Active avast 2023 vn-zoom 19.2

General

What features are included in the different versions of Avast Antivirus?

You can check the features available in each version of Avast Antivirus on our product comparison chart.

• Avast Free Antivirus: Includes our intelligent antivirus features that detect viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, and other threats in real-time. Avast Free Antivirus also includes Software Updater, Ransomware Shield, and core Firewall functionality.
• Avast Premium Security: Comes with all the features included in Avast Free Antivirus, and additionally includes Real Site, Sandbox, Email Guardian, Remote Access Shield, Sensitive Data Shield, Webcam Shield, Password Protection, Data Shredder, and advanced Firewall features.
• Avast Premium Security [Multi-Device]: Comes with all the features included in Avast Premium Security, and additionally includes Avast Premium Security solutions for Mac, Android, and iOS.

Avast SecureLine VPN

and

appear in the

product but require separate, paid subscriptions.

Does my PC's performance slow down during an Avast scan?

Avast Antivirus comes with several predefined scans as well as the option to create your own custom scans. Generally, running a scan does not noticeably affect system performance. However, performance may be affected somewhat depending on your system configurations, especially if you execute multiple scans simultaneously.

Does Avast Antivirus scan webmail accounts?

If you use a web-based email account, such as Yahoo or Gmail, Avast does not directly scan your emails. With Avast Premium Security, you can enable Email Guardian to monitor your email account in real-time for suspicious emails. However, Web Shield and File Shield actively protect your PC from malware that could be contained in your email messages.

If you use a mail management software, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird, Mail Shield scans for threats in your incoming and outgoing email messages.

What happened to my Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security, or Avast Pro Antivirus?

After the launch of Avast Premium Security, we made changes to our existing Avast Antivirus products. Refer to the information below according to your previous Avast Antivirus product:

• Avast Premier continues as Avast Premium Security with no changes to the available tools and features.
• Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Internet Security are no longer available for purchase via the Avast website. Existing users received an upgrade to Avast Premium Security, which contains additional tools and features.

Download and Installation

What are the system requirements for Avast Antivirus?

For Avast Premium Security and Avast Free Antivirus:

• Windows 11 except Mixed Reality and IoT Edition; Windows 10 except Mobile and IoT Edition [32 or 64-bit]; Windows 8/8.1 except RT and Starter Edition [32 or 64-bit]; Windows 7 SP1 with Convenient Rollup Update, any Edition [32 or 64-bit]
• Windows fully compatible PC with Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 processor or above [must support SSE3 instructions]; ARM-based devices are not supported
• 1 GB RAM or above
• 2 GB free space on the hard disk
• Internet connection to download, activate, and maintain application updates and antivirus database
• Optimally standard screen resolution no less than 1024 x 768 pixels

Avast Antivirus is not supported [is not compatible, cannot be installed, and will not run] on DOS, Microsoft Windows editions earlier than Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Server operating systems, or any others not specified as supported.

How do I download Avast Antivirus?

Download your Avast Antivirus product using the direct links below:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

How do I install Avast Antivirus?

For detailed instructions on how to download and install your Avast Antivirus product, refer to the relevant article below according to product:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

How do I update my Avast Antivirus application to the latest version?

For detailed instructions to update Avast Antivirus to the latest application version, refer to the following article:

• Updating Avast Antivirus

Is it necessary to uninstall a previous version of Avast Antivirus before installing a new version?

If you have Avast 7.x or later, you do not need to uninstall your previous version because Avast Antivirus setup automatically detects and upgrades the existing installation.

If you have Avast 6.x or earlier, you need to uninstall the previous version of Avast using the Avast Uninstall Utility, then install your preferred version of Avast Antivirus by following steps in the relevant article below:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

Subscription and Activation

How do I activate Avast Premium Security?

For detailed activation instructions, refer to the following article:

• Activating an Avast Premium Security subscription

How do I activate Avast Free Antivirus?

Avast Free Antivirus automatically activates after installation. However, after 12 months, the application may prompt you to renew the activation. To continue using Avast Free Antivirus, refer to the following article for instructions:

• Activating an Avast Free Antivirus subscription

What should I do if Avast Antivirus does not accept my purchased subscription?

If you are unable to activate Avast Premium Security, retrieve the activation code from your Avast Account, then try to activate the application again. If activation is unsuccessful, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Uninstall Avast Antivirus using the Avast Uninstall Utility and restart your computer.
2. Download and install your purchased Avast Antivirus application.
3. Try to activate Avast Antivirus again.

What is the 30-day money-back guarantee?

Avast offers a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase for most products.

For more information about Avast's refund policy and for instructions on how to request a refund, refer to the following article:

• Requesting a refund for an Avast subscription

Can I get a copy of my purchased subscription?

