How to Upgrade Antivirus Software on Windows

By: Ahmed MirzaDecember 3, 2009

EN393

IntroductionAntivirus software is a computer application that detects,

prevents and removes malicious software, such as viruses. It is essential for every user of a computer to have the latest antivirus software installed. The tutorial should be read by anyone that uses a computer. This process should be performed roughly once a year.

A common misconception is that new computers come with full versions of antivirus. This is incorrect and in fact these expire after just 30 days. Also, antivirus software generally expires after one year so upgrading to the latest version is vital.

Requirements for tutorial: A computer with Windows XP or greater (e.g.: Vista, W7) An internet connection User account with Administrator privileges

Uninstall Old AntivirusA) First we must uninstall the old antivirus. If

you currently do not have any antivirus installed then move on to Part B.

1. Select the “Start Menu” 2. Select “Control Panel”

3. Select “Uninstall a Program”4. Highlight old antivirus software and click

“Uninstall” and then restart the computer after completion.

Obtain and Install Latest AntivirusB) We must now obtain new antivirus

software from the store or online.

* Avira AntiVir Personal Edition is a great free one, which we will use for this tutorial.

1. Download Avira from http://www.filehippo.com

2. Navigate to the folder where the Download was saved.

* Default Download directory on Windows Vista/W7 is ‘C:\Users\Your_User_Name\Downloads’. On Windows XP may be on Desktop or the My Documents folder.

3. Right-Click the new download and select “Run as Administrator”

4. Select “Continue”

5. Select “Next”

6. Select “Next”

7. Mark “I accept the terms…” and select “Next”

8. Mark “I accept…” and select “Next”

9. Select “Next”

10. Deselect both check boxes and select “Next”

11. Select “Finish”

12. Select “Next”

13. Select “Next”

14. Select “Next”

* Default values are optimized

15. Select “Next”

16. Select “Next”

17. Finally, Select “Finish”

The EndThe antivirus software is now installed on

your computer.Modern antivirus software runs behind the

scenes and gets the latest updates automatically.

Remember to update your antivirus again when it expires!