Avast Pro Antivirus

What is Avast Pro Antivirus

Avast Pro Antivirus was a standalone antivirus solution that provided comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, ransomware, and other online threats for Windows and Mac computers. As one of the most popular cybersecurity products from Avast, it offered advanced security features beyond the free version while remaining more affordable than comprehensive security suites.

In recent product line updates, Avast has discontinued Avast Pro Antivirus as a standalone product, and existing users have been automatically upgraded to Avast Premium Security at no additional cost. This transition consolidated Avast’s product lineup while providing users with enhanced features and capabilities previously available only in higher-tier products.

Avast Premium Security (the successor to Pro Antivirus) delivers multi-layered protection combining real-time malware defense, advanced privacy tools, and system optimization features. Backed by Avast’s threat-detection network serving over 400 million users worldwide, it provides intelligent protection powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and block both known and emerging threats.

The software protects your devices from a comprehensive range of cyber threats including viruses, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, malicious websites, and email scams. It operates continuously in the background with minimal impact on system performance, scanning files, emails, and web traffic in real-time to prevent infections before they can damage your system or compromise your personal data.

Key Features

Advanced Real-Time Protection: Avast Premium Security provides continuous, real-time scanning of files, programs, and applications as you open, run, modify, or save them. The File Shield component monitors all file operations and blocks malicious threats before they can execute, using behavioral analysis and signature-based detection to identify both known malware and suspicious new threats.

Ransomware Shield: A dedicated layer of protection specifically designed to defend against ransomware attacks. The Ransomware Shield monitors sensitive folders containing your documents, photos, and important files, blocking unauthorized applications from making changes. You can customize which folders receive protection and which applications are trusted to access them.

Web Shield and Safe Browsing: The Web Shield feature ensures safe internet browsing by scanning websites before you visit them and blocking access to malicious sites, phishing pages, and fraudulent websites attempting to steal your credentials. It works with all major browsers and provides HTTPS scanning to protect even encrypted connections, intercepting threats before they reach your device.

Email Guard Protection: Automatically scans incoming and outgoing emails for suspicious attachments and malicious links across popular email providers including Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and others. Email Guard flags potential phishing emails, scam attempts, and infected attachments before they reach your inbox or get sent to recipients.

Webcam Shield: Protects your privacy by monitoring which applications attempt to access your webcam. When any program tries to activate your camera, Webcam Shield alerts you and provides the option to allow or block the access. This prevents unauthorized spying through your webcam by malicious software or hackers.

Firewall Protection: The advanced two-way firewall monitors both incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unauthorized connection attempts and preventing malware from communicating with command-and-control servers. The Remote Access Shield component specifically protects against brute-force attacks attempting to gain remote access to your PC.

Data Shredder: Permanently deletes files by overwriting them multiple times with meaningless data, making recovery impossible even with specialized forensic software. This feature is essential when selling or donating computers, disposing of hard drives, or removing sensitive documents you want completely destroyed rather than simply moved to the recycle bin.

Sandbox Environment: Allows you to run suspicious or unknown programs in an isolated virtual environment separate from your main system. If the sandboxed application turns out to be malicious, it cannot affect your actual computer, files, or data. This is useful for testing software from untrusted sources or opening questionable email attachments.

Wi-Fi Inspector: Automatically scans your home network and any Wi-Fi networks you connect to, identifying vulnerabilities, unsecured devices, and potential security weaknesses. It alerts you to weak passwords, outdated router firmware, and unauthorized devices connected to your network, helping you maintain a secure network environment.

Sensitive Data Shield: Monitors and protects sensitive personal information like credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords, and other confidential data from being transmitted without your knowledge. It prevents keyloggers and data-stealing malware from capturing your sensitive information as you type.

Automatic Software Updates: Scans installed programs and notifies you when updates are available, helping you keep all software current with the latest security patches. Outdated software is a common entry point for malware, and this feature helps eliminate those vulnerabilities by ensuring you’re running the most secure versions.

Smart Scan Technology: Combines multiple security checks into a single comprehensive scan that examines your system for malware, software vulnerabilities, network security issues, and performance problems. Smart Scan completes quickly by focusing on critical areas and provides an easy-to-understand report with recommended actions.

What’s New in Latest Version

Enhanced AI-Powered Scam Detection: The latest version introduces Avast Assistant, an advanced AI-powered tool that provides real-time guidance to help you identify and avoid scams. This intelligent system analyzes websites, emails, and messages to detect sophisticated phishing attempts, fake websites, and social engineering attacks that traditional security might miss.

Improved Ransomware Protection: Enhanced ransomware detection uses advanced behavioral analysis to identify ransomware patterns more accurately. The updated Ransomware Shield now automatically protects additional file types and cloud storage folders, with improved recovery options if an attack is detected and blocked.