You can always find your current activation codes in your Avast Account. For more information, refer to the following article:

• Retrieving an activation code from your Avast Account

Can I transfer a subscription to another device?

Yes. You can activate an Avast Premium Security [Multi-Device] subscription on up to 10 devices simultaneously on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

You can activate an Avast Premium Security [Single-Device] subscription on one device at a time, and transfer this subscription to another device on the same platform. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:

• Transferring an Avast subscription to another device

Check your Avast Account or an order confirmation email to confirm which subscription type you purchased.

Can I use my subscription on different platforms?

An Avast Premium Security [Single-Device] subscription provides protection on one device. The following Avast Premium Security [Single-Device] subscriptions are available:

• Avast Premium Security [for PC]
• Avast Premium Security [for Mac]
• Avast Mobile Security Premium [for Android]
• Avast Mobile Security Premium [for iOS]

An Avast Premium Security [Multi-Device] subscription protects up to 10 devices on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and allows you to freely transfer your subscription from one device or platform to another.

How do I activate Avast Premium Security [Multi-Device] on another platform?

For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles:

• Activating an Avast Premium Security subscription
• Activating an Avast Mobile Security Premium subscription

Can I use my subscription for Avast Antivirus to activate Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast Cleanup Premium?

No. Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast Cleanup Premium are integrated into Avast Premium Security, but require separate, paid subscriptions to use. You can purchase a subscription for either product from the Avast Store.

Alternatively, you can purchase an Avast subscription bundle that includes multiple Avast products, such as Avast Ultimate [Multi-Device].

How can I cancel my Avast subscription?

For information about canceling an Avast subscription, refer to the following article:

• Canceling an Avast subscription - Frequently Asked Questions

Features and Settings

What is Smart Scan?

Smart Scan is a comprehensive scan that detects the following:

• Viruses: Files containing malicious code that may impact the security and performance of your PC.
• Vulnerable software: Out-of-date software that hackers can use to access your system.
• Bad browser add-ons: Browser extensions that are usually installed without your knowledge and affect the performance of your system.
• Poor search engines: Default search providers that may offer poor search results or endanger your privacy.
• Network issues: Vulnerabilities in your network that may lead to attacks on your router and network devices.
• Performance issues: Items such as junk files, unnecessary applications, or settings issues that may interfere with the operation of your PC.

To run a Smart Scan, open your Avast antivirus product, go to Protection ▸ Virus Scans, then click Run Smart Scan.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Running Smart Scan in Avast Antivirus

What are Core Shields?

Core Shields are the main protection components in Avast Antivirus. By default, all Core Shields are enabled to provide optimal protection. The Core Shields are comprised of the following shields:

• File Shield: Scans programs and files saved on your PC for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved. If malware is detected, File Shield prevents the program or file from infecting your PC.
• Behavior Shield: Monitors all processes on your PC in real-time for suspicious behavior that may indicate the presence of malicious code. Behavior Shield works by detecting and blocking suspicious files based on their similarity to other known threats, even if the files are not yet added to the virus definitions database.
• Web Shield: Scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your PC.
• Mail Shield: Scans your incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses. Scanning applies only to messages sent or received using a mail management software [email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird]. If you access your web-based email account via an internet browser, your PC is protected by other Avast shields.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Adjusting settings for Avast Antivirus Core Shields

Can I exclude files, folders, or websites from being scanned?

Yes. You can exclude specific files, folders, or websites from being scanned by all Avast shields and scans. To set an exclusion:

1. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General ▸ Exceptions.
2. Click Add exception.
3. Type a file path, folder path, or URL, then click Add exception. Alternatively, click Browse, then select a file or folder path, and click OK.

Your specified file, folder, or website is now listed on the Exceptions screen. To remove an exception, hover your mouse over the listed exception, then click the trash can icon that appears on the right.

What is Quarantine?

Quarantine is an isolated space where you can safely store potentially dangerous files or send them to the Avast Threat Lab for analysis. Files in Quarantine cannot run or access your system and data, so any malicious code contained within a file is unable to harm your PC.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Quarantine - Getting Started

What is CyberCapture?

CyberCapture is a feature that detects and analyzes rare, suspicious files. If you attempt to run such a file, CyberCapture locks the file from your PC and sends it to the Avast Threat Lab where it is analyzed in a safe, virtual environment.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• CyberCapture - Frequently Asked Questions
• Managing CyberCapture in Avast Antivirus

What is Rescue Disk?

Rescue Disk is a feature that allows you to create a bootable version of the Avast Antivirus scanner on a USB or CD.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Scanning your PC for viruses using Rescue Disk in Avast Antivirus

What is Firewall?

Firewall monitors all network traffic between your PC and the outside world to protect you from unauthorized communication and intrusions. Firewall can prevent sensitive data from leaving your PC and can block attempted intrusions by hackers.

