{"id":26321,"date":"2012-05-15T21:48:57","date_gmt":"2012-05-15T16:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=26321"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:40:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T08:10:45","slug":"free-download-norton-antivirus-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Norton Antivirus Free Download: Free Trial and Free Tools (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a <strong>Norton antivirus free download<\/strong>? 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 &#8220;2013&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-63429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download.webp\" alt=\"Norton antivirus free download and free trial options\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/norton-antivirus-free-download-768x403.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ae9dba5732dd\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ae9dba5732dd\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#How_to_download_Norton_antivirus_free_trial\" >How to download Norton antivirus free (trial)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Norton_products_in_2026\" >Norton products in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Free_Norton_tools\" >Free Norton tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Free_antivirus_alternatives_that_stay_free\" >Free antivirus alternatives that stay free<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Is_a_%E2%80%9Cfree_full_version%E2%80%9D_of_Norton_safe\" >Is a &#8220;free full version&#8221; of Norton safe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Is_there_a_free_version_of_Norton_antivirus\" >Is there a free version of Norton antivirus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Do_I_need_a_credit_card_for_the_Norton_free_trial\" >Do I need a credit card for the Norton free trial?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/#Is_Windows_Defender_as_good_as_Norton\" >Is Windows Defender as good as Norton?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_download_Norton_antivirus_free_trial\"><\/span>How to download Norton antivirus free (trial)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Go to the official <a href=\"https:\/\/us.norton.com\/downloads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Norton downloads page<\/a>. Avoid third-party download sites that bundle unwanted software.<\/li>\n<li>Choose a plan with a free trial, such as Norton AntiVirus Plus or Norton 360 Standard or Deluxe.<\/li>\n<li>Create a Norton account and add a payment method. You are charged when the trial ends unless you cancel first.<\/li>\n<li>Download the installer, run it and sign in. Norton downloads the latest protection updates automatically.<\/li>\n<li>If you decide not to keep it, turn off automatic renewal in your Norton account before the trial ends.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Trial lengths vary by product and country, typically 7 to 30 days. Norton also offers a 60-day refund on annual subscriptions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Norton_products_in_2026\"><\/span>Norton products in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Product<\/th>\n<th>Devices<\/th>\n<th>Main features<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Norton AntiVirus Plus<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>Real-time malware protection, firewall, password manager, cloud backup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Norton 360 Standard<\/td>\n<td>Up to 3<\/td>\n<td>Adds secure VPN and dark web monitoring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Norton 360 Deluxe<\/td>\n<td>Up to 5<\/td>\n<td>Adds parental controls and more backup space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Norton 360 with LifeLock<\/td>\n<td>Up to 10<\/td>\n<td>Adds identity theft protection (US)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Features and device counts change, so check the current plan details on <a href=\"https:\/\/us.norton.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Norton<\/a> before buying. The old Norton Internet Security name was retired years ago.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Norton_tools\"><\/span>Free Norton tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Norton Power Eraser<\/strong> &#8211; a free scanner that targets hard-to-remove threats. It runs alongside your existing antivirus.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Norton Safe Web<\/strong> &#8211; a free browser extension and site checker that warns you about dangerous websites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Norton Genie<\/strong> &#8211; a free AI assistant that helps you spot scam messages and websites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_antivirus_alternatives_that_stay_free\"><\/span>Free antivirus alternatives that stay free<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/comprehensive-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft Defender<\/a> &#8211; built into Windows 10 and 11 and on by default. For most home users it is enough when combined with safe habits.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avg.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AVG AntiVirus Free<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/a> &#8211; free products from Gen Digital, the same company as Norton. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/\">AVG free antivirus download<\/a> guide.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bitdefender.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/a> &#8211; a lightweight free scanner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a one-off check of an infected PC, a second-opinion scanner like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/mcafee-avert-stinger-antivirus-tool\/\">Trellix Stinger<\/a> is also free.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_%E2%80%9Cfree_full_version%E2%80%9D_of_Norton_safe\"><\/span>Is a &#8220;free full version&#8221; of Norton safe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>No. Cracked Norton installers, key generators and &#8220;lifetime free&#8221; 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&#8217;s official app store.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/12\/activate-kaspersky-2010-using-key-file\/\">activate Kaspersky<\/a> are similar.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_free_version_of_Norton_antivirus\"><\/span>Is there a free version of Norton antivirus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not a permanent one. Norton offers free trials and some free tools, but full protection requires a subscription.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_credit_card_for_the_Norton_free_trial\"><\/span>Do I need a credit card for the Norton free trial?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, for most trials. You are billed when the trial ends unless you cancel.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Windows_Defender_as_good_as_Norton\"><\/span>Is Windows Defender as good as Norton?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Microsoft Defender scores well in independent tests for core protection. Norton adds extras like a VPN, backup, password manager and identity monitoring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for a Norton antivirus free download? In 2012 Symantec released free public betas of Norton AntiVirus 2013, Norton Internet&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":63429,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-downloads","category-security"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26321"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65439,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26321\/revisions\/65439"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}