Avast One is a security and privacy application for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. On desktop, it brings Avast’s antivirus and optional privacy and cleanup applications into one interface. You can start with free antivirus protection, then add the applications and subscriptions that cover the tasks you need. The available tools differ between desktop and mobile devices.
Avast One apps and subscriptions
The current desktop Avast One lets you choose individual Avast applications rather than giving every user the same fixed collection of tools. Its interface provides a place to launch those applications and manage their subscriptions. Free Antivirus is included, while free editions of Cleanup and BreachGuard can be added separately.
Paid functions depend on the corresponding subscription. Premium Security adds antivirus controls, while VPN, Cleanup and other applications have their own entitlements. An Avast Ultimate subscription can also activate supported applications. Downloading Avast One does not automatically unlock every tool displayed in its interface.
Virus scans and real-time shields
On Windows, Avast One combines checks you run yourself with monitoring that works as files and applications are used. A full virus scan examines the system, while a targeted scan limits the search to selected folders or drives. Smart Scan checks for malware alongside other system issues. A boot-time scan examines the computer during startup, when some threats may be easier to reach than after Windows has finished loading.
File Shield checks programs and files before they are opened, run, changed or saved. Behavior Shield watches running processes for suspicious activity, adding a check on what software does as well as the contents of its files. Potentially harmful files can be placed in Quarantine, where they cannot run or access the system. You can also submit quarantined files for further analysis.
Scam detection
Avast Assistant accepts text, emails and links for analysis when a message or offer appears suspicious. You can use it to examine the material itself and ask questions about online safety. Web Guard works on internet activity, checking for malicious content and dangerous destinations as you browse.
Email protection has two distinct roles. The free Mail Shield scans messages handled by desktop email clients. Premium Email Guard instead checks incoming messages in connected online email accounts and adds safety labels inside those accounts. Those labels remain visible when the mailbox is opened from another browser or device.
File protection
Ransomware Shield focuses on folders containing personal files. It can identify folders to protect, and you can add others yourself. Application permissions determine which programs may change those files and which must be blocked.
Premium Security extends access controls to other targets. Webcam Shield restricts untrusted applications that try to use the camera. Sensitive Data Shield identifies personal documents and controls which applications and users can access them. Remote Access Shield addresses remote connection attempts, including known malicious addresses and attacks against Windows Remote Desktop.
Network traffic
The Windows firewall monitors communication between the computer and external networks. Application rules let you control which programs can communicate over the network or internet. Network Inspector examines the network, connected devices and router settings for security issues.
Avast One’s paid VPN routes internet traffic through an encrypted connection to a selected VPN server. You can choose a country or city, set connection rules in Smart Mode, or use an always-on setting. A kill switch can block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Split tunneling lets selected applications bypass the VPN when they need a direct connection.
Device cleanup
Cleanup addresses stored data and background software rather than malware. The free tools remove items such as temporary files, browser data and broken shortcuts. Premium Cleanup provides category details and selection controls so you can decide which items to remove or ignore instead of treating every result as unwanted.
On Windows, Sleep Mode pauses unnecessary background activity from selected applications. The applications can still be opened and used; after they close, Cleanup returns them to sleep. Other controls identify unused applications and update supported software. The Mac cleanup tools have a different emphasis, including duplicate files, similar photos and startup items.
Data exposure
BreachGuard checks for exposed personal information and provides account privacy guidance. Its premium functions add ongoing monitoring and alerts. For new US customers, Privacy Control takes the place of BreachGuard. The separate paid AntiTrack application addresses browser tracking by changing information used to form a digital fingerprint and removing tracking cookies and related browser data.
Avast One on Android and iOS
Avast One for Android scans installed applications for malware and security risks. Its other tools examine Wi-Fi connections, identify junk files and show application permissions. Paid App Lock restricts access to selected apps using a PIN, pattern or supported fingerprint unlocking.
The iOS application concentrates on malicious website blocking, account exposure alerts and photo privacy. Photo Vault on both mobile platforms encrypts and hides selected photos behind a PIN; the free edition holds up to ten photos, while paid access removes that limit. Mobile VPN access requires an Ultimate or VPN subscription.