You can also set the application rules to control network and internet communication for specific software applications. Firewall applies these rules whenever a particular application tries to establish a connection to the internet or with another network.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Firewall - Frequently Asked Questions
• Firewall - Getting Started

What is Email Guardian?

Email Guardian, available in Avast Premium Security, scans your web-based email account in real-time and flags suspicious emails that may contain malware or phishing scams.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Email Guardian - Frequently Asked Questions
• Email Guardian - Getting Started

What is Remote Access Shield?

Remote Access Shield is a feature available in Avast Premium Security. Remote Access Shield allows you to control which IP addresses are allowed to connect remotely to your PC, and blocks all unauthorized connection attempts.

By default, Remote Access Shield blocks the following connections:

• Connections from high-risk IP addresses.
• Connections that attempt to use known vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol, such as BlueKeep.
• Brute-force attacks that work by repeatedly trying to sign in to your system with commonly used or stolen login credentials.

You receive a notification from Avast each time Remote Access Shield blocks a connection attempt.

We recommend keeping Remote Access Shield enabled at all times. To ensure Remote Access Shield is enabled, go to Protection ▸ Remote Access Shield and ensure the slider at the top of the screen is green [ON].

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Remote Access Shield - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Real Site?

Real Site, formerly known as Secure DNS, is a feature in Avast Premium Security. Real Site secures you against DNS [Domain Name System] hijacking. Some malicious programs can stealthily redirect you from an authentic URL to an inauthentic one to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Every time you enter a website's URL [address], such as www.example.com, into the address bar of your browser, the URL is translated to the IP address [Internet Protocol address] of the web server where the web page that you want to access is stored. Real Site provides an encrypted connection between your web browser and Avast's own DNS server to ensure that the displayed website is the authentic one.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Real Site - Frequently Asked Questions
• Managing Real Site in Avast Antivirus

What is Ransomware Shield?

Ransomware Shield secures your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature scans for and automatically secures folders that may contain personal data, and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your folders and which applications are always blocked.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Ransomware Shield - Frequently Asked Questions
• Ransomware Shield - Getting Started

What is Sensitive Data Shield?

Sensitive Data Shield, available in the latest version of Avast Premium Security, scans and protects your sensitive personal documents against unauthorized access and malware. The files considered sensitive contain your personal information that, if revealed, can compromise your privacy and identity. Sensitive Data Shield controls which applications and users have access to your files to secure your private data.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Sensitive Data Shield - Frequently Asked Questions
• Sensitive Data Shield - Getting Started

What is Webcam Shield?

Webcam Shield, available in the latest version of Avast Premium Security, prevents applications and malware from accessing your PC's webcam without your consent. With Webcam Shield enabled, untrusted applications cannot capture images or videos and send the content outside of your PC to compromise your privacy.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Webcam Shield - Frequently Asked Questions
• Webcam Shield - Getting Started

What is Password Protection?

Password Protection, available in the latest version of Avast Premium Security, prevents applications and malware from viewing, changing, or deleting passwords that are saved in your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Avast Secure Browser browsers.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Password Protection - Frequently Asked Questions
• Password Protection - Getting Started

What is Network Inspector?

Network Inspector, formerly known as Home Network Security, scans your network for vulnerabilities and identifies potential security issues that open the door to threats. This feature checks the status of your network, devices connected to the network, and router settings. Network Inspector helps you secure your network to prevent attackers from accessing it and misusing your personal data.

What is Hack Alerts?

Hack Alerts continuously monitors the dark web and warns you if your login credentials have been leaked online. The dark web is a more private part of the internet that can only be accessed with an anonymizing network like the Tor browser. The extreme privacy offered by the dark web makes it the ideal environment for criminals to illegally buy and sell leaked personal information.

To start using Hack Alerts:

1. Open Antivirus and select Privacy ▸ Hack Alerts.
2. Click Protect my accounts.
3. Enter your Avast Account credentials and click Continue. Alternatively, select Create an account to create a new Avast Account.

Avast is now monitoring for leaks involving any online accounts that are linked with the email address you provided.

What is Passive Mode?

Passive Mode disables all active protection, such as Shields and Firewall, so that you can use more than one antivirus program at a time without interfering with the performance of your PC or the reliability of antivirus detections. In Passive Mode, Avast Antivirus receives all virus definition and program updates, which allow you to manually run scans to check for issues on your PC, however, Avast does not actively protect you.

If you want Avast to actively protect you from malware and other security threats, ensure that Passive Mode is not turned on and the following conditions are met:

• All third-party antivirus programs are uninstalled.
• The main screen of Avast indicates This computer is protected.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Using Passive Mode in Avast Antivirus

What is Software Updater?

