Getting started

Avast Antivirus actively scans your PC for malware and other threats and prompts you if an action is required. By default, Avast automatically updates virus definitions and notifies you if a program update is required.

If you have changed the default settings, ensure your PC's security by keeping Avast up to date. Go to Settings ▸ Update, and click Update in the Virus Definitions and Program sections. Read more...

You can select from the following scan options:

• Smart Scan
  To perform a comprehensive scan of your PC, click Run Smart Scan on the main screen of the Avast Antivirus. Smart Scan merges Avast scan tools to detect malware and other issues, such as outdated software and poorly rated browser add-ons. Read more...
• Predefined Antivirus scans
  If you suspect suspicious activity on your PC, you can apply a predefined scan. Go to Protection ▸ Antivirus. Select Run Full Virus Scan to perform an in-depth scan of your system which checks all harddisks, rootkits, and auto-start programs.
  
  Alternatively, click Other scans to access the following scans:
  • Quick Scan: scans the areas on your PC that are most susceptible to malware infection.
  • USB/DVD Scan: scans all removable media that is currently attached to your PC, such as USB flash drives and external hard drives.
  • Folder Scan: scans a custom folder which you select when the scan begins.
  • Boot-time Scan: performs a scan at bootup to detect and remove malware which is hard to reach after startup. The system drive and all auto-start programs are scanned, and all found archive files are unpacked.
  Read more...

To specify what each scan does when it detects a threat, follow these steps:

1. Go to Protection ▸ Antivirus.
2. Click the gear icon on the tile of the relevant scan to open the scan settings.
3. Select the Actions tab from the left panel, and tick the box next to Automatically apply actions during scan.
4. Select a detection type (Virus, PUP, or Suspicious), then select an action:
   • Fix automatically: attempts to repair the file. If unsuccessful, moves the file to the Virus Chest or deletes the file if neither action is successful.
   • Move to Chest: sends the file to the Virus Chest where the file cannot harm your system.
   • Repair: removes malicious code if the file is only partially infected. This action is not possible if the entire code is malware.
   • Delete: permanently removes the file from your PC.
   • No action: makes no changes to the contents or location of the file (not recommended as an automatic action).
5. Click OK.

Read more...

To view your scan history, go to Protection ▸ Antivirus and click Scan History.

You can view a list of performed scans, including the name of each scan, the date it was run, and the result. If a scan detects an issue, you can view a detailed report and apply actions to resolve the issue. Read more...

Avast Antivirus comes with several tools and features:

• Antivirus: provides a range of scans and Shields to protect your PC from malware. In addition, you can access a space called the Virus Chest where you can isolate suspicious files and optionally send them to the Avast Threat Labs for analysis. Read more...
• Firewall: monitors all communication between your PC and outside networks and blocks unauthorized communication. Read more...
• Wi-Fi Inspector: scans your network for vulnerabilities and identifies potential security issues that open the door to threats. This feature checks the status of your network, devices connected to the network, and router settings. Read more...
• Webcam Shield (Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus only): prevents applications and malware from accessing your PC's webcam without your consent. With Webcam Shield enabled, untrusted applications can not capture images or videos and send the content outside of your PC to compromise your privacy. Read more...
• Real Site: protects against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking to ensure you get to the actual website you want to visit. Read more...
• Sandbox: allows you to run an application or browse the web in a completely isolated, safe environment. Read more...
• Software Updater (Avast Business Antivirus Pro and Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus only): keeps commonly used third party software up to date to eliminate potential security risks. Read more...
• SecureLine VPN (Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus only): is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which functions as a private tunnel through the Internet. It encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections such as those in cafes or airports. Read more...
• Passwords (Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus only): stores your passwords securely while you only need to remember one main password. Read more...
• Rescue Disk: allows you to create a bootable version of the Avast Antivirus scanner on a USB or CD. This tool is especially useful to recover a PC hijacked by malware. Read more...
• Anti-spam: ensures that the inbox in your mail management software is free from unwanted spam and junk emails. Read more...
• Data Shredder (Avast Business Antivirus Pro and Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus only): enables you to irreversibly erase hard drive partitions or individual files with sensitive data (user data, licensed software, and so on), so that the data cannot be restored. Read more...

To install this feature, go to Settings ▸ Components, then click Install Component in the Anti-spam row.

The Anti-spam component keeps your inbox clean from unwanted spam and junk emails when you use an email management software, such as Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird. If you only access your web based email account via an internet browser, you can keep Anti-spam disabled. To check the anti-spam options of your email service provider, consult the provider directly. Read more...

Passive Mode disables all active protection, such as Shields and Firewall, so that you can use more than one antivirus program at a time without interfering with the performance of your PC or the reliability of antivirus detections. In Passive Mode, Avast Antivirus receives all virus definition and program updates which allows you to manually run scans to check for issues on your PC, however, Avast does not actively protect you. Read more...

You can view the status of your PC's protection on the main screen of the Avast Antivirus user interface.

The green status You're protected indicates that all Shields and protection components are enabled, and Avast is actively securing your PC.

A red status indicates a critical issue with core antivirus components which requires your immediate attention, while a yellow status indicates an urgent issue. If a red or yellow status is displayed, select the relevant action to ensure your PC is fully protected:

• Resolve: resolves an issue with active protection components, such as Shields.
• Turn On: enables components which help to ensure your maximum protection, such as Firewall or automatic updates.
• Update: updates your Avast Antivirus to the latest program version.
• Activate / Reactivate: prompts you to select a subscription plan to activate Avast Antivirus.
• Restart Now: reboots your PC to complete an update of all Avast Antivirus components.

Note: If more than one issue needs your attention, you can click View All Issues. Then, select an action for each issue using the relevant drop-down menu.

To manage Avast Antivirus components, such as a Shield or Firewall, go to Settings ▸ Components.

To turn a component on, click the OFF slider in the relevant row so that it changes to ON. To turn a component off, click the ON slider in the relevant row and select a time duration, then click Yes to confirm the action. The slider then switches to OFF. You may be required to restart your PC. We do not recommend disabling any component indefinitely by selecting Stop permanently. Read more...

Note: Some components are not installed by default. Click Install component next to any component you want to install. You may be required to restart your PC.

By default, Avast Antivirus attaches an email signature to outgoing messages from mail clients, such as Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird. The signature informs your recipients that the email has been scanned for malware.

To disable the Avast email signature, go to Settings and ensure the General tab is selected from the left panel. Then, untick the box next to Enable Avast email signature.

To manage more settings related to email scanning, go to Settings ▸ Components ▸ Mail Shield ▸ Customize ▸ Behavior. Read more...

To turn Passive Mode off and allow Avast Antivirus to actively protect your PC from malware and other threats, uninstall all third party antivirus software and go to Settings ▸ Troubleshooting. Click the Passive Mode panel to expand it, then click the ON slider so that it changes to OFF. You may be required to restart your PC.

Passive Mode disables all active protection so that you can use more than one antivirus program at a time without interfering with the performance of your PC. In Passive Mode, you can manually run scans to check for issues on your PC, however, Avast Antivirus does not actively protect you.