AVG AntiVirus Free is a Windows security program for detecting malware, checking suspicious activity, and controlling access to files and network connections. Its free edition combines background protection with scans you can run on selected files, removable drives, or the wider system. It is intended for personal and family use.
Checking files and running processes
AVG checks files at several points in their use. File Shield examines programs and files before they are opened, run, changed, or saved. Behavior Shield watches running processes for patterns associated with malicious code, adding a way to detect suspicious activity when a file is not yet recognized by the virus definitions database. Those definitions update automatically while the PC is online.
Browsing and desktop email protection
Web Shield checks data transferred during browsing to intercept malicious content such as scripts. Email Shield examines incoming and outgoing messages handled by desktop email clients, including Outlook and Thunderbird. Email opened in a browser is covered by the other shields rather than this client-specific email scanner.
Quarantine
AVG AntiVirus Free sends threats found during scans to Quarantine by default. This isolated area prevents stored files from running or accessing the system and its data. Rare, suspicious files can also trigger CyberCapture when someone tries to run them: AVG holds the file and sends it to its threat laboratory for analysis in a virtual environment.
AVG AntiVirus Free scan types
Smart Scan combines malware detection with checks for outdated applications, questionable browser add-ons, network weaknesses, and performance issues. Results appear as each part finishes, allowing you to select findings to resolve or leave for later. Its schedule can be set by day, time, and frequency. Some detected issues require an Internet Security subscription to resolve.
Other scans narrow or deepen the investigation.
- Deep Scan: checks storage drives and memory, including for rootkits.
- File or Folder Scan: examines chosen locations.
- USB / DVD Scan: checks connected removable media such as flash drives and external disks.
- Custom scans: let you define your own scan parameters instead of relying entirely on the presets.
Boot-Time Scan runs during the next system startup, before malware has the opportunity to launch normally. AVG also provides Rescue Disk for creating a bootable USB or CD scanner. Rescue Disk runs the scanner outside the installed Windows session.
Ransomware Protection for chosen folders
Ransomware Protection controls which applications can modify files in protected folders. AVG automatically includes common personal-data locations and their subfolders; you can add other folders and choose the file types to protect. This gives the protection a defined scope, such as documents or photographs stored in selected locations.
In Smart Mode, AVG allows recognized trusted applications and asks for permission when an unfamiliar application attempts a change. Strict Mode asks about modification attempts more broadly, except for applications already covered by the allowed and blocked lists. An Allow or Block decision determines whether that application can access the protected folders. The feature is intended to prevent unwanted changes, deletion, and encryption of those files.
Enhanced Firewall and Network Inspector
Enhanced Firewall manages communication between the PC and other networks. It applies different rules to trusted and untrusted connections, with stricter handling of incoming communication on public networks. You can change a network’s trust status and inspect the applications currently using a connection.
For individual applications, AVG AntiVirus Free can block network access or ask you to approve connection attempts. Advanced application and network rules offer more control over incoming and outgoing traffic, including rules based on addresses, protocols, and ports. Network Inspector scans the network, connected devices, and router settings for potential security weaknesses.
The core firewall is included in Free. Leak Protection, Port Scan Alerts, and ARP Spoofing Alerts require the paid Internet Security edition.
Hack Alerts for leaked credentials
Hack Alerts monitors for leaked login credentials associated with an email address. After signing in with an AVG Account, it watches for leaks involving online accounts connected to that address and warns when exposure is found.
Features reserved for paid AVG products
AVG Internet Security adds functions such as webcam access controls, protection for passwords and cookies stored in browsers, and controls over remote access connections. AVG Secure VPN and AVG TuneUp require their own paid subscriptions even when they appear in the security application’s interface. The performance scan’s cleanup functions depend on TuneUp rather than being part of AVG AntiVirus Free.
