Avira Free Antivirus is a Windows security program for detecting, blocking and removing malware. Its antivirus engine is now part of Avira Free Security, the expanded free package that also brings together browser protection, a limited VPN, password management and PC maintenance tools.
How Avira Free Antivirus detects malware
Avira’s background protection monitors the computer automatically, while its virus scanner lets you start a separate examination of stored files. Suspicious files can be analyzed through Avira Protection Cloud, alongside the antivirus engine’s local detection. Virus definition updates refresh the information used to recognize threats.
A quick scan concentrates on the areas most vulnerable to infection. A full scan checks the entire system, while preset and custom scans let you choose a more specific scope. Avira Free Antivirus also supports scheduling and managing scans, so a recurring examination can run without starting each one manually. Unlike the background monitor, these scans search the chosen locations for malware already present on the machine.
Quarantine
Avira Free Antivirus moves detected files to quarantine, where they are isolated from the rest of Windows and encrypted. This preserves the item for review while preventing the quarantined copy from running as an ordinary file. You can leave it there, delete it, or restore it to its original location if the detection proves to be a false positive.
Smart Scan
Smart Scan brings several checks into one operation. It looks for malware and network threats, outdated software, privacy issues such as tracking cookies, and unnecessary files occupying storage. Its results let you inspect the findings and choose which issues to address, instead of treating every finding as a virus.
Software updates
The included Software Updater checks programs and drivers for available updates. In the free edition, it lists outdated items and provides links to obtain updates from their publishers. Automatic background downloading and installation belong to the paid updater.
PC cleanup
The package also includes Windows cleanup and tuning tools for browser data, accumulated junk and startup behavior.
Browser Safety
Avira Browser Safety works as a browser extension. It blocks unsafe and phishing websites and malicious downloads, and adds filtering for advertisements and tracking.
Avira Free Antivirus uses the same antivirus scanning technology as Avira Antivirus Pro. The paid Pro edition adds the antivirus application’s Web Protection and Avira Firewall features. Those additions are distinct from the browser extension included with the free package.
VPN traffic
The free VPN encrypts the computer’s internet traffic and masks its IP address. Its allowance is 500 MB per month. Avira Prime includes an unlimited VPN alongside its other paid tools.
Password vault
Password Manager generates unique passwords for online accounts and stores login details in an encrypted vault, allowing different accounts to use different credentials. It can also fill in saved details when you log in.
Windows privacy
Windows privacy controls let you adjust settings that govern the collection of information about your use of Microsoft services and applications.
