Avast Free Antivirus

Name: Avast Free Antivirus
Availability: InStock
Author: AVAST Software

Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus for Windows, Mac, and mobile. It is made by a Czech company now owned by Gen Digital (the same group behind Norton and AVG). The free version covers real-time scanning, ransomware protection, a firewall, and email scanning. The paid tiers add a sandbox, webcam protection, VPN, and a cleanup tool.

The thing you should know about Avast: in 2020, it came out that their subsidiary Jumpshot was collecting and selling user browsing data to companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. They shut Jumpshot down after the backlash, and in 2024 the FTC fined them $16.5 million and banned them from selling browsing data. The current version does not do this, but it is worth knowing the history.

What it does

After installation, Avast runs in the background and scans files as you open, download, or run them. The main dashboard has a Smart Scan button that checks for malware, outdated software, weak passwords, and network issues in one pass. For manual scanning, you can run a Quick Scan (common locations), Full System Scan, or a Boot-Time Scan that runs before Windows loads.

Ransomware Shield locks down your Documents and Pictures folders so unauthorized programs cannot encrypt them. The firewall monitors network connections and lets you set rules per application. The Do Not Disturb mode suppresses all notifications during games or presentations.

Advantages

Free version includes real-time protection, ransomware shield, and firewall
Consistently scores high in independent AV tests (AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST)
Smart Scan covers malware, network, and software updates in one click

Drawbacks

Jumpshot data selling scandal (2020) - FTC fined them $16.5M in 2024
Free version pushes upgrade popups aggressively
Heavy on system resources compared to Windows Defender
AVG uses the same engine and has less baggage; Bitdefender Free is lighter

Who it is for

If you want more protection than Windows Defender offers and do not want to pay for it, Avast Free is a solid option. Just know that you will see upgrade prompts regularly. If the data selling history bothers you, Bitdefender Free or sticking with Windows Defender are cleaner alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avast Free Antivirus safe?

The current version is safe. In 2020, Avast's subsidiary Jumpshot was caught selling user browsing data. They shut Jumpshot down, and in 2024 the FTC fined them $16.5 million. The current version does not collect browsing data.

Is Avast free?

Yes, the free version includes real-time scanning, ransomware protection, a firewall, and email scanning. The paid version adds a sandbox, webcam protection, VPN, and cleanup tools.

Is Avast better than Windows Defender?

Avast generally scores higher in independent tests (AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST) and offers more features like ransomware shield and email scanning. However, it uses more system resources and shows upgrade popups.

Does Avast sell your data?

Not anymore. Their subsidiary Jumpshot was collecting and selling browsing data until 2020. After public backlash and an FTC fine of $16.5 million in 2024, Avast is banned from selling browsing data.

What is the difference between Avast and AVG?

Both are owned by Gen Digital and use the same antivirus engine. The interfaces are different but the protection is essentially identical. AVG has less baggage from the data selling controversy.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Antivirus scanning	Protection › Scan › Select: Quick / Full / Custom / Boot-time scan.
2	Real-time protection 16	Enabled by default. Monitors files when opening, downloading, or running them. settings › protection.
3	Ransomware protection 11	protection › Ransomware Shield › Protects selected folders (Documents, Photos) from unauthorized encryption.
4	Email protection 3	protection › Core Shields › Email Shield › Scans attachments in incoming and outgoing messages.
5	Virus definition update 2	menu › settings › Update › Update virus definitions. Updates automatically by default.
6	Flash Fill in Excel	protection › firewall › Manage rules for incoming and outgoing application connections.
7	Threat quarantine 4	protection › quarantine › Browse and manage detected threats. Restore or delete them.
8	Wi-Fi network scanning 3	protection › Wi-Fi Inspector › Scans the network for vulnerabilities and unauthorized devices.
9	Do Not Disturb mode	settings › Full Screen / Do Not Disturb mode › Silences notifications during games or presentations.
10	Sandbox (Premium only)	Premium: protection › Sandbox › Run a suspicious application in an isolated environment.