Avast Premium Security and Avast Antivirus for Windows - FAQs

Avast Free Antivirus is a security application that helps protect your devices from viruses, malware, phishing, and other threats.

Avast Free Antivirus includes the free features listed below.

Avast Premium Security is an application that helps protect your devices from viruses, malware, phishing, and other threats. It scans your online mailboxes for suspicious emails, as well as control which IP addresses can remotely access your Windows device and helps block all other connection attempts.

Avast Premium Security includes all of the free features that are included in Avast Free Antivirus, as well as the premium features listed below.

Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast Cleanup Premium appear in the Avast Premium Security app but require separate, paid subscriptions.

Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) comes with all the features included in Avast Premium Security (single-device), and additionally includes Avast Premium Security for Mac, Avast Mobile Security Premium for Android, and Avast Mobile Security for iOS for use on up to 10 devices simultaneously.

You can check the features available in each version of Avast Antivirus on our app comparison chart.

Avast Antivirus comes with several predefined scans as well as the option to create your own custom scans. Generally, running a scan does not noticeably affect system performance. However, performance may be affected somewhat depending on your system configurations, especially if you execute multiple scans simultaneously.

After the launch of Avast Premium Security, we made changes to our existing Avast Antivirus apps. Refer to the information below according to your previous Avast Antivirus app:

• Avast Premier continues as Avast Premium Security with no changes to the available tools and features.
• Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Internet Security are no longer available for purchase via the Avast website. Existing users received an upgrade to Avast Premium Security, which contains additional tools and features.

For detailed information on system requirements for Avast Antivirus and Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article: System requirements for Avast applications.

Avast Antivirus is not supported (is not compatible, cannot be installed, and will not run) on DOS, Microsoft Windows editions earlier than Windows 7 (Windows 7 Service Pack 1 with Convenience Rollup Update is required), Microsoft Windows Server operating systems, or any others not specified as supported.

Download your Avast Antivirus app using the direct links below:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the relevant article below:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

For detailed instructions to update Avast Antivirus to the latest application version, refer to the following article:

• Updating Avast Antivirus and Avast One

Yes. Avast Free Antivirus and Avast Premium Security can be installed and used on Windows 11 devices with ARM processors. However, some features, including Rescue Disk and Do Not Disturb Mode, will not work on these devices.

For detailed instructions to activate Avast Premium Security, refer to the following article:

• Activating Avast Premium Security

Avast Free Antivirus automatically activates after installation. However, after 12 months, the application may prompt you to renew the activation. To continue using Avast Free Antivirus, refer to the following article for instructions:

• Activating Avast Free Antivirus

If you experience activation issues using an activation code:

1. Ensure you have correctly entered your activation code, including hyphens.
2. Use your Avast Account to retrieve a copy of your activation code, then try activating the app again.

If you experience activation issues using your Avast Account:

• Ensure that you are entering the credentials for the Avast Account that is linked to your Avast Premium Security subscription. To verify this, sign in to your Avast Account in your web browser and click the Subscriptions tile to see a list of the linked subscriptions.

In some cases, subscription synchronization may take up to 24 hours after purchase. If your subscription is still not active after this time, refer to the following article:

• Troubleshooting activation issues in Avast applications

If the issue persists, contact Avast Support.

You can always find your current activation codes in your Avast Account. For more information, refer to the following article:

• Retrieving an activation code from your Avast Account

Yes. You can activate an Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) subscription on up to 10 devices simultaneously on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

You can activate an Avast Premium Security (Single-Device) subscription on one device at a time, and transfer this subscription to another device on the same platform. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• Transferring an Avast subscription to another device

Check your Avast Account or an order confirmation email to confirm which subscription type you purchased.

An Avast Premium Security (Single-Device) subscription provides protection on one device. The following Avast Premium Security (Single-Device) subscriptions are available:

• Avast Premium Security (for PC)
• Avast Premium Security (for Mac)
• Avast Mobile Security Premium (for Android)
• Avast Mobile Security Premium (for iOS)

An Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) subscription protects up to 10 devices on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and allows you to freely transfer your subscription from one device or platform to another.

To view a list of devices associated with your subscription, open Avast Premium Security and go to ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions. Your devices are listed under Protected devices.

For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

• Activating Avast Premium Security
• Activating Avast Mobile Security Premium

Open Avast Premium Security and go to ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions. The duration of your subscription is listed under My subscriptions.

