How to Download and Install Avast! Free Antivirus

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This wikiHow teaches you how to download and install the Avast antivirus program on your Windows or Mac computer, as well as on an Android smartphone or tablet. Avast is not yet available for the iPhone or iPad. Keep in mind that Avast is free for 30 days, after which point you will be prompted to buy a subscription.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Desktop

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  1. Go to https://www.avast.com/en-us/index in your browser. Avast's website will determine your computer's operating system as it opens.
  2. It's an green button in the middle of the page. This will take you to the download page where Avast will select the correct file for your computer.
    • On Mac, the button will say "FREE DOWNLOAD" instead. Then click the green "Download Now" button near the top of the page.
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  3. Avast's setup file should download automatically onto your computer after around five seconds on the download page.
    • If the Avast download doesn't start after 30 seconds or so, click the restart it here link in the middle of the page to prompt it to download.
  4. Double-click the Avast EXE file (Windows) or the Avast DMG file (Mac). This will open the setup window.
    • By default, downloads can be found in your computer's "Downloads" folder.
  5. This process varies depending on whether you have a Windows or a Mac computer:
    • On Windows : Click "Yes" when prompted, then click the green "INSTALL" button, and click "CONTINUE" twice when the installation is complete.
    • On Mac : Double-click the "Avast Security" box icon, then click "Continue" twice, and click "Agree" when prompted. Click "Continue" again and enter your admin password (if prompted) then click "Install Software". You may need to verify the installation before you can finish installing Avast.
  6. If Avast doesn't open immediately after installing, double-click its icon on the Windows desktop. Alternatively, you can click the Start menu and type avast into Start, then click the "Avast Free Antivirus" app icon in the Start menu.
    • On Mac, open a new Finder window, click Go in the menu bar at the top and then click Applications in the drop-down menu. Then double-click the "Avast" app.
  7. It's in the upper-left corner of the Avast window.
    • On Mac, click the Scan tab here.
  8. This green button is in the middle of the Avast window. Doing so will prompt Avast to begin scanning your computer for malware, viruses, and other threats.
    • On Mac, click Start to the right of the "Full System Scan" heading.
  9. Given that Avast scans your whole computer, the scan may take several minutes to several hours. If Avast encounters any threats, it will quarantine and/or remove them from your computer. Once the scan is complete, you can rest assured that your computer is free of malware.
    • Avast may prompt you to take follow-up steps after the scan is complete. If so, follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Android

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  1. Tap the Google Play Store app icon, which resembles a multicolored triangle on a white background. You'll usually find this in the App Drawer.
    • Avast Antivirus is not available for iPhone.
  2. It's at the top of the screen. Your Android's on-screen keyboard should appear.
  3. Doing so will prompt a list of results to appear in the drop-down menu below the search bar.
  4. It's the top result in the drop-down menu, just right of the orange Avast app icon. Tapping this takes you to the Avast app page.
  5. This green button is in the middle of the page.
  6. Doing so will cause the Avast Antivirus 2018 app to begin installing onto your Android.
    • The Avast app is relatively small, so it should only take a few seconds to install.
  7. Tap OPEN in the Google Play Store, or tap the Avast Antivirus 2018 app icon.
  8. It's an orange button at the bottom of the screen.
  9. This grey link is at the bottom of the screen. Doing so will choose a free version of the Avast Antivirus 2018 app, allowing you to proceed with using Avast.
  10. It's an orange button at the top of the screen. Avast will begin scanning your Android for potential threats.
  11. This may take up to an hour. Avast will quarantine and/or remove any threats it encounters on your Android; once the scan is complete, your Android should be threat-free.
    • You may be prompted to take additional action (e.g., confirm a virus deletion) once the scan completes.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I safely install Avast Free Antivirus?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Make sure that you are downloading the Avast software from its official website. Other sites might look like they offer the antivirus program but are actually just viruses in disguise.
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  • Question
    How long does it take to install Avast! Free Anivirus?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It depends on how good your internet connection is and how fast your computer runs, but it usually doesn’t take more than 2-3 minutes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Is Avast really free?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, but you’ll need to sign up for a free account and re-register occasionally after the initial trial period ends. It is free to register and keep your account active.
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      Tips

      • If you use Windows, you don't need a third-party antivirus program—Windows Defender, which comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 computers, is free and will protect your computer from most threats.
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      • Only install and use one antivirus software at a time. Having multiple antivirus software applications will cause your computer to slow down , and may even result in problems with shutting down or using properly the computer.
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      Warnings

      • Do not download Avast from any site other than the Avast website. While Avast redirects you to CNET for the download itself, you should always access the download via Avast's website to prevent accidental virus downloads.
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