Dark Web Monitoring: New feature that continuously scans dark web marketplaces and databases for your email addresses and associated passwords. If your credentials appear in data breaches or are being sold on underground forums, you receive immediate alerts so you can change passwords before accounts are compromised.

Performance Optimizations: Significant improvements to scan speeds and system resource usage. The latest version uses up to 30% less RAM during scans and completes full system scans approximately 25% faster than previous versions while maintaining the same level of thoroughness and detection accuracy.

Windows 11 Optimization: Full compatibility and optimization for Windows 11, including support for ARM64 processors (Snapdragon X Plus and Elite). The interface has been updated to match Windows 11’s design language with improved integration into Windows Security Center and native support for Windows 11 security features.

Advanced Threat Analytics: Enhanced cloud-based threat intelligence provides faster identification of zero-day threats and emerging malware variants. The system learns from the global Avast user network to identify and block new threats within minutes of their first appearance anywhere in the world.

Improved Privacy Controls: Expanded privacy features including enhanced tracking protection, better control over data sharing preferences, and more transparent reporting about what information is collected and how it’s used to improve security without compromising user privacy.

System Requirements

Operating Systems: Windows 11 (except Mixed Reality and IoT Edition, including ARM64 processors), Windows 10 (except Mobile and IoT Edition, 32/64-bit, including ARM64), Windows 8/8.1 (except RT and Starter Edition, 32/64-bit), Windows 7 Service Pack 1 with Convenience Rollup Update or later (32/64-bit)

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 or newer processor (must support SSE3 instructions)

RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB or more recommended for optimal performance)

Hard Disk Space: At least 1.5 GB of free space for installation and virus definition updates

Display: Minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels (1920 x 1080 or higher recommended)

Internet Connection: Required for downloading, activating, and maintaining application updates and antivirus database definitions

Browser Compatibility: Works with all major browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Internet Explorer

How to Download and Get Started

Step 1: Visit Official Avast Website
Navigate to www.avast.com and click on “Products” to view the available security solutions. Select “Avast Premium Security” (the current product that replaced Pro Antivirus) or search for your existing Pro Antivirus license which will be honored as Premium Security.

Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Select the number of devices you want to protect (typically 1, 5, or 10 devices) and choose your subscription length (1 year, 2 years, or 3 years). Longer subscriptions offer better per-month pricing. Avast typically offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Step 3: Download the Installer
After purchase or to start a free trial, download the installer file. The download is approximately 500 MB and includes the complete application with the latest virus definitions. Save the file to an easily accessible location like your Downloads folder.

Step 4: Run the Installation
Double-click the downloaded installer file. Windows will ask for administrator permission—click “Yes” to allow the installation. The installer will check for conflicting security software and may offer to remove it to prevent conflicts.

Step 5: Complete Installation Process
Follow the installation wizard prompts. You can choose Express Installation for default settings or Custom Installation to select specific components and installation location. The process takes 3-5 minutes depending on your system speed.

Step 6: Create or Sign In to Avast Account
Create a new Avast account with your email address or sign in if you already have one. This account manages your subscription, allows installation on additional devices, and provides access to Avast’s online dashboard.

Step 7: Activate Your License
Enter your activation code if you purchased a subscription, or the system will automatically detect your purchase if you’re signed into the same account used for buying. Trial users can explore full features for 30 days before requiring a paid license.

Step 8: Run Initial Smart Scan
After installation, Avast will recommend running a Smart Scan to check your system for existing threats, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues. This initial scan typically takes 5-15 minutes and establishes a security baseline.

Step 9: Configure Protection Settings
Review and customize protection settings according to your needs. The default settings provide excellent protection for most users, but you can adjust scan schedules, notification preferences, and which shields are active.

Step 10: Set Up Additional Features
Configure optional features like Ransomware Shield folders, Webcam Shield permissions, and Data Shredder preferences. Explore the Firewall settings if you need to allow specific applications through the network protection.

