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Avast premium security anime cover Avast Premium Security is a paid antivirus and internet security suite by Avast (Gen Digital) that protects your Windows PC with AI-powered scam detection, a real-time antivirus engine, a built-in firewall, ransomware shield, webcam protection, and a secure sandbox. It covers up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
This guide covers what Avast Premium Security includes, how it compares to Norton 360 and Bitdefender, system requirements, how to install it, common issues, and answers to frequently asked questions.
📋 System Requirements
Operating System
Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 SP1 (32/64-bit)
Processor
Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 (SSE3)
RAM
4 GB minimum
Storage
3 GB free disk space
Internet
Required for updates and activation
ARM Support
Windows 11 on ARM64 processors
Avast Free vs. Avast Premium Security
Avast offers a free antivirus and a paid suite. Here is what separates them so you can decide which fits your needs.
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus | ✅ | ✅ |
| Web and email shields | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced + AI |
| Network inspector | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced firewall | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ransomware shield | ❌ | ✅ |
| Webcam shield | ❌ | ✅ |
| AI scam detection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deepfake Guard | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sandbox | ❌ | ✅ |
| Remote Access Shield (RDP) | ❌ | ✅ |
What You Get with Avast Premium Security
Avast Premium Security goes beyond basic antivirus. Here are the features that make it worth the upgrade.
🛡️ Real-Time Antivirus Engine
Blocks viruses, spyware, trojans, and other malware before they reach your system. Uses AI and cloud-based analysis. In independent testing by AV-Test and Virus Bulletin, Avast consistently scores above 98% malware detection with zero false alarms.
🤖 AI-Powered Scam Protection
The Avast Assistant uses AI to analyze messages, emails, and offers in real time. Email Guard scans Gmail, Outlook, and other inboxes, and flags phishing emails, scam links, and infected attachments before you open them.
🔥 Advanced Firewall
Monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks unauthorized connections. Works alongside the Windows Firewall without conflicts. Your first line of defense against hackers on the network.
🔒 Ransomware Shield
Prevents untrusted apps from modifying, deleting, or encrypting your personal files. You choose which folders to protect (Documents, Photos, Desktop) and Avast blocks anything suspicious from touching them.
📹 Webcam Shield
Stops untrusted apps from accessing your webcam without permission. You get an alert any time an application tries to use your camera, and you can allow or block it with one click.
🖥️ Remote Access Shield
Protects against hackers trying to access your PC through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Blocks brute-force login attempts, patches known vulnerabilities, and auto-blocks malicious IP addresses.
🎭 Deepfake Guard
Detects deepfake videos during video calls and while browsing. Analyzes video content in real time and alerts you if it detects AI-generated manipulation. Helps protect against impersonation scams.
📦 Sandbox + Data Shredder
Sandbox opens suspicious files in a safe, isolated environment so they cannot affect your real system. Data Shredder permanently deletes sensitive files so they cannot be recovered, even with recovery software.
How to Install Avast Premium Security on Windows
✅ Tip: If you already have Avast Free or an older version (7.x or later), the installer detects it and upgrades in place. No need to uninstall first.
1
Download the installer
Visit the Avast Premium Security page and download the setup file (about 6 MB).
2
Run the installer
Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions. Uncheck any extras you do not need (like Avast Secure Browser).
3
Activate your license
Enter your activation code or sign into your Avast account. For the 30-day free trial, skip this and activate later.
4
Run your first Smart Scan
Click Smart Scan from the dashboard. Avast checks for viruses, outdated software, network issues, and performance problems in one pass.
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7
Avast Premium Security Interface
Here is what Avast Premium Security looks like on Windows. Click any image to enlarge it.
Avast Premium Security Video Review
Watch a hands-on overview of Avast Premium Security and what it looks like in action.
Avast Premium vs. Norton 360 vs. Bitdefender Total Security
How does Avast stack up against the other top antivirus suites on Windows? Here is a practical comparison.
| Feature | Avast Premium | Norton 360 | Bitdefender Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Firewall | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Deepfake Guard | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Remote Access Shield (RDP) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sandbox | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Built-in VPN | Separate add-on | ✅ Unlimited | 200 MB/day |
| Cloud backup | ❌ | ✅ Up to 100 GB | ❌ |
| Gaming / Do Not Disturb | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting price | $4.09/mo | ~$4.99/mo | ~$3.33/mo |
So which antivirus should you pick?
