Avast Premium Security for PC is a full-featured, multi-layered suite that brings robust protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and remote-access attacks, wrapped in an approachable interface for everyday users. It meaningfully upgrades Avast’s free tier with advanced shields like Firewall, Real Site, Sandbox, Remote Access Shield, and banking protection that matter in daily internet use.
In recent years we have been witnessing more and more online threats evolving daily. From sneaky phishing pages to ransomware and brute-force attacks on remote desktops. To put a full stop to all types of online threats, Avast Premium Security is here to help. Let’s take a look at this premium security program to see if it’s worth trying or not.
Key features and protection layers
Avast Premium Security steps up from the free edition by adding premium layers that matter once transactions, remote access, and sensitive files are in play. The antivirus engine pairs special detection with behavior monitoring and cloud analysis to spot new, unknown threats in real time. Around it, dedicated modules protect browsing, emails, online banking, network entry points, and personal data from increasingly sophisticated attacks.
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Advanced Firewall monitors inbound and outbound connections and gives visibility into which apps talk to the internet, a meaningful upgrade over the default Windows firewall for non‑technical users.
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Ransomware Shield blocks untrusted apps from modifying protected folders to prevent file encryption, a crucial stopgap against modern extortionware.
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Real Site prevents DNS hijacking and phishing redirections that mimic bank sites, reducing the risk of credential theft on lookalike domains.
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Remote Access Shield automatically blocks high‑risk IPs, brute-force attempts, and RDP exploits like BlueKeep; it also allows whitelisting of allowed IPs for remote work.
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Mail/Web Shields filter harmful downloads and attachments and flag suspicious links before clicks turn into compromises.
Banking and shopping safety
Bank Mode creates a secure virtual desktop isolated from the main system, which helps defeat keyloggers, malicious scripts, and screen grab attempts during payments and banking. This is a practical, task-focused feature that users can trigger before entering account numbers or OTPs, offering peace of mind on shared or older PCs. Combined with Real Site, it provides a solid two-pronged defense for financial activity.
Device and privacy extras
For everyday comfort, Premium Security includes useful privacy and hardening tools without overwhelming the interface. Data Shredder overwrites deleted files to prevent recovery when disposing of documents; Webcam and Password Protection restrict unauthorized access to the camera and stored browser passwords. Network Inspector checks routers for weak passwords or freeloaders, which is valuable in home setups with many IoT devices.
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Sandbox lets you open suspicious files or apps in isolation to test safely, which is handy for downloads from forums or email attachments.
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Do Not Disturb mode silences pop‑ups during games or presentations, keeping the desktop distraction‑free while protection stays active.
Performance and usability
Installation is quick, and the dashboard clearly groups Protection, Privacy, and Performance areas, helping casual users find what they need fast. In independent comparisons and roundups, Avast is repeatedly credited for strong web protection and a friendly UI, with Premium Security adding the deeper controls professionals appreciate without making the suite heavy. Browsing slowdowns are minimal in recent tests, and background scans avoid hogging resources on modern PCs.
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The free version is generous but shows upgrade prompts; Premium Security removes those interruptions and unlocks banking, firewall, and RDP protections.
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PC-focused buyers can choose 1‑device or up to 10‑device plans under Premium Security, which suits households without stretching into the pricier “Avast One” bundles.
What’s better than the free version
Avast’s free antivirus is solid for detection, but it lacks phishing protection, advanced firewall, webcam shield, Wi‑Fi verification, and Bank Mode areas that usually make the difference between a near‑miss and a breach. Premium Security fills these gaps with real‑world safeguards, especially if work or payments happen on the same PC. For frequent online shoppers, remote workers, or anyone syncing sensitive files, the upgrade makes practical sense.
Where it could improve
Password management and parental controls aren’t built in, and some advanced identity features are reserved for “Avast One” tiers focused on the US. The SecureLine VPN is not part of Premium Security and, when purchased separately or in bundles, has fewer countries than top standalone VPNs. Still, as a PC security suite, Premium Security focuses on the essentials and does them well without bloat.
Verdict
Avast Premium Security for PC is a worthy daily security program, blending a capable antivirus engine with meaningful extras like Bank Mode, Real Site, Ransomware Shield, Firewall, and Remote Access Shield. It is easy to recommend over the free tier for active internet users who bank, shop, work remotely, or store sensitive documents, thanks to protection that anticipates real attack paths. If built‑in password management or parental controls are must‑haves, look at alternate suites; otherwise, this is a balanced, trustworthy pick for home and home‑office PCs.
Pros
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Strong protection layers: firewall, ransomware, phishing, RDP defense, and banking isolation.
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Useful privacy extras: Webcam Shield, Password Protection, Data Shredder, Network Inspector, and Sandbox.
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Clean interface, low friction, and practical settings for non‑technical users.
Cons
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No full password manager or parental controls are included in the Premium Security plan.
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VPN not included; Avast’s VPN network is more limited than top standalone services.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the biggest upgrade from Avast Free to Premium Security?
Premium Security adds phishing and banking protection, an advanced firewall, Webcam Shield, Wi‑Fi verification, and Remote Access Shield features that address the most common real‑world attacks beyond basic malware detection.
Q2: How does Bank Mode help during online payments?
Bank Mode spins up a secure virtual desktop to isolate sessions from keyloggers, malicious scripts, and screen capture attempts, ideal before entering card details or net banking credentials.
Q3: Can it stop ransomware from encrypting files?
Yes. Ransomware Shield denies untrusted apps access to protected folders and prevents unauthorized encryption, which is an effective layer against modern ransomware campaigns.
Q4: What protects against fake websites and DNS hijacking?
Real Site checks DNS integrity and certificate cues to block redirections to fake banking or login pages, reducing credential theft during browsing.
Q5: Does it block remote hacking attempts on Windows PCs?
Remote Access Shield automatically blocks high‑risk IPs, brute‑force RDP attempts, and known exploit patterns like BlueKeep, while allowing whitelisting for trusted remote connections.