Avast Pro Antivirus vs Alternatives

vs Norton 360: Norton 360 offers more comprehensive features including VPN with unlimited data, password manager, and more cloud backup storage compared to Avast Premium Security. However, Norton costs significantly more ($49.99-$99.99/year vs Avast’s $40-$70/year) and can have greater impact on system performance. Avast provides better malware detection rates in recent independent tests. Choose Norton for all-in-one protection with VPN and cloud backup; choose Avast for better malware protection at lower cost.

vs Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Bitdefender consistently scores slightly higher in independent lab tests for malware detection and offers better ransomware protection with multi-layered defenses. However, Avast Premium Security includes more features like Firewall, Wi-Fi Inspector, and Webcam Shield that aren’t in Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (those require Total Security). Pricing is similar at $40-$60/year. Choose Bitdefender for maximum detection rates; choose Avast for more comprehensive features at the same price point.

vs Kaspersky Internet Security: Kaspersky offers excellent malware detection comparable to Avast, with strong banking protection and parental controls. However, some users have privacy concerns about Kaspersky’s Russian origins, though the company has taken steps to address these. Both are similarly priced around $40-$70/year. Kaspersky has better parental controls; Avast has better system performance impact. Choose based on feature priorities and privacy comfort level.

vs McAfee Total Protection: McAfee includes unlimited device coverage for one subscription price, making it excellent for families with many devices. It also includes a VPN and identity theft protection. However, McAfee has historically been criticized for system slowdown and aggressive upselling. Avast is lighter on system resources and less intrusive. Choose McAfee for unlimited devices; choose Avast for better performance and less aggressive marketing.

vs Windows Defender (Free): Windows Defender is built into Windows 10/11 and provides basic but increasingly capable protection at no cost. Recent tests show it has improved significantly and offers decent protection for basic users. However, Avast Premium Security provides superior ransomware protection, email scanning, firewall, webcam protection, data shredder, and many features Windows Defender lacks. Choose Windows Defender if you want completely free basic protection; choose Avast if you need comprehensive security with advanced features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent malware detection rates consistently ranking among the top in independent lab tests
• Comprehensive feature set including firewall, ransomware shield, webcam protection, and data shredder
• Minimal system performance impact with optimized scanning engine
• User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users
• Affordable pricing (typically $40-$70/year) with frequent promotional discounts
• Protects up to 10 devices with single license across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Free 30-day trial to test all features before purchase
• Advanced ransomware protection with customizable folder shields
• Wi-Fi security scanning and network vulnerability detection
• Regular updates and new features added consistently
• Sandbox environment for safely testing suspicious files
• 30-day money-back guarantee provides risk-free trial period

Cons:

• Frequent pop-up notifications and upsell messages can be intrusive
• VPN and password manager require separate purchases (not included)
• Some advanced features are available only on Windows (Mac version has fewer features)
• Privacy concerns as Avast was previously caught selling anonymized user data (practice has since been discontinued)
• Can be aggressive about promoting additional Avast products
• Installation process may try to install browser extensions without clear opt-out
• Customer support response times can be slow for non-premium support tiers
• Annual subscription required; no lifetime license option available
• Some features like Sandbox are not as intuitive as competitors
• Occasional false positives requiring manual whitelist additions

Who Should Use Avast Pro Antivirus

Home Users Seeking Comprehensive Protection: Individuals and families wanting more than basic antivirus protection will appreciate the extensive feature set including firewall, ransomware shield, webcam protection, and email scanning—all at an affordable price point significantly less than comprehensive security suites from other vendors.

Privacy-Conscious Individuals: Users concerned about webcam spying, data theft, and online tracking benefit from Webcam Shield, Sensitive Data Shield, and data shredding capabilities that go beyond basic malware protection to actively defend privacy.

Windows Users on Older Hardware: The optimized performance and low system resource usage make Avast ideal for users with older computers or laptops where heavier antivirus solutions would cause noticeable slowdowns or performance degradation.

Multi-Device Households: Families with multiple computers, phones, and tablets benefit from the ability to protect up to 10 devices with a single license, providing consistent security across the entire household’s technology ecosystem.

Users Upgrading from Free Antivirus: Those currently using Avast Free Antivirus or other free solutions who need additional features like firewall, ransomware protection, and email scanning without the complexity or cost of premium security suites.

Small Business Users: Solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and very small businesses without dedicated IT support who need reliable, comprehensive protection that doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge to manage effectively.

Budget-Conscious Security Seekers: Users who want strong malware protection and useful security features but can’t justify spending $100+ annually on premium suites with features they won’t use like VPN, password managers, or cloud backup that they already have from other sources.

Who Should Look Elsewhere: Users wanting all-in-one packages with VPN, password manager, and cloud backup should consider Norton 360 or McAfee Total Protection. Those needing absolutely minimal system impact should examine ESET NOD32. Users requiring enterprise features or centralized management need business-focused solutions like Kaspersky Endpoint Security or Bitdefender GravityZone. Privacy purists uncomfortable with Avast’s past data practices might prefer Bitdefender or ESET.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the difference between Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Premium Security?
A: Avast Pro Antivirus was discontinued and all users were automatically upgraded to Avast Premium Security at no extra cost. Premium Security includes all Pro Antivirus features plus additional capabilities previously only in higher tiers. If you had Pro Antivirus, you now have Premium Security with the same or better protection.

