Avast is one of the most recognized names in the world of computer security. Chances are, you have already heard of Avast Free Antivirus. This software is the shield that users all over the world rely on to keep their PCs safe. Although there is a premium version with more features, the free version offers enough protection for most users. Best of all, you can use it indefinitely, as long as you follow a few simple steps to keep your license active. Forget about looking for pirate keys or activators that could put the integrity of your computer at risk. Here we tell you how to get Avast Antivirus for free, step by step.
What is Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus is, as its name suggests, the free version of Avast's popular security suite. If you download the PC version, you might see it as Avast Free Windows. If you are looking for a free Windows antivirus, you may not find a better option.

Most importantly, this is not a limited trial version that eventually stops working. It is a functional product that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and other online threats without you having to pay anything.
Although it logically does not include all the advanced features of its big brothers, Avast Premium Security, the free version provides a comprehensive level of security. In other words, with this edition, you get Avast's threat detection engine, which is the most important thing, but not access to additional tools.
These are the most outstanding features of Avast Free Antivirus:
- File, web, and email shield. Scan any file you open, save, or download to ensure it doesn't contain malware. It also protects you while you browse by helping to block dangerous websites and malicious downloads. Additionally, it scans Wi-Fi networks for intruders and integrates with email clients.
- Ransomware shield. It lets you keep specific directories safer from external attacks, especially those that encrypt your files and then demand a monetary ransom.
- Smart analysis. Performs a full system scan for viruses, malware, obsolete software, suspicious browser plug-ins, and performance issues.
- Behavior detection engine. Monitors suspicious application behavior to help detect new or previously unknown threats.
- Data breach alerts. This is one of the main reasons why this is considered the best free antivirus, it alerts you if personal data has been leaked.
Is Avast Free Antivirus really free?
Yes, it is! We have installed and tested it and can confirm that it is not a trap or a trial version that expires after a few days. To give you an idea, and exaggerating a lot, you can get an Avast Free Antivirus license until 2038 and beyond. However, it is crucial to understand how the licensing model works to avoid confusion.
Here is a table we have prepared to help you learn more about the free license of this antivirus.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: The initial license is usually valid for 12 months.
- Renewal: Automatic and free. At the end of the 1-year period, the license is automatically renewed for another year, without you having to do anything.
- Registration: Previously, Avast required a free email registration to activate the annual license. Today, this is no longer necessary. Activation is automatic after installation.
- Features: Wi-Fi network security and intrusion detection, intelligent firewall, secure browsing and email, ransomware protection, and data leak alerts.
- Advertising: The software may display one-time offers to upgrade to the paid version. These offers do not affect the protection.
- Legality: It is 100% legal to use Avast Free Antivirus indefinitely through these automatic renewals.
How to activate the Avast Free Antivirus free license
As mentioned, the Avast free license activation process has been greatly simplified in the latest versions. In most cases, you need to do nothing specific to activate it. By simply installing the program, the free license is automatically activated.

With this in mind, the steps would be as follows:
- Download the antivirus installer. It is available in Malavida in the following address: Avast Free Antivirus.
- Then run the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard instructions. During installation, you may be offered to install additional software. Uncheck the corresponding options.
- Once installed, Avast Free Antivirus will help protect your computer immediately. Moreover, Windows will detect that you installed a new antivirus and deactivate Defender protection to avoid duplicate efforts. The free license is automatically activated in the background.
Now, after all the above, you may be wondering how to renew Avast Free Antivirus for free. Well, that is the best part: the renewal of the free Avast Free Antivirus license, like the initial activation, is also automatic.
Generally, you do not have to search for keys, fill out forms every year, or click on any particular button.
On the other hand, if you ever need to install Avast Free on another computer, just follow the steps mentioned above. The activation will take place on the new device. Because of this, you can use this antivirus on as many computers as you want. It only takes 3 minutes to install it.

Finally, remember that you can check the status of your subscription within the application like this:
- Open Avast Antivirus Free.
- Go to Menu.
- Click on My subscriptions.
- You should see Free Antivirus and the Active status. In our case, not even an expiration date is shown. If you click on this section, the application displays the activation key.
How to keep Avast Free Antivirus free without interruptions
Although activation and renewal are automatic, there are a few things you should do to ensure that your free protection always works smoothly.
Although automatic updates are the norm, it does not hurt to check from time to time that you have the latest version. On the other hand, make sure that Avast can connect to the Internet to validate the license and download updates.
Although it is not mandatory, it is not a bad idea to check your subscription status from time to time. Also, pay attention to the notifications the application sends you, because it may ask you to complete a procedure. You may even get a special offer to get more
features for very little per month. Finally, if Avast requests a reboot after a major update, do so to ensure that it completes successfully.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy Avast Free Antivirus protection indefinitely. Even if Windows comes with Defender, having professional antivirus protection is crucial to keep your computer and the files you store on it safe. And if it is free, as in this case, so much the better.