Download Details

File size: 194.61 MB
License: Free
Developer: Avira
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), Offline
Downloads: 7299
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 · 67 reviews

Reviewed by Eman Sakr
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 4, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

Download latest version of Avira Free Antivirus

Avira Free Security is a free antivirus suite for Windows 11 and 10 that adds extras most free tools skip. You get real-time malware protection, a VPN, a password manager, a browser safety extension and a software updater.

It suits anyone who wants one free app for protection and basic privacy. The VPN has a monthly data cap, so treat it as a light-use extra.

Smart Scan checks for threats, outdated programs and clutter in one pass. Email protection and stronger ransomware defense sit behind the paid plans.

It is worth installing if you like an all-in-one free suite and can live with the occasional upgrade prompt.

What is Avira Free Security?

Avira Free Security is the free security suite from Avira, a long-established antivirus vendor. It replaces the older Avira Free Antivirus and bundles several tools in one app.

The free tier covers antivirus, a VPN, a password manager, a browser extension, tune-up tools and a software updater.

Antivirus and real-time protection

The scanner runs in the background and checks files as they open or download. It targets viruses, ransomware, spyware and phishing pages.

Independent reviews put its basic protection roughly on a par with Microsoft Defender, so do not expect it to beat the best paid suites.

Tip: Run a full scan once after installing, then leave real-time protection switched on.

Smart Scan and tune-up tools

Smart Scan combines a malware check with a look at outdated software and junk files. One click starts the cleanup.

Tip: Run it weekly if your PC feels slow or your disk is filling up.

Free VPN

The VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, which helps on public Wi-Fi. The free plan has a monthly data cap, and the exact amount can vary by offer or region.

Tip: Save the data for sensitive tasks like banking on a shared network. It is a poor fit for streaming or large downloads.

Password manager and browser extension

The password manager generates strong passwords and fills login forms. It covers the basics and has fewer options than dedicated managers.

Avira Browser Safety blocks phishing and malicious sites, and it includes an ad blocker and anti-tracking.

Tip: Install the browser extensions right after setup, since the protection only applies in browsers that have them.

Software updater

The updater lists outdated programs so you can patch them from one place. Unpatched software is a common way for malware to get in.

Where it annoys

Upgrade prompts for the paid plans appear fairly often. The free VPN cap also runs out quickly if you use it daily.

Free vs Pro

Feature	Free	Paid plans
Real-time antivirus	Yes	Yes
VPN	Monthly data cap	Higher or no cap
Password manager	Yes	Yes
Software updater and Smart Scan	Yes	Yes
Advanced web and ransomware protection	No	Yes
Email protection	No	Yes

Is Avira Free Security safe to install?

Avira is an established security vendor, and Avira Free Security is its own free product. Install it only from the download button on this page or from the official site.

Remove other third-party antivirus programs first, since two real-time scanners can conflict.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you need email scanning, stronger ransomware defense or an unlimited VPN. The paid plans or another suite fit those needs better.

Also skip it if upgrade prompts bother you. Microsoft Defender is quieter and already built in.

How to Download & Install

Click the download button at the top of this page to get the EXE installer for Avira Free Security.

Step 1: Click the download button at the top of this page and save the installer.

Step 2: Close other security tools, then double-click the installer and allow it to run as administrator.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts and wait while the setup fetches and installs the components.

Step 4: Restart the PC if the setup asks for it.

Step 5: Open Avira, let it update, then run a first Smart Scan.

System requirements

Operating system: Windows 11 or Windows 10
RAM: 2 GB or more
Disk space: at least 2 GB free
Administrator rights and an internet connection

How to update

The app keeps its protection up to date in the background. You can check the update status from the main window.

The built-in software updater also flags outdated programs on your PC.

Fixing common install problems

Setup fails or freezes: Remnants of an old Avira install or another antivirus often cause this. Uninstall them, restart, and run the installer again.
Installer will not start: Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Still failing: Check that Windows is fully updated and that you have 2 GB of free disk space. A clean reinstall in Safe Mode is the next step.

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Free real-time malware and ransomware protection
Includes VPN and password manager
Browser extension blocks phishing sites
Smart Scan tidies and tunes the PC
Simple, easy-to-navigate interface

What we didn't like

VPN has a small monthly data cap
Frequent upsells to paid plans
Advanced web and email protection is paid

Best Avira Free Security Alternatives

Microsoft Defender
Free real-time antivirus with cloud protection, ransomware defense and offline scanning.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Free antivirus with real-time malware, ransomware and phishing protection, light on resources.
Kaspersky Free
Cloud-assisted real-time malware scanning and anti-phishing protection at zero cost.
Malwarebytes
Free malware scanner that removes ransomware, spyware and adware without slowdown.

Conclusion

4.4out of 5 · 67 user ratings

Comparing Avira Free Security with other free options shows where its extras help and where they fall short.

Look at price, platform and the one feature that sets each tool apart.

App	Best For	Price	Platform	Standout Feature
Avira Free Security	Free all-in-one suite	Free (paid plans available)	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	VPN and password manager included
Microsoft Defender	Built-in baseline protection	Free	Windows	Preinstalled, no extra setup
Bitdefender Antivirus Free	Light, hands-off protection	Free	Windows	Minimal, simple interface
Avast Free Antivirus	Free suite with extra tools	Free (paid plans available)	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Network and privacy extras

Final verdict

Avira Free Security is a solid pick if you want antivirus, a VPN and a password manager in one free app. Its protection is good, not class-leading.

If you can live with the VPN cap and upgrade prompts, it is an easy way to add extra safety to a Windows PC.

FAQ

Is Avira Free Security really free?

Yes, the core app is free to use. Paid plans add features such as advanced web and ransomware protection and more VPN data.

Does Avira Free Security work on Windows 11?

Yes, it supports Windows 11 and Windows 10. A 64-bit PC with 2 GB of RAM or more is recommended.

Is the free Avira VPN unlimited?

No, the free VPN has a monthly data cap. The amount can vary by offer or region, so check the VPN screen in the app.

Is Avira Free Security better than Windows Defender?

It offers more extras, but basic protection is roughly comparable. Avira adds a VPN, password manager and browser extension that Defender lacks.

Can I run Avira together with Windows Defender?

You can install both, but only one acts as the active real-time scanner. Windows usually turns off Defender’s real-time protection when another antivirus is registered.

Why does the Avira installation fail?

Leftovers from an old Avira or another antivirus are the usual cause. Remove them, restart, and run the installer as administrator.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

Avira Free Security