AVG Antivirus 26.9.11171 for Windows

AVG Antivirus 26.9.11171 is an antivirus program for Windows from AVG Technologies, with a free edition that protects a PC against viruses, spyware and ransomware in real time. You can download AVG Antivirus Free from the official AVG site and upgrade later if you want the extra features of the paid version.

Overview

AVG has been making security software since 1991 and is today part of the same group as Avast, so both products share much of their detection engine. The free edition covers the basics most home users need: a real-time shield that checks files as they are opened or downloaded, scheduled and on-demand scans, web and email protection that blocks known malicious links and attachments, and a scan of your Wi-Fi network for weak settings. When something suspicious is found, the file goes to a quarantine where you can delete it or restore it if it was a false alarm. A boot-time scan checks the disk before Windows loads, which helps with malware that hides while the system is running, and a rescue disk can be created for a PC that no longer starts. The paid AVG Internet Security adds an enhanced firewall, protection for webcam access, a fake-website shield for banking and payments, and priority support. Like most free antivirus products, the free edition regularly suggests these upgrades and other AVG tools.

How to install

1. Download the installer from AVG's Windows antivirus page.
2. Remove any other real-time antivirus first; two active shields slow the PC and conflict with each other.
3. Run the installer, choose Customize to pick components and decline extra products you do not want.
4. Let AVG update its virus definitions, then run a full scan.

System requirements

According to AVG support, Windows needs a fully compatible PC with an Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 processor or newer that supports SSE3 instructions, 1 GB RAM or more and 2 GB of free disk space. Boot Time Scan and Rescue Disk are unavailable on Windows 11 on ARM. The offline installer is large, about 1107.99 MB according to catalogue data. AVG also makes versions for macOS and for Android 10 or higher.

Is it safe and trustworthy?

Install AVG only from avg.com or, for phones, from Google Play. Fake antivirus installers are a classic way to spread malware. Read the privacy settings during setup: free security products collect usage data, and you can limit what is shared. Changes for each release are listed in the release notes.

Price

AVG Antivirus Free costs nothing and has no time limit. AVG Internet Security and bundles with VPN and tune-up tools are paid subscriptions; compare what you actually need before buying, since Windows already includes Microsoft Defender.

Pros and cons

• Pro: solid free protection with real-time shield.
• Pro: web and email scanning included.
• Pro: boot-time scan and rescue disk.
• Con: frequent upgrade prompts in the free edition.
• Con: large offline installer.
• Con: firewall and banking protection only in paid plans.

Alternatives

Other antivirus programs on our site include Avast Antivirus, Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Antivirus and Norton Antivirus. For a second opinion scan next to your main antivirus, Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner are useful.