How do I activate my Avast antivirus for free?

Summary

In this article, I will provide information and answer some common questions about Avast antivirus. I will cover topics such as activation, subscription renewal, system requirements, and privacy concerns.

Main Thought

Avast antivirus is a popular choice for protecting your computer from malware and other online threats. However, there are some important factors to consider before using this software.

Key Points

1. Activation Process

The activation code for Avast can be found in the order confirmation email you received after purchasing the software. It is usually located in the “Your products” section of the email.

2. Checking Avast Activation Status

To determine if Avast is activated on your computer, right-click on the Avast icon in the notification area of your Windows taskbar and select “Subscription information” from the menu. If the text “Active” appears next to your version of Avast Antivirus, it means the software is activated.

3. Activating Avast on a New Computer

If you want to activate Avast on a new computer, you can follow these steps:
1. On your Android device, download and install the latest version of Avast Mobile Security from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Avast Mobile Security and tap “Scan now,” then allow access to your device.
3. When the scan is complete, select “Get complete protection.”

4. Avast Free vs. Paid

Avast Free Antivirus is a completely free version that offers adequate security for your needs. However, the paid versions provide additional features like real-time protection and advanced firewall. It’s essential to assess your requirements before making a decision.

5. Subscription Renewal

To renew your Avast subscription, you can follow these steps:
1. For Avast Premium Security, click on “Renewal options” on the main application screen.
2. For Avast Cleanup Premium, click on “Reactivate” in the top-left corner.
3. For Avast SecureLine VPN, slide the toggle to “OFF” on the main application screen, then click “Extend” in the expiration dialog.

6. Avast Registration

Avast no longer requires registration. You can start using the software after installation without any additional steps.

7. Automatic Functionality

Avast Antivirus has automatic start programs that allow it to scan programs that start when you turn on your computer. Additionally, you can configure automatic actions for threats detected during the Boot-Time Scan.

8. Performance Impact

Avast is known to use a significant amount of system resources, which can result in slower performance on older computers with limited hardware capabilities. It’s important to consider this factor, especially if you plan to install Avast on multiple devices.

9. Privacy Concerns

Avast was involved in a privacy scandal in early 2020 related to user data. It was accused of harvesting and selling users’ browser history through its subsidiary Jumpshot. This raised concerns about data privacy among users.

10. Transferring Subscription to Another Device

To transfer your Avast subscription to another device, you need to deactivate the subscription on the original device and then activate it on the new device. Detailed instructions can be found in the Avast support documentation.

11. Avast Controversies

Avast has faced controversies in the past, including accusations of selling user data and privacy concerns. It is essential to stay informed about these issues before deciding whether to use Avast antivirus.

Questions and Answers

1. How do I get my Avast activation code?

To find your activation code in an order confirmation email:
– Open the order confirmation email you received from [email protected] or [email protected].
– Scroll down to the “Your products” section. Your activation code should be visible there.

2. How do I know if Avast is activated?

To check if Avast is activated, right-click the Avast icon in the notification area of your Windows taskbar and select “Subscription information” from the menu. The text “Active” should appear next to your version of Avast Antivirus.

3. How do I activate Avast on a new computer?

To activate Avast on a new computer, follow these steps:
– Download and install the latest version of Avast Mobile Security from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
– Open Avast Mobile Security and tap “Scan now,” then allow access to your device.
– After the scan is complete, select “Get complete protection.”

4. Is Avast no longer free?

Avast Free Antivirus is still available and provides sufficient security for basic needs. However, there are paid versions with additional features for users who require more advanced protection.

5. How do I reactivate my Avast premium security?

To reactivate your Avast Premium Security subscription, follow these steps:
– Click on “Renewal options” on the main application screen.
– For Avast Cleanup Premium, click “Reactivate” in the top left corner.
– For Avast SecureLine VPN, slide the toggle to “OFF” on the main application screen and click “Extend” in the expiration dialog.

6. Does Avast require registration?

No, Avast no longer requires registration. You can start using the software immediately after installation without any additional steps.

7. Does Avast run automatically?

Avast Antivirus has automatic start programs that allow it to scan programs that automatically start when you turn on your computer. Additionally, you can configure automatic actions for threats detected during the Boot-Time Scan.

8. Why not to use Avast?

One disadvantage of Avast is the significant amount of system resources it utilizes, which can slow down older computers. It can also put a strain on your system if you use Avast on multiple devices. Additionally, Avast has faced privacy concerns and controversies regarding the handling of user data.

9. How do I activate my antivirus on my new laptop?

To activate your antivirus software on a new laptop, click the “Start” icon on the taskbar, then select “Settings.” Open “Privacy & Security” and click “Windows Security.” In the “Virus & threat protection” section, you will see the antivirus software currently installed on your computer.

10. How do I transfer my Avast subscription to another device?

To transfer your Avast subscription to another device, first deactivate it on the original device. Optionally, you can uninstall Avast SecureLine VPN. Then, install Avast SecureLine VPN on the new device and activate your subscription on the new device.

11. What happened to Avast Antivirus?

In early 2020, Avast faced a privacy scandal where it was accused of harvesting and selling users’ browser history through its subsidiary Jumpshot. This raised significant concerns about user data privacy and security.

12. Why is Avast not recommended?

One reason Avast is not recommended is due to a controversy where it was discovered that Avast’s subsidiary Jumpshot had been selling users’ data for profit. This raised concerns about user privacy and trust in the company.

13. What happens when Avast premium expires?

When your Avast Premium Security subscription expires, the application will automatically switch to Avast Security, the free version of the product. You can still check your expired subscription details in the Avast menu under “My Subscriptions.”

