Avast updates virus definitions and its application automatically when updates are available, and recommends leaving automatic updates enabled. To check manually on Windows, right-click the Avast icon in the notification area and choose Update → Engine and virus definitions for definitions, or Update → Program for the Avast application. These menu names come from Avast’s support instructions updated June 2, 2022, so they may differ in newer releases.
What updates in Avast?
Avast has separate updates for its threat information and its own software. A third category, Avast Software Updater, concerns other installed applications.
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- Virus definitions: The threat information Avast uses to identify malware. Avast also describes streaming updates, which are enabled by default in the product covered by its support instructions.
- Avast application and engine: Updates to Avast itself can include bug fixes and general improvements. Avast says updating the application also updates the engine and virus definitions; a restart may be required to finish.
- Other applications: Avast Software Updater is a separate feature for updating third-party programs, not a way to update Avast’s own definitions or application.
How to check Avast virus definitions manually
- In the Windows notification area of the taskbar, right-click the Avast icon.
- Select Update → Engine and virus definitions.
- If the check does not begin automatically, click Check for updates.
- Wait for the completion status, which should say Virus definitions are up to date if no newer definitions are available.
Avast says it cannot update definitions while the device is offline. Its current system requirements page also says internet access is needed to maintain updates.
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- Right-click the Avast icon in the Windows notification area.
- Select Update → Program.
- If needed, click Check for updates, then wait for the check to finish. The completion message should say Avast Antivirus is up to date when no newer application update is available.
- Restart the computer if Avast asks you to do so.
Avast’s detailed Windows instructions cover Avast Free Antivirus 24.x, Avast Premium Security 24.x, and Avast One 24.x. Its system requirements page now lists Free Antivirus 26.x and Premium Security 26.x, so treat the older menu labels as a guide rather than a guarantee. If your app differs, consult Avast’s current update support page.
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Check whether automatic updates are enabled
Open Avast and go to Menu → Settings → General → Update. Expand More options in the relevant section to review the available update behavior. Avast describes automatic, notification-based, and manual settings; it says automatic updates are selected by default and strongly recommends keeping them enabled. Manual-only updating means you must remember to check yourself.
If Avast is not updating
- Confirm the computer is online. Avast cannot update virus definitions when the device is offline.
- Give the check time to complete. Avoid treating an in-progress update as finished; follow any status or restart prompt shown in Avast.
- Use the in-app menus if labels differ. The detailed support instructions were updated June 2, 2022, and later product versions may present different labels.
These steps address basic connectivity and completion checks; Avast’s cited instructions do not establish a fix for every update error. Avoid downloading definitions or installers from unofficial sources.
Does Avast Software Updater update Avast?
No. Software Updater is for third-party applications. Avast’s support instructions say automatic third-party application updates in Avast Antivirus are available only with Premium Security. Avast One has separate Software Updater instructions. Use the Avast program-update route above to update Avast itself.
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