AVG has always earned top ranks among the world’s best antiviruses, but as of January 10, we’re better than ever. We’ve completely overhauled our antivirus software — inside and out — to deliver unparalleled protection against all manner of online and offline threats. Whether you are browsing the web, checking emails, or managing sensitive files, our newly rebuilt architecture ensures you remain secure.
We’ve Rebuilt Our Antivirus Inside and Out
An All-New, Intuitive Look
AVG had rocked the same look for years. It was an admirable one—simple and intuitive—but had outlived its fashion prime to become a mullet among more modern interfaces. As cybersecurity evolves, so must the user experience.
Our designers, being designers, would not abide a mullet. So they rolled up their sleeves and spent many long days—and often nights—trying to marry beauty and functionality in a single, easy-to-use UI. And with the help of our many gifted user researchers and engineers, a completely new interface was born.
Old vs New Internet Security UI: Our old "mullet" vs our modern beauty.
It’s simple. It’s modern. And it makes it easier than ever to see exactly how you’re protected, because all our powerful security features are now neatly organized into 5 robust layers of security, which we’ll look at below.
Better Protection: 400 Million Users Strong
AVG protects you better than ever before, because we now leverage the collective power of over 400 million users—more than the entire population of the United States!—to thwart even the newest, unclassified forms of malware and zero-day exploits.
How does this cloud-based threat detection work? Basically, every AVG user acts as a network sensor. Anytime one user encounters a potential unknown threat, our systems quickly analyze it, determine if it’s malicious, create a cure, and then push that cure out to all our millions of users globally. The end result? Better, faster protection for everyone, without you ever having to lift a finger.
Our 400 million users help us detect and neutralize even the newest forms of malware worldwide.
5 Layers of Comprehensive Protection
Along with a few new goodies (see below), our award-winning digital security features are now found within 5 clear categories, visible directly on the home screen. This layered defense-in-depth approach creates additional barriers between you and cybercriminals, making it much easier for you to monitor your network defenses. If any layer is switched off or experiences a problem, you’ll see it straightaway, and we’ll tell you exactly how to correct it.
- Computer Protection: AVG's real-time protection engine seamlessly crushes viruses, spyware, rootkits, Trojans, and other forms of nasty malware before they can embed themselves in your system.
- Web & Email Protection: We proactively block any unsafe links, malicious downloads, and dangerous email attachments you run into, so you can enjoy your life online without worries.
- Hacker Attacks Protection*: Our Enhanced Firewall works silently in the background to effortlessly bounce hackers who try to sneak onto your PC network.
- Private Data Protection*: Encrypt and hide your most private photos and sensitive documents to prevent family, friends, and data thieves from seeing what’s yours.
- Payments Protection*: We block spam and help you avoid fake copycat websites to prevent you from accidentally giving your passwords or credit card numbers to the bad guys during online shopping.
*Hacker Attacks, Private Data, and Payments Protection are premium features of our new Internet Security suite, but you can try them free for 30 days within AVG AntiVirus FREE.
New Goodies We’ve Baked In
In addition to beefing up our core security engine and reorganizing our features for better visibility, we’ve also expanded our scanning capabilities. One click of our “SCAN COMPUTER” button now quickly searches your computer for hidden malware and PC performance problems, as well as possible browser issues like unwanted toolbars and poorly rated search engines.
A single click scans for malware. And so much more.
Clicking the gear icon brings up advanced scanning options. You can choose to scan only specific folders or USB/DVD drives, target deeply embedded malware with our rigorous Deep Scan feature, or run a new Boot-Time scan to uncover potential rootkits before the Windows OS even starts.
Major Changes to AntiVirus FREE:
- Improved malware detection stops cyber threats like never before.
- Redesigned interface simplifies your security into 5 layers of protection.
- New 1-click "SCAN COMPUTER" button quickly finds both malware and PC performance problems.
- New scan types added: USB/DVD Scan, Deep Scan, and Boot-Time Scan.
- New Passive Mode lets you install AVG with real-time protection turned off (useful if you already run another antivirus on your PC).
- Online Shield is now available to free users to scan for malicious downloads.
- Real-time security updates are now pushed directly to free users.
Major Changes to Internet Security:
- Improved malware detection stops advanced threats.
- Redesigned interface for easier navigation and monitoring.
- New 1-click "SCAN COMPUTER" button for deep system checks.
- New targeted scan types added: USB/DVD Scan and Boot-Time Scan.
- New Passive Mode for compatibility with existing security software.
- Improved Data Safe makes it even easier to encrypt and hide private photos and files.
- New Secure DNS feature: Helps you avoid fake phishing websites by using our own protected DNS settings to faithfully direct you to real sites, safeguarding your financial data.
How Do I Get It?
If you’re already using a previous version of AntiVirus FREE or Internet Security, we’ll push an automatic update out to you soon. Just wait for the notification on your computer, and then click to install the update. Itching to try it now? Download the new AVG AntiVirus FREE for essential protection, or try AVG Internet Security free for 30 days and experience the full protective power of AVG.
Activating Your AVG Account
Applies to all paid AVG consumer subscriptions.
An AVG Account is a secure, centralized portal for managing your paid AVG subscriptions. Your AVG Account is automatically created using the email address you provided during the purchase of your subscription. To sign in to your AVG Account for the first time, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
-
Open the Activation Screen: Click the designated activation link in your purchase confirmation to open the Activate an account screen.
-
Enter Your Details: Enter the email address that you provided during the subscription purchase and click Continue.
-
Verify Your Email: Open your email inbox and locate the message from
notification@mails.avg.comwith the subject line: Please confirm your email. -
Confirm Registration: Click the Confirm my email button inside the message.
-
Set Your Security Credentials: Create a strong, secure password for your AVG Account, then click Continue.
-
Access Your Dashboard: Click Continue to open the main AVG Account dashboard.
Your AVG Account is now fully active and ready to use.
Managing Your Subscriptions
Once activated, your AVG Account makes it easy to review your software licenses, check your renewal dates, and manage your billing preferences. For detailed, up-to-date instructions on navigating your dashboard and managing your active subscriptions, please refer to our official support documentation.
Read the full guide here: How to manage your subscriptions via your AVG Account.