AVG AntiVirus Free review

AVG AntiVirus Free shares its support policy for old Windows with Avast, since both belong to Gen. AVG's requirements list Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, in 32-bit and 64-bit editions, excluding Starter and RT, with 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of disk space. The free version gives real-time protection against viruses, infected emails and scam websites, scans incoming and outgoing email, checks your home Wi-Fi, and warns you when a password tied to your email shows up in a breach. AVG also lists protection against spyware, webcam threats, ransomware and rootkits. For older machines, AVG's own FAQ says the final version for Windows XP and Vista is 18.8, which still receives virus definition updates but no application updates, and that Windows 7 without the Convenience Rollup Update stays on version 21.2. The free license is for personal and family use only, so a small office running an old PC should look elsewhere.

Who it is for

Windows 7 home users who want a free antivirus with email scanning and a password exposure alert.

Price

Free for personal and family use.

Defend your PC against cyberthreats with our award-winning, free antivirus
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Real-time protection against viruses, infected emails and scam websites
• Scanning of incoming and outgoing email messages
• Home Wi-Fi checks for network security
• Alerts when a password tied to your email is exposed
• Protection against spyware, webcam threats, ransomware and rootkits

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Requirements list Windows 7 in 32-bit and 64-bit editions
• Strength: AVG 18.8 on XP and Vista still receives virus definition updates
• Strength: Email scanning and a password exposure alert in the free version
• Weakness: Free version is for personal and family use only
• Weakness: Lists 4 GB of RAM and 2 GB of disk space
• Weakness: Windows 7 without the Convenience Rollup Update stays on version 21.2

Key facts

• Windows 7 requirement: SP1 with the Convenience Rollup Update for current versions
• Last XP and Vista version: AVG AntiVirus 18.8, definitions only
• Hardware: 4 GB RAM, 2 GB disk
• License: Personal and family use only

Where it ranks

AVG AntiVirus Free is No. 3 in our Best Antivirus for Older Windows PCs verdict.