Avast Antivirus & Security
Avast Software • Security
Avast! is a long-time market leader in antivirus software offering high quality protection against a wide range of online threats. The product is known for its effectiveness and affordability, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users.
One of the main advantages of Avast! is his flexible user interface. You can choose between simple mode (Simple)which is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist design and easy navigation, or advanced mode (Advanced)which provides a full set of options for more experienced users wishing to customize their security settings.
In This Post
Why It Stands Out
Disable Avast Data Sharing
- Open Avast Antivirus.
- Click Menu in the top right corner.
- Select Settings from the drop-down list.
- Navigate to the General tab on the left-hand side.
- Choose Personal Privacy.
- Untick the box next to Share app usage data with Avast or similar options.
Reason To Do This: Disabling data sharing enhances your privacy. It prevents Avast from collecting or sharing your activity data with third parties, without impacting core antivirus functionality.
Manage Core Shield Settings
- Open Avast Antivirus.
- Go to Menu > Settings.
- Select Protection from the left-hand menu.
- Click Core Shields.
- Choose a specific shield (e.g., File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield).
- Adjust settings by ticking or unticking options to enable or disable specific protections.
Reason To Do This: Configuring core shields allows you to fine-tune real-time protection. This ensures the antivirus operates according to your preferences, balancing security with system performance.
Schedule Automatic Scans
- Open Avast Antivirus.
- Click Protection in the left-hand menu.
- Select Virus Scans.
- Choose Schedule Scan.
- Set the type of scan (e.g., Full Virus Scan, Targeted Scan) and specify the preferred day and time for it to run.
Reason To Do This: Scheduling automatic scans ensures your PC is regularly checked for threats without manual intervention. This maintains consistent protection and prevents unnoticed infections.
Download avast!
File size: 657 MB
OS support: Windows
Windows
avast! Free Antivirus 26.5.10994 Final – Offline
Key Features
- Flexible Interface: Choose between simple mode for minimalist design and easy navigation, or advanced mode for full customization options for experienced users.
- Multi-Layer Resident Protection: Provides real-time protection through multiple modules including Standard Shield, Internet Shield, and Postal Shield for comprehensive security.
- Standard Shield: Protects the file system and applications from malware threats in real-time.
- Internet Shield: Checks all data passing through your Internet connection and blocks access to dangerous websites.
- Email Protection: Scans incoming and outgoing email for malware attachments and phishing scams.
- Free Protection with Registration: 60-day trial version with option to register for free activation key valid for 14 months after trial.
Technical Specifications
| Software Name | avast! |
|---|---|
| Version | 26.5.10994 |
| License | Free |
| File Size | 657 MB |
| OS Support | Windows |
| Language | English, Arabic, Chinese |
| Developer | Avast |
| Homepage | https://www.avast.com/en-eu/index |
| Changelogurl | https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=324209.0 |
| Last Updated | March 3, 2026 |
What’s New in Current Version
- DeepFake Protection: Enables Avast users to detect AI-generated scam videos via the Antiscam dashboard, with DeepFake Guard available as a premium feature.
- Wireless display connectivity: Improved detection and connectivity for wireless displays.
- Bugfixes: Various fixes and enhancements for improved stability and performance.
For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.
Required Specs
Minimum
- OS: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 Service Pack 1 or later (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, excluding Starter and RT editions)
- Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 processor or above (must support SSE3 instructions)
- RAM: 4 GB RAM or above
- Disk Space: 3 GB free space on the hard disk
How to Install
Installation Steps
- Click the download button to get the installer for your operating system
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click to run the installer
- Follow the on-screen installation wizard to complete setup
Compatibility: Compatible with Windows operating systems
Problem Solving
- Issue: Installation fails → Solution: Run as administrator
FAQ
Is Avast! free?
Yes, avast! offers a free version with basic protection features. After a 60-day trial, you can register for a free activation key valid for 14 months.
What operating systems does Avast! support?
avast! supports Windows operating systems, though specific version requirements may vary by release.
Similar Software
| Feature | avast! | Norton Antivirus | TotalAV Antivirus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Free | 💰 Paid (e.g., $10/year) | 💰 Paid (e.g., $29-$49/year) |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Real-time Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Firewall | Basic (Enhanced in Premium) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ransomware Shield | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| VPN Included | No (Separate product/Premium feature) | Yes (in some plans) | Yes (bundled) |
| Key Strength | Comprehensive free protection with AI-powered scam detection | Strong malware detection rates, identity theft protection | Excellent malware detection, system optimization tools |
| Weakness vs Main | N/A (this is the main software) | Not entirely free for comprehensive features | No built-in firewall in basic plans |
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