AVG AntiVirus Free is a free security program for Windows PCs and laptops that guards against viruses, spyware, ransomware, infected email and dangerous websites. It runs in the background and checks files and web traffic as they arrive. It can also scan the computer to find and remove malware that is already there. The free edition is licensed for personal and family use, not for business or commercial work. AVG also offers free antivirus apps for Mac, Android and iPhone/iPad.
Real-time checks on files and programs
Most of the work in AVG AntiVirus Free happens without the user starting anything. AVG checks files when they are opened or added to the PC. This allows it to stop a malicious download or an infected attachment before it runs. AVG blocks risky files and automatically moves items it judges dangerous into a locked-away area rather than leaving them where they can do harm.
A second layer watches what installed software actually does. The program steps in when an application starts behaving unusually. This response targets threats that hide inside apps or are built to slip past a normal file scan. AVG uses AI-based detection to pick out well-disguised links, sites and downloads.
For threats that are already on the computer, AVG AntiVirus Free can run a scan of the PC. AVG removes malware found this way, and the same protection covers spyware, Trojans and rootkits.
Browsing and email protection
While the user browses, AVG AntiVirus Free blocks unsafe web addresses and dangerous downloads in real time. It also defends against attempts by attackers to take control of the device through malicious pages.
AVG checks email in both directions. It monitors incoming and outgoing messages for threats. It blocks unsafe links and attachments before they can infect the PC or lead to a phishing page.
Ransomware and the home network
Ransomware encrypts or locks personal files and then demands payment to release them. AVG AntiVirus Free includes protection meant to stop this kind of attack from locking the user’s files.
The program also looks beyond the single PC to the home Wi-Fi network. This helps keep intruders away from the network and the personal files on connected devices. Separately, it can warn the user if a password linked to their email address has been exposed in a leak. The user can then change the password.
Weak settings and PC performance
Not every risk is a virus. AVG AntiVirus Free points out unsafe settings and weak passwords and helps fix them. It also finds junk files, apps and settings that slow the PC down. The security app keeps itself up to date automatically.
What AVG Internet Security adds
AVG Internet Security is the paid edition built on the same core protection. AVG lists three additions in its comparison with AVG AntiVirus Free:
- an advanced firewall that blocks hackers from reaching personal data and the home network;
- dedicated protection against fake and scam websites, including phishing and pharming pages that redirect users while they bank or shop;
- round-the-clock customer support from AVG.
Both editions share the real-time malware protection, the blocking of unsafe links, downloads and attachments, the performance fixes and the automatic updates described above.
