NEW Avast version 23.12

[lukas.hasik]

Houhouhou,,
Please welcome the newest version of Avast 23.12 released on December 12th, 2023

Major public announcement:

• Main focus of this release was on stabilisation of the existing code and bugfixing.

How to install:

• Update from your existing Avast version via Settings -> Update -> Update program
• Or you can download and install files:
  
  • Online installers (recommended):
    
    • Free: https://bits.avcdn.net/insttype_FREE
    • Premium Security: https://bits.avcdn.net/insttype_APR
  • Offline installers:
    
    • Free: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup_offline.exe
      
    • Premium Security: https://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_premier_antivirus_setup_offline.exe

[NON]

Thanks for the new release

[DavidR]

Got it before notification in the forums as I have program updates set to manual.

[Dinobot2]

Thanks! I see that the issue I brought up here (link below as well) was fixed, so that's good!

I think you undersold the changes made as there were also some additions or things brought back. The options for a Full Virus Scan to select which parts of the PC to scan is back after being gone for a while. They also added a way to scan a Smart Scan from the Settings area.

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=325468.0

[loungehake]

'Main focus of this release was on stabilisation of the existing code and bugfixing'

Reading this announcement is music to my eyes.

[lukas.hasik]

Got it before notification in the forums as I have program updates set to manual.

I'll try to be faster with the forum announcement next time...

[lukas.hasik]

Thanks! I see that the issue I brought up here (link below as well) was fixed, so that's good!

I think you undersold the changes made as there were also some additions or things brought back. The options for a Full Virus Scan to select which parts of the PC to scan is back after being gone for a while. They also added a way to scan a Smart Scan from the Settings area.

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=325468.0

Well, it' n ot a way how to start smart scan. But we realised that the Smart Scan deserves its own setup in the Settings. You could schedule the Smart Scan frequency at the end of Smart Scan but having it directly in the Settings area seems more convenient.

[bob3160]

Thanks! I see that the issue I brought up here (link below as well) was fixed, so that's good!

I think you undersold the changes made as there were also some additions or things brought back. The options for a Full Virus Scan to select which parts of the PC to scan is back after being gone for a while. They also added a way to scan a Smart Scan from the Settings area.

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=325468.0

Well, it' n ot a way how to start smart scan. But we realised that the Smart Scan deserves its own setup in the Settings. You could schedule the Smart Scan frequency at the end of Smart Scan but having it directly in the Settings area seems more convenient.

Will there ever be a smartscan that realizes the fact that you are using the free version and stops all the notifications that require a paid product to correct the problem? Thanks

[Nunzio77]

Thanks! I see that the issue I brought up here (link below as well) was fixed, so that's good!

I think you undersold the changes made as there were also some additions or things brought back. The options for a Full Virus Scan to select which parts of the PC to scan is back after being gone for a while. They also added a way to scan a Smart Scan from the Settings area.

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=325468.0

Well, it' n ot a way how to start smart scan. But we realised that the Smart Scan deserves its own setup in the Settings. You could schedule the Smart Scan frequency at the end of Smart Scan but having it directly in the Settings area seems more convenient.

Will there ever be a smartscan that realizes the fact that you are using the free version and stops all the notifications that require a paid product to correct the problem? Thanks

It would be great...but it would go against Avast's business or marketing policy.
In my opinion it is wrong, because for this reason many users do not choose Avast Free, just read the various reviews or read the various comments, it is an excellent product but nagware is devastating for users.
It would be a great idea to change your approach.

[DavidR]

<snip quote>
Will there ever be a smartscan that realizes the fact that you are using the free version and stops all the notifications that require a paid product to correct the problem? Thanks

There is no such thing as a free lunch - Avast premium's biggest competitor is Avast Free

Personally I can't see any point in running the so called Smart Scan, I (think we both) know the results before it starts.  No malware detected (that's why we have an on-access antivirus) but plenty of so called weaknesses.  The same goes for any on-demand scan, they are greatly depreciated. For the most part dormant/inert files are being scanned, the other active files are going to be scanned by the resident shields when they are activated.

[Nunzio77]

However, beyond the smart scan which I also don't use almost at all, I was referring above all to the pop-ups that suddenly appear even on PCs at "rest" and in some cases "frighten" especially users with little experience in computer and PC security .

[DavidR]

However, beyond the smart scan which I also don't use almost at all, I was referring above all to the pop-ups that suddenly appear even on PCs at "rest" and in some cases "frighten" especially users with little experience in computer and PC security .

Yes, I have a low fear factor and for many of these I just laugh - for the most part I have either got them covered, or I'm unconcerned about the so called threat.  But I have been in this game for a very long time.  When a good Firewall, good Antivirus and a healthy degree of suspicion was enough.

Now, for some internet users, ignorance is bliss and they need all of the help they can get.  But I don't like the idea of saying you have a headache here is an Aspirin, that will be $XXs thank you.

[Dinobot2]

Was there an emergency update pushed recently? I got a notification from Avast to restart my computer. It was one of those "Your PC is still being protected but you should restart as soon as possible" kind of prompts. And the only thing that has appeared to change is the build number ending in .812 to .813.

[rocksteady]

Yes. Must have been something like that.
Yesterday Avast wanted a PC Restart. I also now have build....813, from ....812 original version update.
You are not alone.

[Dinobot2]

I don't know why we can't get an explanation as to what was changed specifically or why, either through a UI pop up (the way they show the changes in the new program versions) or a post here. These always end up giving me a panic attack. Maybe that's a 'me' problem, but I still don't think that's too much to ask for.