So you’re using AVG and noticed that a new version is available (2011 Edition), but when you click on the links in the AVG program to update / upgrade, you’re taken to a website where they want you to pay. Don’t be fooled into thinking you must hand over your hard-earned cash to upgrade your free virus protection! And if you do manage to find the free “update” on their site, you’ll be missing out on several other features only those in the know can get installed … also for free. Follow my guide below to updating the right way and you’ll have better protection than you currently do and it won’t cost you a dime.

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First things first, Windows 7 users, you’ll need to figure out if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System. To find out, go to Start > Control Panel and click on System. You’ll see this window:

Circled is the information you’re looking for, so click the appropriate link below.

XP and Vista users, chances are very good you’re running a 32-bit system, so use the 32-bit link below.

32-bit Windows Users
64-bit Windows Users

On the site, you’ll see this:

Click the Download link at the top right. Once your download has completed, open the installer package.

Vista / Win7 users – if you are alerted with a window asking if you want to allow the program to make changes, click Yes.

You will be presented with a license agreement asking for your first born child, two chickens and a new car, click Accept.

A License Number screen will come up, but as this is the free version, it will auto-generate. Click Next.

When you are presented with the type of installation, click Custom Install and uncheck the gadget checkbox, then click Next.

On the Custom Options page, you will have a couple of things to do before moving on. First, if you use an email program other than Microsoft Outlook (this includes Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Thunderbird, IncrediMail), check the Personal Email Scanner checkbox, you can also uncheck the Outlook add-in checkbox.

Next, uncheck the Additional languages checkbox as it is unneeded.

Before clicking next, scroll down to the bottom of the list. Be sure LinkScanner and the two items below it, plus Identity Protection are checked, then click Next.

Next, you’ll see a window asking about installing the AVG Security Toolbar. This is an unnecessary bloat for your browser, so uncheck the top box and click Next.

You may see a window open that says Uninstalling, this is removing any previous version of AVG in your system and you can ignore it.

The installer will copy and install files:

During (or after) the installation process, you may see firewall alerts (for those of you using 3rd party firewalls), simply tick the “Remember my answer” or “Always use this setting” box, then click Allow or OK. The image below is from Comodo’s firewall, your image may differ.

After the installation is complete, you will be presented with the opportunity to register your software. This is totally optional, I typically don’t because I simply don’t need to be on any more mailing lists. You can uncheck the participation checkbox and click Finish.

The software is installed but we’re not done yet. You may be asked to restart your computer, if not, you’re okay. You should now see the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 main program window. You can ignore any of the upgrade buttons as shown below, we’re not interested in those and they’ll just lead to accidentally buying a pay-version of the software which is unnecessary.

We need to make sure your email protection is configured correctly. Double-click on the E-mail Scanner item in the middle.

At the E-mail Scanner Component screen, check the Scan outgoing messages checkbox and then click the Tools / Advanced sections link.

Check the Check outgoing e-mail checkbox then click Certification below E-mail Scanner on the left pane.

Uncheck both Certify checkboxes and click OK.

Click Save Changes.

You’re now back at the AVG main control panel … and you’re fully protected. Click the X at the top right to close AVG and that’s it! You did it!

If you have any questions, couldn’t understand one of the steps or require further assistance with the upgrade, please let me know and I’ll help you out.

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