AVG AntiVirus Free explained: features, safe setup and settings to check

AVG AntiVirus Free is one of the longest-running free antivirus products for Windows. It's easy to install and provides real-time malware protection at no cost. This guide explains what you get, what's only in the paid version, how to install it safely, and a few settings worth checking afterwards.

1. Who makes AVG

AVG started in 1991 in the Czech Republic. In 2016 it was bought by Avast, another Czech antivirus company, and in 2022 Avast merged with NortonLifeLock to form Gen Digital. Today AVG and Avast share much of the same underlying detection technology, while being sold as separate brands.

2. What AVG AntiVirus Free includes

The free edition covers the essentials of malware protection:

• Real-time file protection that scans files when they're opened, downloaded or run.
• Behaviour monitoring that watches for programs acting suspiciously.
• Web protection that blocks known malicious websites and dangerous downloads.
• Email protection that checks attachments in desktop email programs.
• Scans — quick, deep and custom scans, plus a boot-time scan for hard-to-remove malware.
• Quarantine (AVG calls it the Quarantine or Virus Vault) to safely isolate detected files.

AVG's malware detection has consistently performed well in independent lab tests over the years, and the free version uses the same core detection engine as the paid product.

3. What the paid version adds

AVG's paid product (AVG Internet Security, also offered in bundles) adds extra layers on top of the free protection. According to AVG, these include features such as:

• an enhanced firewall with more control than the Windows Firewall;
• advanced ransomware protection for chosen folders;
• webcam protection that blocks apps from using your camera without permission;
• fake website protection against lookalike shopping and banking sites;
• remote access protection that blocks unwanted remote-desktop connections;
• coverage for multiple devices, and fewer upgrade prompts.

Whether these are worth paying for depends on your needs. Windows 11 already includes a firewall and ransomware protection, so many home users are fine with the free edition.

4. How to install AVG safely

1. Go to the official website. Type avg.com into your browser's address bar yourself. Don't download AVG from search ads, download sites or links in emails — fake installers are a common way to spread malware.
2. Uninstall any other antivirus first. If you already have another third-party antivirus, remove it before installing AVG. You don't need to remove Microsoft Defender — Windows handles that automatically.
3. Run the installer and select Yes when Windows asks for permission.
4. Watch for extra offers. The installer may offer additional products, such as a browser or other software. If you don't want them, untick them or select Customize before continuing.
5. Let it update and run a first scan. After installation, AVG downloads the latest definitions. Running a quick scan afterwards is a good idea.

Once AVG is installed, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. You should see AVG listed as your active antivirus provider.

5. Settings to check after installing

AVG's menus change between versions, but most settings are found by opening AVG and selecting Menu > Settings.

Make sure all protection is on

In the Basic Protection or Computer section, confirm that the file, behaviour, web and email shields are all switched on. They should be on by default.

Reduce pop-ups and upgrade prompts

Free antivirus products promote paid upgrades. In AVG's settings, look under General for Notifications or Do Not Disturb mode. You can reduce non-essential notifications and turn on silent mode for full-screen apps, games and presentations. Security alerts about real threats will still appear.

Check scheduled scans

Real-time protection handles most threats, but a scheduled scan once a week adds peace of mind. Choose a time when your PC is usually on but you're not busy.

6. Privacy: what to know

Antivirus software necessarily sees a lot of information about what happens on your PC, so privacy matters when choosing one.

AVG's sister company Avast faced major criticism when it emerged that its former subsidiary, Jumpshot, had sold browsing data collected from users. Jumpshot was shut down in 2020, and in 2024 the US Federal Trade Commission finalised an order against Avast that included a financial penalty and a ban on selling browsing data for advertising purposes. This involved Avast rather than the AVG brand directly, but because they share a parent company, it's reasonable to review AVG's privacy options carefully.

To review them, open AVG and go to Menu > Settings > General > Personal privacy (or similarly named section). Here you can switch off optional data sharing, such as sharing app usage data with the company or third parties. Leaving threat-detection data sharing on helps the product protect users against new threats, but that choice is yours.

7. How to uninstall AVG completely

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find AVG AntiVirus, select the ... menu and choose Uninstall.
3. Follow the prompts. AVG may offer a discount or ask for feedback — you can skip this.
4. Restart your PC when asked.

If the normal uninstall fails or leaves parts behind, AVG provides an official removal tool called AVG Clear, available from AVG's support website. After removing AVG, open Windows Security and check that Microsoft Defender's real-time protection has switched back on.

8. Our take

AVG AntiVirus Free offers solid, well-tested malware protection at no cost and is straightforward to use. The trade-offs are regular upgrade prompts and the need to review privacy settings. If you want a free alternative to Microsoft Defender with a friendly interface, it's a reasonable choice. If your bigger worry is scam websites and phishing, consider adding a browser tool such as Guardio — see our comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions