How to Install Avast Antivirus on Windows

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Introduction

Computers, like any other device, are vulnerable to potential threats such as malware, viruses, and other malicious software. Having reliable antivirus software can keep your system protected from these threats. One popular antivirus solution is Avast Antivirus. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help you install Avast Antivirus on Windows operating system. We will follow the steps in detail to make the installation process as seamless and simple as possible. Let's find out how you can protect your PC with Avast Antivirus.

Step 1: Preparing your system

Before you install Avast Antivirus, it's important to make a few preparations to ensure a smooth installation process. Follow these preliminary steps to get started:

Check system requirements

Each software has specific system requirements for optimal performance. For Avast Antivirus, make sure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

• Operating system: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 (must be 32-bit or 64-bit).
• Processor: Minimum 1.5 GHz or higher processor.
• Memory (RAM): At least 1 GB RAM for a 32-bit operating system or 2 GB RAM for a 64-bit operating system.
• Disk space: At least 2 GB of free hard disk space.
• Internet Connection: Internet connection is required for downloading, activation and updates.

Uninstall conflicting software

If you have another antivirus or similar security software installed on your system, a conflict may arise during the installation of Avast Antivirus. It is advisable to uninstall any existing antivirus software before installing Avast. To do this:

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Programs and then click on Programs and Features.
3. Locate the conflicting antivirus software, click on it, and select Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 2: Downloading Avast Antivirus

Once your system is ready, the next step is to download the Avast Antivirus setup file. Follow these steps to download the software safely:

1. Open a web browser on your Windows computer.
2. Type https://www.avast.com in your browser's address bar and press Enter.
3. Go to the Products section and choose Avast Free Antivirus or another Avast product that suits your needs.
4. Click the Download button. This will download the installer file to your computer.
5. When the download is complete, locate the downloaded file in your browser's Downloads section or in the folder where your downloads are saved (usually the default "Downloads" folder).

Step 3: Installing Avast Antivirus

Now that you have downloaded the setup file, you are ready to install Avast Antivirus on your Windows computer. Follow the instructions below to proceed with the installation:

1. Double-click on the downloaded file with a name like avast_free_antivirus_setup_online.exe. This will start the installation process.
2. If a User Account Control dialog asks for permission to make changes to your device, click Yes.
3. The Avast setup wizard will appear, providing you with options about the installation location and additional components. Review the default options provided.
4. Click Install to begin the installation process. The setup may take a few minutes to install the files.

Step 4: Set up Avast antivirus

After the installation is complete, it is important to set up Avast Antivirus according to your needs. Follow the instructions below to configure your newly installed antivirus software:

1. When the installation is finished, Avast will open automatically.
2. You will be asked to register your software. For the free version, you only need to provide an email address and click Continue.
3. Depending on your needs, consider opting for the premium features offered during the initial setup. If you're not interested, skip these offers.
4. Your Avast antivirus software should now be running, and it can automatically perform an initial scan to immediately check for any threats on your computer.

Step 5: Customize your Avast experience

After basic setup, you can customize Avast Antivirus for the optimal level of protection:

Access the Settings

Open Avast Antivirus, and access the settings by clicking the menu button in the upper right corner and selecting Settings:

• General settings: Configure app updates, language options, and exclusions.
• Components: Decide which components and modules (e.g. File Shield, Web Shield) you want to enable or disable.
• Security: Set preferences for each security feature (such as antivirus scans).

Step 6: Running your first scan

It is essential to run an initial scan on your system immediately after installation:

1. Open the Avast Antivirus main window.
2. Click on Protection in the menu.
3. Select Virus Scan and choose Smart Scan for a thorough scan, or choose Full Virus Scan for an in-depth analysis.
4. Click Run Scan and monitor the progress. It will check for any malware or erroneous files in your system and take necessary actions to resolve any detected threats.

Step 7: Keep Avast updated

Antivirus software needs regular updates to remain effective against new threats. Make sure the automatic update feature is enabled, or update manually:

• Open Avast Antivirus.
• Click on the menu and select Settings.
• Under General, select Update, and then select Check for updates in the Program and Virus Definitions sections.

Step 8: Exploring additional features

Avast Antivirus has many additional features that enhance your system's security. While some of the features may be part of their premium subscription, you can find out what's available to add additional security layers:

• Web Protection: Monitors your browsing activity and blocks harmful sites.
• Email Shield: Checks incoming and outgoing email for potential threats.
• Firewall (Premium): Prevents unauthorized access to your network.
• VPN (premium or trial): Allows private browsing by hiding your IP address.

Conclusion

Installing Avast Antivirus on your Windows computer is an important step to protect your system from online threats. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install and configure Avast Antivirus and ensure that your personal data remains safe. Update and run scans regularly to keep your computer as safe as possible. Explore additional Avast features from time to time to customize your security needs over time.

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