files, peer-to-peer connections, instant messages, and much more. In fact, the 2021 version outdoes its competitors to a pretty significant extent.
Installing Avast Antivirus for Windows
Avast Free Antivirus for Windows is an essential security application that prevents viruses, spyware, and other malicious threats from infecting your PC.
1. Click the button below to download the Avast Free Antivirus setup file, and save it in a familiar location on your PC (by default, downloaded files are saved to your Downloads folder).
2. Right-click the downloaded setup file avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
NOTE: If you do not see the Run as administrator option, refer to the following article for instructions to manage administrative accounts on your PC:
Managing administrative accounts on your Windows PC
3. If prompted for permission by the User Account Control dialog, click Yes.
4. To change the default setup language, click the current language in the top-right corner of the screen. Then, click Install to proceed with default installation, or click Customize if you need to make changes to the default setup.
5. Wait while setup installs Avast Free Antivirus on your PC
6. When the installation is complete, click Continue.
7. Click Run first scan to start a comprehensive Smart Scan, which detects viruses, malware, bad browser add-ons, and other issues on your PC.
Avast Free Antivirus is now installed on your PC and ready to use, but some components may not fully function until you restart your PC.
It is no longer necessary to register Avast Free Antivirus, as your initial free subscription automatically activates after installation.
Installing Avast Antivirus for Mac
Avast Security for Mac is an essential security software that prevents viruses, spyware, and other malicious threats from infecting your Mac.
1. Click the button below to download the Avast Security setup file, and save it in a familiar location on your Mac (by default, downloaded files are saved to your Downloads folder.)
2. Double-click the downloaded setup file avast_security_online.dmg.
3. Double-click the Avast Security icon, then close the window.
4. Click Continue.
5. Review Avast's Privacy Policy, then click Continue.
6. Click Continue to confirm that you have read the End User License Agreement, then click Agree to confirm that you accept the terms.
7. Click Install to proceed with default installation, or click Change Install Location... or Customize if you want to make changes to the default setup.
8. If prompted, use your Touch ID to grant permission for the installation, or click Use Password..., then enter your Administrator Password and click Install Software.
9. Click OK to allow Avast Security to access your downloads folder.
10. When the System Extension Blocked notification appears, click OK.
11. Optionally, untick the box if you do not want Google Chrome installed as your default browser, then click Continue.
12. Click Close.
13. Click Move to Trash
14. Click OK to allow the Avast Security installer to access your downloads folder.
Avast Security is now installed on your Mac. To complete the initial setup, follow the on-screen instructions to allow permissions for Avast Security.
Why is Avast one of the best free antivirus solutions?
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.
How does Avast Free Antivirus protect against so many types of threats?
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 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.
How do I detect and remove viruses and other malware?
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.
If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try to remove viruses and malware the old fashioned way.
Activating an Avast Premium Security subscription
Applies to Avast Premium Security for Windows, Avast Premium Security for Windows, Mac or IOS
Avast Premium Security for Windows, Mac or IOS is a paid product that requires a subscription to use. After installing Avast Premium Security, you may need to manually activate your subscription.
Your chosen activation method:
• Enter activation code
• Sign in to Avast Account
Enter activation code
To activate Avast Premium Security using an activation code:
1. Locate your activation code. This is included in your order confirmation email. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
• Locating your Avast activation code
2. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
For alternative options to open Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:
• Opening Avast applications
3. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Enter activation code
4. Type or paste your activation code (including hyphens) into the text box, then click Enter.
5. If more than one product is associated with your activation code, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Still need help? section in this article.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Sign in to Avast Account
Follow the relevant instructions below according to your PC's default web browser:
1. Google Chrome
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application
For alternative options to open Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:
• Opening Avast applications
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Google Chrome opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in Google Chrome:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. When prompted by Google Chrome to re-open Avast Antivirus, click Open Avast Antivirus.
5. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Activate via sign-in key section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Activate via sign-in key
If activation via Avast Account fails, you can activate Avast Premium Security using the sign-in key from your web browser. To use this alternative activation method, follow the steps below:
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Your default web browser opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in your default web browser:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. Click Get a sign-in key instead.
5. Click Copy to clipboard.
6. Go to Avast Premium Security, and click enter the sign-in key from your browser.
7. Click in the text box, then press the Ctrl key and the V key on your keyboard simultaneously to paste the sign-in key. Click Continue.
8. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Still need help? section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
2. FIREFOX
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Mozilla Firefox opens
For alternative options to open Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:
• Opening Avast applications
3. Follow the relevant step below in Mozilla Firefox:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. When prompted by Mozilla Firefox to re-open Avast Antivirus, follow the steps below:
• Select Choose Application
• Ensure Avast Antivirus is selected, then click Open Link.
5. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Activate via sign-in key section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Activate via sign-in key
If activation via Avast Account fails, you can activate Avast Premium Security using the sign-in key from your web browser. To use this alternative activation method, follow the steps below:
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Your default web browser opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in your default web browser:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. Click Get a sign-in key instead.
5. Click Copy to clipboard.
6. Go to Avast Premium Security, and click enter the sign-in key from your browser.
7. Click in the text box, then press the Ctrl key and the V key on your keyboard simultaneously to paste the sign-in key. Click Continue.
8. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Still need help? section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
3. EDGE
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
For alternative options to open Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:
• Opening Avast applications
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Microsoft Edge opens .
3. Follow the relevant step below in Microsoft Edge:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. When prompted by Microsoft Edge to re-open Avast Antivirus, click Open.
5. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Activate via sign-in key section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Activate via sign-in key
If activation via Avast Account fails, you can activate Avast Premium Security using the sign-in key from your web browser. To use this alternative activation method, follow the steps below:
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Your default web browser opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in your default web browser:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. Click Get a sign-in key instead
5. Click Copy to clipboard.
6. Go to Avast Premium Security, and click enter the sign-in key from your browser.
7. Click in the text box, then press the Ctrl key and the V key on your keyboard simultaneously to paste the sign-in key. Click Continue.
8. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Still need help? section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
4. SECURE BROWSER
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
For alternative options to open Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:
• Opening Avast applications
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Avast Secure Browser opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in Avast Secure Browser:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. When prompted by Avast Secure Browser to re-open Avast Antivirus, click Open Avast Antivirus.
5. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Activate via sign-in key section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Activate via sign-in key
If activation via Avast Account fails, you can activate Avast Premium Security using the sign-in key from your web browser. To use this alternative activation method, follow the steps below:
1. Double-click the Avast Premium Security icon on your Windows desktop to open the application.
2. Select ☰ Menu ▸ Sign in. Your default web browser opens.
3. Follow the relevant step below in your default web browser:
(A) Check that the listed Avast Account is the one that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Yes, continue. Alternatively, click Sign in as someone else.
(B) Enter the credentials for the Avast Account that contains your Avast Premium Security subscription, then click Continue.
4. Click Get a sign-in key instead.
5. Click Copy to clipboard.
6. Go to Avast Premium Security, and click enter the sign-in key from your browser.
7. Click in the text box, then press the Ctrl key and the V key on your keyboard simultaneously to paste the sign-in key. Click Continue.
8. If more than one product is associated with your Avast Account, ensure the products you want to use are selected, then click Activate & install.
The products you selected are installed and activated automatically.
Your Avast Premium Security subscription is now active. If activation is unsuccessful, refer to the Still need help? section below.
The expiration date of your subscription appears via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions or in your Avast Account. You can activate your subscription on the number of devices you specified when making the purchase.
Managing your expired Avast subscription
Applies to Avast Premium Security for Windows, Mac, IOS, Avast SecureLine VPN for Windows, Avast Cleanup
WINDOWS PC
If you can no longer use a paid Avast product, or the paid product features are no longer available, your Avast subscription may have expired. When an Avast subscription is expired, your product may display one of the following messages:
• Your subscription has expired
• Your Avast SecureLine VPN is over
• Avast Cleanup Premium has expired
This article explains how to manage an expired Avast subscription.
Choose your preferred action below:
A. Check your subscription details: Confirm that your subscription is expired and check when it expired.
B. Switch to Avast Free Antivirus: If your Avast Premium Security subscription is expired, you can switch to the free version of the product.
C. Purchase a new subscription: If you want to continue using the paid product features but you have not yet purchased a new subscription.
D. Reactivate a product: If you already purchased a new Avast subscription and you need to reactivate the product.
E. Uninstall a product: If you no longer want to use your Avast product.
Check your subscription details
Refer to the relevant information below according to your product:
• Avast Premium Security: Go to ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions. Check your subscription details under Subscriptions on this PC.
• Avast Cleanup Premium: Go to ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions. Check your subscription details under Subscriptions on this PC.
• Avast SecureLine VPN: Go to ☰ Menu ▸ My subscriptions. Check your subscription details under Subscriptions on this PC.
• Avast AntiTrack: If prompted, click Not now to close the expiration dialog. From the main application screen, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings. Check your subscription details under Your subscription status.