Avast Premium Security is a strong choice if you want advanced endpoint hardening like Remote Access Shield, a Sandbox, and Deepfake Guard that Norton and Bitdefender do not include. Norton 360 is better if you want an unlimited VPN and cloud backup bundled in. Bitdefender Total Security is excellent if you want the lightest system impact at a lower price. All three are solid. The right choice depends on which extras matter most to you.
Avast Premium Security Pricing
Avast offers single-device and multi-device plans. The single-device Windows plan now includes a free mobile device (Android or iOS) as a bonus.
Single Device (PC)$4.09/mo
1 PC + 1 mobile free
Billed annually
Multi-Device$5.79/mo
Up to 10 devices (any platform)
Billed annually
Free Trial30 Days
Full access, all features
No credit card needed
💡 Keep automatic renewal active and you also get the Stay Safe Virus Guarantee. If your device gets infected and Avast cannot fix it, you get your money back.
Common Issues and Fixes
Avast is slowing down my PC
Open Avast and go to Menu > Settings > General > Troubleshooting. Lower the scan priority or exclude large folders you trust (like game libraries). Also check Background Scans and schedule them for when you are not actively using your computer.
Avast is blocking a program I trust
Go to Menu > Settings > General > Exceptions and add the file or folder path. You can also right-click the blocked notification to whitelist the program directly. For games, adding the entire game folder is usually the quickest fix.
Firewall is blocking my internet or local network
Open Avast and go to Protection > Firewall. Check if the network profile is set correctly (Private vs. Public). You can temporarily set the firewall to “Allow” mode to confirm it is the cause. Add specific apps under Firewall > Application Rules.
The installer offers extra software I do not want
During installation, look for checkboxes offering Avast Secure Browser or other extras. Uncheck anything you do not need. If something was already installed, remove it from Settings > Apps in Windows.
Subscription is not activating
Make sure you are signed into the correct Avast account. Go to Menu > My Subscriptions and click Enter Activation Code. Restart Avast and try again. If the problem persists, contact Avast Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast Premium Security worth it?
Yes, if you want protection beyond basic antivirus. Premium adds a firewall, ransomware shield, webcam protection, AI scam detection, a sandbox for suspicious files, and Remote Access Shield. The free version only covers basic malware scanning.
Can I try Avast Premium Security for free?
Yes. Avast offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. You get full access to all premium features during the trial period.
Does Avast Premium Security include a VPN?
No. The VPN is sold separately as Avast SecureLine VPN, or bundled in the Avast Ultimate plan. Premium Security focuses on antivirus, firewall, and scam protection.
How many devices can I protect with one license?
The single-device plan covers 1 PC plus 1 free mobile device. The multi-device plan covers up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Does Avast work with Windows Defender?
Yes. When you install Avast, Windows Defender automatically steps back and lets Avast handle real-time protection. There are no conflicts. If you uninstall Avast, Windows Defender re-activates automatically.
Is Avast safe to use after the past privacy concerns?
Yes. In 2020, Avast shut down Jumpshot, the subsidiary that sold anonymized user browsing data. Avast has since undergone independent audits and updated its privacy policies. The company is now part of Gen Digital (which also owns Norton and AVG).
Does Avast slow down my PC?
Avast has a light system footprint during normal use. Scans can temporarily increase CPU and disk usage, but you can schedule them for off-peak hours. The Do Not Disturb mode pauses all non-critical activity during gaming or full-screen apps.
Helpful Resources and Community
Need help setting up Avast or troubleshooting an issue? These official and community resources can help.
📖 Avast Support Center
Official guides, troubleshooting, and how-to articles.
💬 Avast Community Forums
Ask questions and get answers from the community and Avast staff.
🗨️ Reddit Community
Unofficial community with tips, issue fixes, and user discussions.
Get Avast Premium Security for Windows
AI-powered scam protection, ransomware shield, firewall, webcam guard, and more. Try free for 30 days.
Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
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