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How to Install an Antivirus on Your Computer

Edited 4 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In today's digital age, it is extremely important to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats. An effective way to do this is to install antivirus software. Antivirus programs protect your system by detecting and removing malicious software. This guide will introduce you to the process of installing antivirus on your computer in a detailed and step-by-step manner.

Step 1: Choose your antivirus software

The first step to installing an antivirus is choosing the right software for your needs. There are many antivirus programs available, both free and paid. Popular antivirus software includes:

Research the options and consider factors such as features, ease of use, cost, and system requirements before making a decision.

Step 2: Download antivirus software

Once you've chosen your antivirus software, the next step is to download it. Follow these general steps:

  1. Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
  2. Visit the official website of the antivirus provider.
  3. Find the download link for the antivirus software. This is usually found on the homepage or under a section such as “Downloads” or “Products.”
  4. Click on the download link. Your browser will start downloading the installer file.

For example, if you choose to download Avast Antivirus:

  1. Go to the Avast website (www.avast.com).
  2. Find the “Free Download” button and click on it.
  3. The installer file named “avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe” will begin downloading.

Step 3: Install antivirus software

After downloading the installer file, you need to run it to install the antivirus software. Here's how to do it:

  1. Navigate to your “Downloads” folder using File Explorer.
  2. Locate the installer file you downloaded (for example, “avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe”).
  3. Double-click on the installer file to run it.
  4. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear, asking for permission to make changes to your device. Click "Yes."
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions of the installation wizard. These instructions vary depending on the software, but generally include the following steps:

The installation process may take a few minutes. After the installation is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer before the antivirus is fully operational.

Step 4: Initial setup and configuration

After you install antivirus software, you'll probably need to perform an initial setup and configuration process. This may include:

For example, with Avast Antivirus:

  1. Open Avast by double-clicking the Avast icon on your desktop or system tray.
  2. Follow the setup wizard instructions to sign in or create a new account.
  3. Click the “Run Smart Scan” button to perform the initial scan. This will check your computer for viruses and malware.
  4. When the scan is complete, review the results and take any recommended actions to remove threats or resolve problems.

Step 5: Keep your antivirus updated

It's important to keep your antivirus software updated to ensure it can protect against the latest threats. Most antivirus programs update automatically, but you should verify that updates are enabled:

Additionally, periodically check for updates manually to ensure your antivirus software is up to date.

For example, in Avast Antivirus:

  1. Open Avast.
  2. Go to “Menu” > “Settings” > “General” > “Updates”.
  3. Click the "Check for Updates" button to make sure your virus definitions and applications are up to date.

Step 6: Schedule regular scans

Scheduling regular scans will help ensure that your computer stays free from threats. Most antivirus software allows you to set a scan schedule:

For example, in Avast Antivirus:

  1. Open Avast.
  2. Go to “Security” > “Virus Scan” > “Schedule Scan.”
  3. Select the scan frequency and time to suit your needs.
  4. Click “Schedule” to save the settings.

Step 7: Enable real-time protection

Real-time protection constantly monitors your system and detects potential threats. Make sure this feature is enabled:

For example, in Avast Antivirus:

  1. Open Avast.
  2. Go to “Security” > “Core Shields.”
  3. Make sure all shields (e.g., File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, and Mail Shield) are enabled.

Step 8: Perform a manual scan

In addition to scheduled scans, you should also perform manual scans from time to time, especially after installing new software or downloading files from untrusted sources:

For example, in Avast Antivirus:

  1. Open Avast.
  2. Go to “Security” > “Virus Scan.”
  3. Select “Full Virus Scan” or “Targeted Scan”.
  4. Click “Start Scan.”

Step 9: Respond to threats

If your antivirus software detects a threat during a scan or in real time, follow these steps:

For example, in Avast Antivirus:

  1. Avast will display a notification when a threat is detected.
  2. Click on the notification to open the threat details.
  3. Choose an action, such as “Quarantine” or “Delete,” and follow the prompts.
  4. Restart your computer if necessary.

Step 10: Stay informed

Keep yourself informed about new security threats and the best ways to stay safe online:

Conclusion

Installing antivirus software is an important step in protecting your computer from various digital threats. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully select, download, install, and configure antivirus software to protect your system. Remember to keep your antivirus updated, schedule regular scans, and stay informed about new security threats. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your computer stays secure and your data safe.

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