Software Updater is a feature in Avast Antivirus that keeps commonly used third-party software up to date to eliminate potential security risks. Malicious threats or attackers often use leaks in outdated software to access your PC. Software Updater displays the most popular programs installed on your PC and allows you to easily update them.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Software Updater - Getting Started

Can I set Software Updater to automatically update my applications?

Avast Antivirus informs you when Software Updater detects updates for third-party applications. In Avast Premium Security, you can configure Software Updater to perform updates automatically.

In Avast Free Antivirus, you can maintain updates manually by clicking Update now next to each application.

Avast aims to cover third-party products whose updates are essential for PC security. The products included may change over time.

What is Sandbox?

Sandbox is available in Avast Premium Security. Sandbox is a virtualization tool that allows you to browse the web or run an application in a completely isolated, safe environment. When you run an application in Sandbox, your activity and web content is contained, which prevents damage to your PC. This is useful when you want to run suspicious or untrusted applications without risk.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Sandbox - Getting Started

What is Data Shredder?

Data Shredder is a feature in Avast Premium Security that allows you to irreversibly erase your files or whole drives, so that there is no way for anyone to restore and misuse your data.

When you erase a hard drive, or delete a file using standard tools, only a reference to its data is removed from the file system. Simply deleting sensitive files, such as user data or licensed software, may not be safe as there are tools capable of restoring deleted files. Data Shredder overwrites files with meaningless data multiple times before deleting them which prevents data from being recovered. Data Shredder is especially useful when selling/donating your computers or hard drives.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Data Shredder - Frequently Asked Questions
• Data Shredder - Getting Started

What is Do Not Disturb Mode?

Do Not Disturb Mode is an upgrade to the previous Game Mode feature. Do Not Disturb Mode works to silence unnecessary notifications while you run almost any application in fullscreen. Each time you open an application in fullscreen, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically detects it and adds it to a list of applications. When you run applications from this list of entries, Do Not Disturb Mode automatically launches to silence notifications from Windows, Avast Antivirus, and other applications. In the Do Not Disturb Mode applications list, you can also select … More options [three dots] next to the relevant application, then tick the Maximize performance box, which allows the application to run at highest priority and boost the performance of your PC.

For more information, refer to the following articles:

• Do Not Disturb Mode - Frequently Asked Questions
• Do Not Disturb Mode - Getting Started

What is Browser Cleanup?

Browser Cleanup is a feature now integrated into Smart Scan and Avast Cleanup Premium.

When you run Smart Scan, Avast scans your PC for various elements, including poorly rated browser add-ons. If such add-ons are detected, you can follow on-screen instructions to remove them.

If you use Avast Cleanup Premium, the Clean option scans for and identifies poorly rated browser add-ons. You can select which add-ons to remove, as well as view reputable add-ons.

What is SecureLine VPN?

SecureLine VPN is a Virtual Private Network [VPN]. A VPN functions as a private tunnel through the internet that encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections, such as those in cafes or airports. SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations, which means you can bypass geolocation restrictions as well as access your favorite content while traveling.

SecureLine VPN is integrated into the Avast Antivirus products, but requires a separate, paid subscription to use. For more information about SecureLine VPN, refer to the following article:

• Avast SecureLine VPN - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cleanup Premium?

Cleanup Premium scans for unnecessary items and performance issues to create space on your PC and improve the speed of your system. After a scan, Avast offers to remove or resolve any found issues.

Avast Cleanup Premium is not included with

. It is a separate product that requires a separate, paid subscription to use.

For more information, refer to the following article:

• Avast Cleanup Premium - Frequently Asked Questions

Troubleshooting

How do I uninstall Avast Antivirus?

For detailed instructions to uninstall your Avast Antivirus product, refer to the relevant article below according to product:

• Avast Premium Security | Avast Free Antivirus

Can I turn off the Microsoft Windows Firewall when using the Firewall in Avast Premium Security?

Yes. Microsoft Windows Firewall is not necessary when using the built-in firewall included in Avast Premium Security. The Avast Firewall monitors all communication between your PC and outside networks and blocks unauthorized communication. It is highly recommended to keep all Avast protection components enabled at all times for reliable PC protection.

Can I turn off the antivirus protection?

Yes, but we recommend only turning off Avast's protection for troubleshooting purposes. If you need to disable Avast Antivirus, right click the Avast icon in the notification area of your Windows taskbar and select Avast shields control. Select one of the following options:

• Disable for 10 minutes
• Disable for 1 hour
• Disable until computer is restarted
• Disable permanently [not recommended]

How can I send file logs to Avast Support about an issue?

You can use the Avast Support Tool to send file logs to Avast Support for troubleshooting common issues.

Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General ▸ Troubleshooting and click Send logs.

For detailed steps, refer to the following article:

• Submitting a support file using the Avast Support Tool