Switch to Avast Free Antivirus
This option only applies for expired Avast Premium Security subscriptions.
Refer to the relevant section below:
• Free-trial subscriptions
• Purchased subscriptions
1. Free-trial subscriptions
1. Click Switch to free in the dialog that appears after your free trial expires.
2. Restart your PC.
Avast Premium Security has now changed to Avast Free Antivirus.
Purchased subscriptions
1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Apps and Features from the menu that appears
2. Ensure that Apps & features is selected in the left panel, then click Avast Premium Security, and select Uninstall.
3. If prompted for permission by the User Account Control dialog, click Yes.
4. When Avast Premium Security Setup appears, click Switch to free antivirus.
5. Click Yes to authorize the change.
6. Click Restart computer to immediately reboot your PC.
Avast Premium Security has now changed to Avast Free Antivirus.
Purchase a new subscription
Refer to the relevant information below according to your product:
• Avast Premium Security: Click Renewal options on the main application screen. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast Cleanup Premium: Click Reactivate in the top left corner. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast SecureLine VPN: Click the OFF slider on the main application screen, then click Extend in the expiration dialog that appears. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast AntiTrack: Follow the relevant step below according to the screen that you see when you open Avast AntiTrack:
(A) Click See subscription options in the expiration dialog.
(B) Click Renewal options on the main application screen.
Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
MAC
If you can no longer use a paid Avast product, or the paid product features are no longer available, your Avast subscription may have expired. When an Avast subscription is expired, your product may display one of the following messages:
• Your subscription has expired
• Your Avast SecureLine VPN is over
• License expired
• Your Avast Cleanup Premium has expired
This article explains how to manage an expired Avast subscription.
Choose your preferred action below:
• Check your subscription details: Confirm that your subscription is expired and check when it expired.
• Purchase a new subscription: If you want to continue using the paid product features but you have not yet purchased a new subscription.
• Reactivate a product: If you already purchased a new Avast subscription and you need to reactivate the product.
• Uninstall a product: If you no longer want to use your Avast product.
Check your subscription details
Refer to the relevant information below according to your product:
• Avast Premium Security: When your Avast Premium Security subscription expires, the application switches automatically to Avast Security (the free version of the product). However, you can still check your expired subscription details via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions.
• Avast Cleanup Premium: Ensure the application is open and active, then click Avast Cleanup ▸ Insert activation code in the Apple menu bar. Check your expired subscription details under Your current subscription.
• Avast SecureLine VPN: Click ☰ Menu in the top-right corner of the main application screen. Select Subscription to check your current subscription details.
• Avast AntiTrack: If prompted, click Not now to close the expiration dialog. From the main application screen, click Settings in the left panel. Check your subscription details under Subscription.
Purchase a new subscription
Refer to the relevant information below according to your product:
• Avast Premium Security: Go to ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions. Click Renew next to your expired subscription. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast Cleanup Premium: Click Renew now on the main application screen. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast SecureLine VPN: Click the OFF slider on the main application screen, then click Renew in the expiration dialog that appears. Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
• Avast AntiTrack: Follow the relevant step below according to the screen that you see when you open Avast AntiTrack:
(A) Click See renewal options in the expiration dialog that appears.
(B) Click Reactivate protection on the main application screen.
Select your preferred subscription plan and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
Canceling a subscription via your Avast Account
Applies to All Avast consumer products
This article explains how to cancel an Avast subscription via your Avast Account. If you do not have an Avast Account, you need to create one before following the steps below. For instructions, refer to the following article:
• Creating an Avast Account
If you do not want to create an Avast Account, refer to the following article for alternative cancellation methods:
• Alternative methods for canceling an Avast subscription
Cancel your subscription
1. Sign in to your Avast Account using the link below:
If you do not know the password for your Avast Account, refer to the following article:
• Resetting your Avast Account password
2. Select the Subscriptions tile.
3. Locate the Avast subscription that you want to cancel.
If the subscription does not appear on the My Subscriptions screen, refer to the Still need help? section below.
4. Click Unsubscribe under the subscription that you want to cancel.
If you do not see the Unsubscribe button, refer to the Still need help? section below.
5. Click Continue.
6. Optionally let us know why you are unsubscribing, then click Unsubscribe.
7. Review the details about your canceled subscription, then click Close.
Your subscription is now canceled. You receive confirmation of the cancellation by email.
When the subscription is canceled, the status changes to Expiring. You can continue to use your paid Avast product until the expiration date that is shown next to Expires on. After this date, you will either lose access to your Avast product, or your Avast product will switch to the free version.
