{"id":3129,"date":"2008-05-04T12:49:53","date_gmt":"2008-05-04T07:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=3129"},"modified":"2026-10-07T12:32:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T07:02:23","slug":"download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/","title":{"rendered":"AVG Free Antivirus Download: What You Get in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Want an <strong>AVG free antivirus download<\/strong>? We first covered AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.5 in 2009, when it added anti-spyware to its engine and ran on Windows 2000, XP and Vista. AVG is still one of the most popular free antivirus programs in 2026, now called AVG AntiVirus Free and owned by Gen Digital, the company behind Norton and Avast. Here is how to download it safely, what the free version includes, and when you might want something else.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-63432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download.webp\" alt=\"AVG free antivirus download guide\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/avg-free-antivirus-download-768x403.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Download AVG AntiVirus Free from the official AVG website (avg.com). It is free for personal use on Windows, Mac and Android, with real-time protection against viruses, ransomware and malicious websites. During setup, untick any extra offers you do not want, such as browser or VPN trials.<\/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-6ae869cbd3624\" 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-6ae869cbd3624\" 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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#How_to_download_AVG_free_antivirus_safely\" >How to download AVG free antivirus safely<\/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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#What_AVG_AntiVirus_Free_includes\" >What AVG AntiVirus Free includes<\/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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#What_the_free_version_does_not_include\" >What the free version does not include<\/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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#AVG_Free_vs_other_free_antivirus\" >AVG Free vs other free antivirus<\/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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#Is_AVG_free_antivirus_safe\" >Is AVG free antivirus 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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#How_to_uninstall_AVG_cleanly\" >How to uninstall AVG cleanly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#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-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#Is_AVG_really_free\" >Is AVG really free?<\/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\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#Does_AVG_work_on_Windows_11\" >Does AVG work on Windows 11?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/05\/download-avg-8-free-antivirus-software\/#Do_I_need_AVG_if_I_have_Windows_Defender\" >Do I need AVG if I have Windows Defender?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_download_AVG_free_antivirus_safely\"><\/span>How to download AVG free antivirus safely<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avg.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AVG<\/a> and choose <strong>AVG AntiVirus Free<\/strong> for your device.<\/li>\n<li>Run the installer. Pick <strong>Customize<\/strong> rather than Install to see what will be added.<\/li>\n<li>Untick optional extras like AVG Secure Browser or trial offers if you do not want them.<\/li>\n<li>Let AVG update its definitions, then run a first full scan.<\/li>\n<li>Uninstall any other real-time antivirus first; two at once slows your PC and can cause conflicts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Avoid &#8220;AVG free full version&#8221; downloads on third-party sites. They are often outdated or bundled with adware.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_AVG_AntiVirus_Free_includes\"><\/span>What AVG AntiVirus Free includes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Real-time scanning<\/strong> of files and programs as they run.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Web and email protection<\/strong> that blocks dangerous downloads, links and attachments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ransomware and malware protection<\/strong> through behaviour monitoring.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Automatic updates<\/strong> of the virus database and program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_the_free_version_does_not_include\"><\/span>What the free version does not include<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As in 2009, some features remain for paying customers only. AVG Internet Security adds an enhanced firewall, extra protection for sensitive files and webcams, fake website protection for banking, and priority support. The free version also shows occasional upgrade prompts. AVG Free is licensed for personal, non-commercial use; businesses need AVG&#8217;s business products.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AVG_Free_vs_other_free_antivirus\"><\/span>AVG Free vs other free antivirus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Antivirus<\/th>\n<th>Platforms<\/th>\n<th>Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>AVG AntiVirus Free<\/td>\n<td>Windows, Mac, Android<\/td>\n<td>Simple interface, some upgrade prompts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Windows, Mac, Android<\/td>\n<td>Same engine as AVG, more extra tools<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/comprehensive-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft Defender<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Windows (built in)<\/td>\n<td>No install, no ads, strong test results<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bitdefender.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bitdefender Antivirus Free<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Windows<\/td>\n<td>Lightweight, few settings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Many Windows users find Microsoft Defender is enough. AVG makes sense if you want a familiar interface, protection across Windows, Mac and Android, or you prefer a third-party product. For a quick second opinion on an infected PC, try the free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/mcafee-avert-stinger-antivirus-tool\/\">McAfee Stinger<\/a> scanner, and see your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/05\/free-download-norton-antivirus-2013\/\">Norton free trial options<\/a> if you want a paid suite.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_AVG_free_antivirus_safe\"><\/span>Is AVG free antivirus safe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>AVG&#8217;s malware detection performs well in independent lab tests. In 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission took action against Avast, AVG&#8217;s sister company, over the sale of browsing data collected through its browser extensions. Avast agreed to stop selling that data. If privacy matters to you, review AVG&#8217;s privacy settings during setup and turn off optional data sharing.<\/p>\n<p>See our older roundup of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2006\/02\/download-best-free-antivirus-softwares\/\">free antivirus software<\/a> for how the field has changed.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_uninstall_AVG_cleanly\"><\/span>How to uninstall AVG cleanly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you decide AVG is not for you, open Windows Settings, then Apps, find AVG AntiVirus and choose Uninstall. If the normal uninstaller fails or leaves pieces behind, AVG offers a free AVG Clear removal tool on its support site that removes all remaining files and settings. Restart the PC afterwards and check that Microsoft Defender has switched itself back on under Windows Security, so you are never left without real-time protection.<\/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_AVG_really_free\"><\/span>Is AVG really free?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. AVG AntiVirus Free costs nothing for personal use and never expires. Paid plans add extra features.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_AVG_work_on_Windows_11\"><\/span>Does AVG work on Windows 11?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Current versions support Windows 10 and Windows 11.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_AVG_if_I_have_Windows_Defender\"><\/span>Do I need AVG if I have Windows Defender?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not necessarily. Defender provides solid protection on its own. Use one real-time antivirus, not both.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want an AVG free antivirus download? We first covered AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.5 in 2009, when it added anti-spyware to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":63432,"comment_status":"closed","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":[23,48,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers","category-downloads","category-security"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3129","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=3129"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63433,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3129\/revisions\/63433"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}