Icon of program: AVG AntiVirus Free

AVG AntiVirus Free for Windows

By AVG TechnologiesFreeUser Rating
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Key Details of AVG AntiVirus Free

  • Detects and removes malware, spyware, and viruses. Scans email attachments and downloads
  • User-friendly interface, easy navigation, and simple setup process
  • Compatible with Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11
  • Highly recommended for basic antivirus protection for personal use
Enlarged image for AVG AntiVirus Free

Editors' Review

Download.com staff

AVG Antivirus free is one of the most popular antivirus programs on the market. The company is moving from annual releases to rolling releases: as long as you have a subscription, you'll have the latest version of their software.

Pros

Rolling releases: In the past, buying a copy of AVG would get you regular antivirus updates, but features would not change until you bought the following year's version. Now you can always have the newest version of AVG.

It's free: Although it's release method has changed, you can still get a version that costs no money -- though there are a few strings attached (more on that in the Cons section below).

Modular installation: AVG has separate components that can monitor your desktop email client and your Web browser for threats, and you can choose to not install both of these, if you have other software that covers these bases already.

Cons

Installer gotchas: If you don't intervene by using a "custom" installation, the installer will put you on a 30-day trial of one of the company's paid products instead of installing AVG Antivirus Free. And it will change your Web browser's homepage and default search engine to Bing.com.

PC Analyzer has issues: AVG Antivirus features a PC Analyzer, which checks for registry errors, junk files and broken shortcuts that can be deleted, and disk defragmentation. The problem is, you're not supposed to defrag a solid-state drive, but PC Analyzer did not appear to notice what type of drive it was. The analyzer is also all-or-nothing; you can't skip the defrag or the registry cleaner and just delete junk files and shortcuts, for example.

Bottom Line

According to independent testing labs such as AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, AVG uses a solid antivirus engine. But the hoops you have to jump through in the installer and the technical error in the PC Analyzer have an impact on trust and confidence in the product.

Full Specifications

WHAT'S NEW IN VERSION 23.12.8700
  • New File Shredder: Normal deletion isn't always secure enough. In some cases, your data may still be recoverable. File Shredder deletes data securely to help ensure your most sensitive information remains private. Files are deleted permanently and can't be accessed or recovered by someone else.
  • Easy access to AVG mobile apps: User-friendly interface offers easy access to our free mobile apps. They range from mobile protection (AVG AntiVirus Free for Android) to privacy protection (AVG Safe Browser for iPhone & iPad) to mobile performance apps (AVG Cleaner for Android).
  • Better Detection: AVG detection rates are always being improved to ensure we are keeping up with Internet criminals.
  • File Reputation: The new AVG client will check with our cloud service and report the prevalence of certain files on users' computers. We'll then use this information to improve our product's detection capabilities (heuristics, behavioural detection). No personal information is ever collected, and customers must opt into our product improvement program in order for us to access their data.
GENERAL
Release
January 16, 2024
Latest update
January 29, 2024
Version
23.12.8700
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 7
Additional Requirements
None
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
566,833,900
Downloads Last Week
107
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User Reviews

4/5

22223 User Votes

Developer's Description

By AVG Technologies
Enjoy worry-free unhackable online life with real-time malware threat elimination within unbreakable Web defense.

Three reasons to use AVG AntiVirus Free: Millions trust it to protect them, it consistently earns top ranks among the world's best antivirus products, and it gives you some of the best security features around for free. Our essential antivirus installs in just moments, and then protects you forever - without slowing you down. With AVG AntiVirus FREE on your side, you're protected on two layers:

  • Computer Protection: Our real-time protection helps keep your computer free of viruses, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, Trojans, and other nasty malware. It also uses advanced artificial intelligence and real-time analysis to stop even the newest threats from reaching you.
  • Web&Email Protection: We block any unsafe links, downloads, and email attachments you run into so you can enjoy your online life without worries.

Best of all, anytime an AVG user encounters an unknown threat, we quickly analyze it, create a cure, and then push it out to our millions of users so everyone is better protected. You don't have to lift a finger. And updates? You're covered there, too. We push security updates and new features to you automatically, so you're always up-to-date. Anyone looking for a refreshingly simple antivirus that still packs a powerful punch and won't slow you down can't go wrong with AVG AntiVirus FREE. Download it now to see why AVG is the preferred choice for millions of people worldwide.