14. Why is my Avast subscription not showing up?

If your purchased Avast subscription is not displayed in the “My Subscriptions” section, it means the subscription has not been linked to your Avast Account. You can manually link the subscription by following the instructions provided in the Avast support documentation.

How do I get my Avast activation code

To find your activation code in an order confirmation email:Open the order confirmation email that you received from [email protected] (or in some cases, [email protected]).Scroll to the Your products section. The activation code is visible under Your activation code.

How do I know if Avast is activated

Right-click the Avast icon in the notification area of your Windows taskbar and select Subscription information from the menu that appears. Confirm that the text Active appears next to your version of Avast Antivirus listed under Subscriptions on this PC.

How do I activate Avast on a new computer

Activate on AndroidOn your Android device, download and install the latest version of Avast Mobile Security from Google Play Store.Open Avast Mobile Security and tap Scan now, then Allow to give Avast Mobile Security access to your device.When the scan is complete, select Get complete protection.

Is Avast no longer free

Avast Free Antivirus is completely free and offers all the security you need. How do I detect and remove viruses and other malware

How do I reactivate my Avast premium security

Purchase a new subscriptionAvast Premium Security: Click Renewal options on the main application screen.Avast Cleanup Premium: Click Reactivate in the top left corner.Avast SecureLine VPN: Click the OFF slider on the main application screen, then click Extend in the expiration dialog that appears.

Does Avast require registration

You no longer need to register.

Does Avast run automatically

Auto start programs: Allows Avast Antivirus to scan programs that automatically start when you turn on your computer. Perform automatic actions during this scan: Configure automatic actions for any threats detected by Boot-Time Scan.

Why not to use Avast

Another disadvantage is that Avast takes up a lot of system resources, which can slow down your computer if you have an older one with limited hardware capabilities. This can also cause problems if you are using Avast on more than one device, as this will put a strain on your system.

How do I activate my antivirus on my new laptop

Click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, and then click [Settings] ②. Click [Privacy & security]③, and then click [Windows Security]④. Click [Virus & threat protection]⑤. In the Virus & threat protection section, it will display which antivirus software is currently installed on your computer.

How do I transfer my Avast subscription to another device

Deactivate your subscription on the original device. Follow the instructions below:Optionally uninstall Avast SecureLine VPN from the original device. For instructions, refer to the following article:Install Avast SecureLine VPN on the new device.Activate your Avast SecureLine VPN subscription on the new device.

What happened to Avast Antivirus

In early 2020, Avast found itself at the heart of another scandal related to user data privacy. This time, a joint investigation by PCMag and Motherboard based on documents leaked online accused Avast of harvesting users' browser history and selling it on to large corporations through its subsidiary Jumpshot.

Why is Avast not recommended

Avast Subsidiary Sold User Data For Millions of Dollars in Profit. In 2013, Avast acquired Jumpshot, a company that aggregated “anonymous” user data and sold that data to online businesses.

What happens when Avast premium expires

Avast Premium Security: When your Avast Premium Security subscription expires, the application switches automatically to Avast Security (the free version of the product). However, you can still check your expired subscription details via ☰ Menu ▸ My Subscriptions.

Why is my Avast subscription not showing up

Add a missing subscription

If one of your purchased Avast subscriptions is not displayed on the My Subscriptions screen, the subscription is not linked to your Avast Account. To manually link a subscription to your Avast Account: Check which email address you provided when you purchased the subscription.

Do you have to pay for Avast Antivirus

Avast is a good antivirus and provides a decent level of security protection. The free version comes with lots of features, although it doesn't protect against ransomware. If you want premium protection, you'll have to upgrade to one of the paid-for options.

Is Avast good at removing viruses

Avast One is powered by the same industry-leading antivirus engine that's been winning awards for years. Security test labs and industry experts agree that Avast's cybersecurity protection is among the best in the world.

What happened to Avast antivirus

In early 2020, Avast found itself at the heart of another scandal related to user data privacy. This time, a joint investigation by PCMag and Motherboard based on documents leaked online accused Avast of harvesting users' browser history and selling it on to large corporations through its subsidiary Jumpshot.

Is Avast good enough to protect your computer

On the whole, yes.

Avast is a good antivirus and provides a decent level of security protection. The free version comes with lots of features, although it doesn't protect against ransomware. If you want premium protection, you'll have to upgrade to one of the paid-for options.

Does my new computer come with antivirus

Windows 10 and 11 include Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats.

Will my antivirus expire even if I haven’t activated it

Until and unless you haven't activated the antivirus manually , it won't even start functioning and frequently it will give you notifications to activate it. And your antivirus starts functioning whenever you activate it and from then it will work till the time period you have purchased the license for.

Can I transfer my Avast antivirus to another computer

You can transfer your subscription freely between devices and platforms. Avast Ultimate for PC: You can activate your subscription on 1 Windows PC. You can transfer your subscription to an alternative Windows PC, but you cannot use your Avast Ultimate subscription on more than one PC simultaneously.

How many devices can you have on Avast subscription

10 devices

An Avast Premium Security (Multi-Device) subscription protects up to 10 devices, regardless of platform.

Do people still use Avast

Avast is still a good option if you want antivirus protection while shopping or working online, and desire features such as ransomware and phishing protection. This is especially true if you want more straightforward software without some of the bells and whistles other products may offer.

What is the new name for Avast

The merged company will maintain the Norton, Lifelock, Avast, and Avira brands, though.

What should I use instead of Avast

Top 5 best Avast alternativesTotalAV – overall best Avast alternative in 2023.Norton – reliable Avast Antivirus substitute.Bitdefender – secure replacement to Avast Antivirus.NordVPN's Threat Protection – all-rounded alternative to Avast.Surfshark Antivirus – Avast substitute on a budget.