Q: Does Avast slow down my computer?
A: Avast is designed to have minimal performance impact. Independent tests show it uses moderate system resources, generally less than Norton or McAfee but slightly more than ESET. Most users won’t notice any slowdown on modern computers. Older systems may experience minor delays during full scans but not during regular use.

Q: Is Avast safe to use given the past data selling controversy?
A: In 2020, it was revealed that Avast’s subsidiary Jumpshot sold anonymized user browsing data. Avast subsequently shut down Jumpshot and ended all data selling practices. The company now provides detailed privacy policies and transparency reports. While the incident raised valid concerns, Avast has taken corrective actions and remains a legitimate security provider used by millions.

Q: Can I use Avast on Mac and mobile devices?
A: Yes, Avast Premium Security licenses cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices up to your plan’s device limit (typically 10 devices). However, feature availability varies by platform—Windows version has the most complete feature set, while Mac, Android, and iOS versions have platform-appropriate features.

Q: Does Avast include a VPN or password manager?
A: No, Avast Premium Security does not include VPN or password manager. These are separate products (Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast Passwords) that require additional purchase. Avast Ultimate bundles Premium Security, VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup Premium at a discounted price if you want all features together.

Q: How does Avast compare to free Windows Defender?
A: Windows Defender has improved significantly and provides adequate basic protection. However, Avast Premium Security offers superior ransomware protection, email scanning, firewall, webcam shield, Wi-Fi inspector, data shredder, sandbox environment, and other features Windows Defender lacks. For basic users, Defender may suffice; for comprehensive protection, Avast provides significantly more.

Q: Can I try before buying?
A: Yes, Avast offers a 30-day free trial of Premium Security with full access to all features. No credit card is required for the trial. Additionally, all purchases include a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing essentially 60 days to evaluate the product risk-free.

Q: Will Avast conflict with Windows Firewall?
A: No, Avast Firewall is designed to replace Windows Firewall and will disable it automatically to prevent conflicts. Avast Firewall provides more granular control and additional features while maintaining compatibility with Windows. You should not run multiple firewalls simultaneously.

Q: How often are virus definitions updated?
A: Avast updates virus definitions multiple times daily, often several times per hour when new threats emerge. Updates download automatically in the background when you’re connected to the internet. The cloud-based threat intelligence provides real-time protection even before traditional definitions update.

Q: What happens when my subscription expires?
A: When your subscription expires, Avast Premium Security will revert to Avast Free Antivirus, providing basic malware protection but disabling premium features like firewall, ransomware shield, email protection, and others. Your computer remains protected with basic antivirus, but without the advanced security layers of the paid version.

Final Verdict

Avast Pro Antivirus (now Avast Premium Security) delivers comprehensive, reliable protection that successfully balances strong security, extensive features, and reasonable pricing. With consistently high malware detection rates, minimal system performance impact, and a robust feature set that includes firewall, ransomware protection, webcam shield, and email scanning, it provides significantly more value than basic antivirus solutions while remaining more affordable than all-in-one security suites.

The software’s greatest strength is its completeness at a mid-tier price point. Users get advanced protection features that many competitors reserve for their most expensive packages, all in an interface that remains accessible to non-technical users while offering enough customization for advanced users. The ability to protect up to 10 devices across multiple platforms with a single affordable license makes it particularly attractive for families and individuals with diverse device ecosystems.

However, the product isn’t without drawbacks. The frequent promotional notifications and upselling can become tiresome, though they can be minimized through settings adjustments. The absence of VPN and password manager in the base package means users seeking truly comprehensive all-in-one protection will need to purchase additional products or upgrade to Avast Ultimate. The 2020 data selling controversy, while addressed, may give privacy-conscious users pause, even though Avast has since improved transparency and ended those practices.

For home users, families, and small business owners seeking strong malware protection combined with useful security features at a reasonable price, Avast Premium Security represents an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those upgrading from free solutions who want more protection without overwhelming complexity or enterprise-level pricing. The combination of proven malware detection, comprehensive feature set, multi-device coverage, and affordable pricing creates a compelling value proposition.

Users requiring all-in-one packages with bundled VPN, password management, and cloud backup should explore Norton 360 or McAfee Total Protection, though at higher cost. Those prioritizing absolute maximum detection rates might prefer Bitdefender Total Security. Privacy purists uncomfortable with Avast’s history could consider ESET or Bitdefender. But for the majority of users seeking reliable, feature-rich protection without premium pricing, Avast Premium Security delivers exactly what’s needed—and the automatic upgrade from Pro Antivirus ensures existing users continue receiving excellent value and protection.