Download Free Ransomware Protection & Removal Tool

Powerful ransomware scanner

Shop and bank securely

Award-winning protection

Trusted by over 400 million users

Free ransomware scanner and ransomware protection

Avast has been stopping ransomware for years, and we’re only getting better with age. With Avast One, you will enjoy the world’s largest threat-detection network and machine-learning ransomware protection in a single, lightweight security tool. Plus, it’s 100% free.

Download free anti-ransomware

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Install free protection

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download free anti-ransomware

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install free anti-ransomware

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

The benefits of Avast One’s ransomware scanner and remover

Scan center

We’ll scan for and remove the malware that’s putting your PC at risk, no matter where it’s hiding.

Behavior Shield

Alerts you immediately if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate a threat.

Malware alerts

If unusual app behavior is detected, you’ll see an immediate alert to block the threat.

File Shield

Blocks malicious files and programs from opening, and alerts you if new dangerous files are detected.

24/7 updates

We update our software constantly to protect against new and emerging ransomware strains.

Quarantine

Isolates potentially harmful files from the rest of your system to keep your computer safe.

Scan center

We’ll scan for and remove the malware that’s putting your PC at risk, no matter where it’s hiding.

Behavior Shield

Alerts you immediately if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate a threat.

Malware alerts

If unusual app behavior is detected, you’ll see an immediate alert to block the threat.

File Shield

Blocks malicious files and programs from opening, and alerts you if new dangerous files are detected.

24/7 updates

We update our software constantly to protect against new and emerging ransomware strains.

Quarantine

Isolates potentially harmful files from the rest of your system to keep your computer safe.

Award-winning ransomware protection

PCMag named Avast One a 2021 Editors’ Choice, and TechRadar praised Avast One for its malware protection and prevention strength.

Avast’s top-performing cybersecurity engine has been winning prestigious awards for years:

PCMag: Editors’ Choice, 2023
TechRadar: 5 stars, 2021
AV-TEST: Top Product, AV Test Certified, 2022

A ransomware scanner trusted by over 400 million users

But don’t just take our word for it.

The UI for your software - amazing. Great work over the years. Can't say enough good things!

Ryan R.

Thank you, Avast, for the excellent work you do. I run your antivirus software on both my Mac OS X and my Windows machines. You have the best products on the market, period.

Eric S.

I’ve been using Avast for over a year and have found it one of the best free software protection devices on market.

Daryl C.

Macs and mobiles need ransomware protection, too

Ransomware can hold any device hostage, including Macs and mobile phones. Avast’s free antivirus software will help you protect against and remove ransomware from any device.

MAC

ANDROID

IPHONE/IPAD

Avast’s antivirus software for Mac strengthens Mac’s built-in security with specialized protection against malicious threats. Our leading security tool fights malware like ransomware and viruses while also countering phishing attacks, malicious websites, and Wi-Fi snoops.

Avast’s free Android security tool gives your phone the same ransomware-stopping power your PC enjoys. With one of the world’s largest threat-detection networks, our security app protects against mobile malware while helping you avoid phishing attacks and Wi-Fi threats.

Avast’s iOS security app bolsters Apple’s built-in security features by blocking ransomware and other malware and helping you browse the web safely.

Download our free ransomware protection and removal tool

Avast One is a powerful anti-ransomware tool to keep your PC safe, or to remove ransomware from an infected system. Best of all? It’s absolutely free.

Download free anti-ransomware

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Install free protection

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download free anti-ransomware

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install free anti-ransomware

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

FAQs

How can I prevent ransomware?

The best way to avoid ransomware and other malware is to use a powerful antivirus tool while also practicing safe online habits, such as not clicking strange links or downloading unknown files.

Is ransomware a virus?

Technically, no. A virus self-propagates, while ransomware encrypts and holds your files hostage. Ransomware is a type of malware — which is an umbrella term that encompasses all kinds of threats, including ransomware and viruses.

How to remove ransomware from an infected device

Even if all your files are encrypted, you can remove certain strains of ransomware from your PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone by using a comprehensive anti-ransomware tool like Avast One. There are also free ransomware decryption tools available online. And don’t worry about hackers’ claims that these decryption tools will delete your files — that’s just a bluff to get you to pay the ransom.

Does the built-in security on Windows 10 provide enough protection against ransomware?

Windows 10 and 11 both have built-in features that can help protect against ransomware. To enable Windows ransomware protection, find Ransomware protection under the Virus and threat protection tab within the Windows Security app and turn on Controlled folder access.

Note that Windows Security may not be enough to protect you from all malware strains. A comprehensive cybersecurity solution like Avast One will protect you against new and emerging malware threats, as well as phishing attacks and data breaches. Plus, Avast One includes a built-in free VPN and other advanced privacy tools.