Yes. Avast Premium Security free-trial availability and trial length vary by platform, region, and offer. Depending on where you sign up, you may see different trial lengths, such as 7-day, 30-day, or 60-day offers.

A payment method may be required for some trial offers. If applicable, the paid subscription starts automatically when the trial ends unless you cancel it before the end of the trial.

For information about canceling an Avast subscription, refer to the following article:

• Canceling an Avast subscription - FAQs

For more information about the Avast refund policy and for instructions on how to request a refund, refer to the following article:

• Requesting a refund for an Avast subscription

Smart Scan is a comprehensive scan that helps detect the following:

• Viruses: Files containing malicious code that may impact the security and performance of your Windows device.
• Vulnerable software: Out-of-date software that hackers can use to access your system.
• Bad browser add-ons: Browser extensions that are usually installed without your knowledge and affect the performance of your system.
• Poor search engines: Default search providers that may offer poor search results or endanger your privacy.
• Network issues: Vulnerabilities in your network that may lead to attacks on your router and network devices.
• Performance issues: Items such as junk files, unnecessary applications, or settings issues that may interfere with the operation of your Windows device.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Running Smart Scan in Avast Antivirus

Core Shields are the main protection components in Avast Antivirus. By default, all Core Shields are enabled to help provide optimal protection. The Core Shields are comprised of the following shields:

• File Shield: Scans programs and files saved on your Windows device for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved. If malware is detected, File Shield prevents the program or file from infecting your Windows device.
• Behavior Shield: Monitors all processes on your Windows device in real-time for suspicious behavior that may indicate the presence of malicious code. Behavior Shield works by detecting and blocking suspicious files based on their similarity to other known threats, even if the files are not yet added to the virus definitions database.
• Mail Shield: Scans your incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses. Scanning applies only to messages sent or received using a mail management software (email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird). If you access your web-based email account via an internet browser, your Windows device is protected by other Avast shields.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Adjusting settings for Avast Antivirus Core Shields

Web Guard (formerly known as Web Shield) scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your Windows device.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Scam Guardian Pro - FAQs
• Scam Guardian Pro - Getting Started

Avast Assistant is an AI-driven tool designed to analyze texts, emails, and links for signs of scams. Beyond detecting suspicious content, it serves as a cybersecurity resource, allowing users to ask questions on various topics related to online safety.

For more information about using Avast Assistant, refer to the following articles:

• Scam Guardian Pro - FAQs
• Scam Guardian Pro - Getting Started

Quarantine is an isolated space where you can store potentially dangerous files or send them to the Avast Threat Lab for analysis. Files in Quarantine cannot run or access your system and data, so any malicious code contained within a file is unable to harm your Windows device.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Quarantine - Getting Started

CyberCapture is a feature that helps detect and analyze rare, suspicious files. If you attempt to run such a file, CyberCapture locks the file from your Windows device and sends it to the Avast Threat Lab where it is analyzed in a safe, virtual environment.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• CyberCapture - FAQs
• Managing CyberCapture in Avast Antivirus

Rescue Disk is a feature that allows you to create a bootable version of the Avast Antivirus scanner on a USB or CD.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Scanning your PC for viruses using Rescue Disk in Avast Antivirus

Network Inspector scans your network for vulnerabilities and identifies potential security issues that open the door to threats. This feature checks the status of your network, devices connected to the network, and router settings. Network Inspector helps you secure your network to prevent attackers from accessing it and misusing your personal data.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Network Inspector - FAQs
• Network Inspector - Getting Started

Ransomware Shield helps secure your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature scans for and helps secure folders that may contain personal data, and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your folders and which applications are always blocked.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Ransomware Shield - FAQs
• Ransomware Shield - Getting Started

Firewall monitors all network traffic between your Windows device and the outside world to help protect you from unauthorized communication and intrusions. Firewall can prevent sensitive data from leaving your Windows device and can block attempted intrusions by hackers.

You can also set the application rules to control network and internet communication for specific software applications. Firewall applies these rules whenever a particular application tries to establish a connection to the internet or with another network.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Firewall - FAQs
• Firewall - Getting Started

Hack Alerts continuously monitors the dark web and warns you if your login credentials have been leaked online. The dark web is a more private part of the internet that can only be accessed with an anonymizing network like the Tor browser. The extreme privacy offered by the dark web makes it the ideal environment for criminals to illegally buy and sell leaked personal information.

