Norton Antivirus Free Download: Free Trial and Free Tools (2026)
Looking for a Norton antivirus free download? In 2012 Symantec released free public betas of Norton AntiVirus 2013, Norton Internet Security 2013 and Norton 360, so anyone could use them free for a while. Those betas, and the yearly “2013” style editions, are long gone. Norton is now owned by Gen Digital, and its products are sold as Norton AntiVirus Plus and the Norton 360 plans. Here is how to get Norton free legally in 2026 and what you actually get.
Quick answer: Norton does not offer a permanently free full antivirus. You can download a free trial from the official Norton site (Norton AntiVirus Plus and Norton 360 plans), which needs a payment method and renews unless you cancel. Norton also offers some free tools, such as Norton Safe Web and Norton Power Eraser. If you want antivirus that stays free, Microsoft Defender is built into Windows.
Table of Contents
How to download Norton antivirus free (trial)
- Go to the official Norton downloads page. Avoid third-party download sites that bundle unwanted software.
- Choose a plan with a free trial, such as Norton AntiVirus Plus or Norton 360 Standard or Deluxe.
- Create a Norton account and add a payment method. You are charged when the trial ends unless you cancel first.
- Download the installer, run it and sign in. Norton downloads the latest protection updates automatically.
- If you decide not to keep it, turn off automatic renewal in your Norton account before the trial ends.
Trial lengths vary by product and country, typically 7 to 30 days. Norton also offers a 60-day refund on annual subscriptions.
Norton products in 2026
| Product | Devices | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Norton AntiVirus Plus | 1 | Real-time malware protection, firewall, password manager, cloud backup |
| Norton 360 Standard | Up to 3 | Adds secure VPN and dark web monitoring |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | Up to 5 | Adds parental controls and more backup space |
| Norton 360 with LifeLock | Up to 10 | Adds identity theft protection (US) |
Features and device counts change, so check the current plan details on Norton before buying. The old Norton Internet Security name was retired years ago.
Free Norton tools
- Norton Power Eraser – a free scanner that targets hard-to-remove threats. It runs alongside your existing antivirus.
- Norton Safe Web – a free browser extension and site checker that warns you about dangerous websites.
- Norton Genie – a free AI assistant that helps you spot scam messages and websites.
Free antivirus alternatives that stay free
- Microsoft Defender – built into Windows 10 and 11 and on by default. For most home users it is enough when combined with safe habits.
- AVG AntiVirus Free and Avast Free Antivirus – free products from Gen Digital, the same company as Norton. See our AVG free antivirus download guide.
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free – a lightweight free scanner.
For a one-off check of an infected PC, a second-opinion scanner like Trellix Stinger is also free.
Is a “free full version” of Norton safe?
No. Cracked Norton installers, key generators and “lifetime free” downloads are one of the most common ways malware spreads. A security product from an untrusted source can do far more damage than having none. Only download Norton from norton.com or your device’s official app store.
As a long-time Norton user, I used to buy a multi-PC pack and manage licences in my online Norton account, which still works the same way today: sign in to download the software on a new device whenever you need it. If you use a different suite, the steps to activate Kaspersky are similar.
FAQ
Is there a free version of Norton antivirus?
Not a permanent one. Norton offers free trials and some free tools, but full protection requires a subscription.
Do I need a credit card for the Norton free trial?
Yes, for most trials. You are billed when the trial ends unless you cancel.
Is Windows Defender as good as Norton?
Microsoft Defender scores well in independent tests for core protection. Norton adds extras like a VPN, backup, password manager and identity monitoring.
Norton Anti virus is the best for Website Security,It will delete all hiddens,Thanks for sharing this post…..:)
How long will the Beta version of Norton 2013 last befor the trial is up ?? i would like it if this initial version stays good as i have too many run out trial versions on my old laptop i believe it is these trial versions i downloaded in good faith that they would help only to find i am stuck with a used up product that no longer works and cannot be erased. Do you have a program to fix all the doenloads that have expired or did not download propperly. I am rnning out of space and need the right tool. Please help
From Dani.
The antivirus norton is better and strong,it clears all hidden virus
Does anyone know of the 2013 versions of Norton are any quicker? I used to run Norton 360 on my PC 2 years ago but found that the processing lag absolutely crippled the experience on my rather, I’m embarrassed to say, outdated PC, so I want for a lighter internet security product in the end. It would be great to know if the speed issue has been resolved before I uninstall my existing antivirus and try a Norton Beta version listed above.