To start using Hack Alerts:

1. Open Avast Antivirus and select Privacy ▸ Hack Alerts.
2. Click Protect my accounts.
3. Enter your Avast Account credentials and click Continue.

   Your Avast Account login is the email address that you provided during the subscription purchase. To sign into your Avast Account for the first time, refer to the following article: Activating your Avast Account.

Avast is now monitoring for leaks involving any online accounts that are linked with the email address you provided.

Do Not Disturb Mode works to silence unnecessary notifications while you run almost any application in fullscreen. Each time you open an application in fullscreen, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically detects it and adds it to a list of applications. When you run applications from this list of entries, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically launches to silence notifications from Windows, Avast Antivirus, and other applications. In the Do Not Disturb Mode applications list, you can also select … More options (three dots) next to the relevant application, then tick the Maximize performance box, which allows the application to run at highest priority and boost the performance of your Windows device.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Do Not Disturb Mode - FAQs
• Do Not Disturb Mode - Getting Started

Software Updater is a feature in Avast Antivirus that keeps commonly used third-party software up to date to eliminate potential security risks. Malicious threats or attackers often use leaks in outdated software to access your Windows device. Software Updater displays the most popular programs installed on your Windows device and allows you to easily update them.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Software Updater - Getting Started

Browser Cleanup is a feature now integrated into Smart Scan and Avast Cleanup Premium.

When you run Smart Scan, Avast scans your Windows device for various elements, including poorly rated browser add-ons. If such add-ons are detected, you can follow on-screen instructions to remove them.

If you use Avast Cleanup Premium, the Clean option scans for and identifies poorly rated browser add-ons. You can select which add-ons to remove, as well as view reputable add-ons.

Email Guard is a premium feature which scans your web-based email account in real-time and flags suspicious emails that may contain malware or phishing scams.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Email Guard - FAQs
• Email Guard - Getting Started

Deepfake Guard is a security feature that uses advanced AI to analyze audio and video content in real time, detect synthetic voices, and identify deepfake-based scams. These scams often involve realistic fake voices or videos created to impersonate trusted individuals or promote fraudulent schemes, such as cryptocurrency offers using AI-generated deepfakes of public figures. By spotting these manipulations as you watch or listen, deepfake protection helps prevent users from being tricked into sharing money or personal information.

Refer to the following article for more information about Deepfake Guard: Deepfake Guard - Getting Started.

Bank Mode is a premium protection feature that provides a virtual desktop that acts as a clean, safe Windows device within your real Windows device. The Bank Mode virtual desktop helps protect you against the injection of malicious scripts, keystroke logging, and screenshot attempts by third-party apps. We recommend using Bank Mode each time you want to access a banking website or pay online.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Bank Mode - Getting Started

For information about using Bank Mode with Avast Secure Browser, refer to the following article:

• Avast Secure Browser Bank Mode - Getting Started

Remote Access Shield is a a premium feature which allows you to control which IP addresses are allowed to connect remotely to your Windows device, and blocks all unauthorized connection attempts.

By default, Remote Access Shield blocks the following connections:

• Connections from high-risk IP addresses.
• Connections that attempt to use known vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol, such as BlueKeep.
• Brute-force attacks that work by repeatedly trying to sign in to your system with commonly used or stolen login credentials.

You receive a notification from Avast each time Remote Access Shield blocks a connection attempt.

We recommend keeping Remote Access Shield enabled at all times. To ensure Remote Access Shield is enabled, go to Protection ▸ Remote Access Shield and ensure the slider at the top of the screen is green (ON).

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Remote Access Shield - FAQs

Real Site is a a premium feature which helps secure you against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking. Some malicious programs can stealthily redirect you from an authentic URL to an inauthentic one to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Every time you enter a website's URL (address), such as www.example.com, into the address bar of your browser, the URL is translated to the IP address (Internet Protocol address) of the web server where the web page that you want to access is stored. Real Site provides an encrypted connection between your web browser and Avast's own DNS server to ensure that the displayed website is the authentic one.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Real Site - FAQs
• Managing Real Site in Avast Antivirus

Sandbox, available in Avast Premium Security, is a virtualization tool that allows you to browse the web or run an application in an isolated and safe environment. When you run an application in Sandbox, your activity and web content is contained, which prevents damage to your Windows device. This is useful when you want to run suspicious or untrusted applications without risk.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Sandbox - Getting Started

Browser Shield, available in Avast Premium Security, helps secure your passwords stored in your web browsers. If left unprotected, passwords stored in web browsers may be vulnerable to malware and theft by unwanted applications. Browser Shield allows you to choose which apps have access to your saved passwords. Browser Shield also blocks access to browser cookies to protect your personal and sensitive data.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Browser Shield - FAQs
• Browser Shield - Getting Started

Webcam Shield, available in Avast Premium Security, helps prevent applications and malware from accessing your Windows device's webcam without your consent. With Webcam Shield enabled, untrusted applications should not be able to capture images or videos and send the content outside of your Windows device to compromise your privacy.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Webcam Shield - FAQs
• Webcam Shield - Getting Started

Sensitive Data Shield, available in Avast Premium Security, scans and helps protect your sensitive personal documents against unauthorized access and malware. The files considered sensitive contain your personal information that, if revealed, can compromise your privacy and identity. Sensitive Data Shield controls which applications and users have access to your files to secure your private data.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Sensitive Data Shield - FAQs
• Sensitive Data Shield - Getting Started

Data Shredder is a premium feature which allows you to irreversibly erase your files or whole drives, so that there is no way for anyone to restore and misuse your data.

When you erase a hard drive, or delete a file using standard tools, only a reference to its data is removed from the file system. Simply deleting sensitive files, such as user data or licensed software, may not be safe as there are tools capable of restoring deleted files. Data Shredder overwrites files with meaningless data multiple times before deleting them which prevents data from being recovered. Data Shredder is especially useful when selling/donating your computers or hard drives.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Data Shredder - FAQs
• Data Shredder - Getting Started

Passive Mode disables all active protection, such as Shields and Firewall, so that you can use more than one antivirus program at a time without interfering with the performance of your Windows device or the reliability of antivirus detections. In Passive Mode, Avast Antivirus receives all virus definition and program updates, which allow you to manually run scans to check for issues on your Windows device, however, Avast does not actively protect you.

If you want Avast to actively protect you from malware and other security threats, ensure that Passive Mode is not turned on and the following conditions are met:

• All third-party antivirus programs are uninstalled.
• The main screen of Avast indicates This computer is protected.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Using Passive Mode in Avast Antivirus

Yes. You can exclude specific files, folders, or websites from being scanned by all Avast shields and scans. To set an exclusion:

1. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General ▸ Exceptions.
2. Click Add exception.
3. Type a file path, folder path, or URL, then click Add exception. Alternatively, click Browse, then select a file or folder path, and click OK.

Your specified file, folder, or website is now listed on the Exceptions screen. To remove an exception, hover your mouse over the listed exception, then click the trash can icon that appears on the right.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Excluding certain files or websites from scanning in Avast Antivirus and Avast One

Avast Antivirus informs you when Software Updater detects updates for third-party applications. In Avast Premium Security, you can configure Software Updater to perform updates automatically.

In Avast Free Antivirus, you can maintain updates manually by clicking Update now next to each application.

Avast aims to cover third-party apps whose updates are essential for Windows device security. The apps included may change over time.

Avast uses a database of known virus definitions to identify malware and other threats on your Windows device, so it is important to ensure virus definitions are regularly updated. By default, Avast updates virus definitions automatically. However, Avast cannot perform the update if you are offline.

To manually check for available updates:

1. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
2. Select General ▸ Update in the left panel.
3. Click Check for updates in the virus definitions section.

Any threats detected during a scan are sent to Quarantine by default. After running a scan, you can access Quarantine from the results page. Quarantine is an isolated space where potentially dangerous files are safely stored. From Quarantine, you can also perform specific actions, such as sending suspicious files to Avast Threat Labs for analysis.

To change your personal privacy settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
2. Select General ▸ Personal Privacy in the left panel.
3. Untick the boxes next to the privacy settings according to your preferences.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Managing privacy settings in Avast apps

For detailed instructions to uninstall your Avast Antivirus application, refer to the relevant article below according to the app:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

Yes. Microsoft Windows Firewall is not necessary when using the built-in firewall included in Avast Premium Security. Avast Firewall monitors all communication between your Windows device and outside networks and blocks unauthorized communication. It is highly recommended to keep all Avast protection components enabled at all times for reliable Windows device protection.

You can use the Avast Support Tool to send file logs to Avast Support for troubleshooting common issues.

Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General ▸ Troubleshooting and click Send logs.

For detailed steps, refer to the following article:

• Submitting a support file using the Avast Support Tool