KL AV for Free. Secure the Whole World Will Be.

Hi folks!

I’ve some fantastic, earth-shattering-saving news: we’re announcing the global launch of Kaspersky Free, which, as you may have guessed by the title, is completely free-of-charge! Oh my giveaway!

We’ve been working on this release for a good year-and-a-half, with pilot versions in a few regions, research, analysis, tweaks and the rest of it, and out of all which we deduced the following:

  • The free antivirus won’t be competing with our paid-for versions. In our paid-for versions there are many extra features, like: Parental Control, Online Payment Protection, and Secure Connection (VPN), which easily justify the ~$50 for premium protection.
  • There are a lot of users who don’t have the ~$50 to spend on premium protection; therefore, they install traditional freebies (which have more holes than Swiss cheese for malware to slip through) or they even rely on Windows Defender (ye gods!).
  • An increase in the number of installations of Kaspersky Free will positively affect the quality of protection of all users, since the big-data-bases will have more numbers to work with to better hone the machine learning.

And based on those three deductions we realized we had to do one thing, and fast: roll out a KL freebie all over the planet!

Last year the product successfully piloted in the Russia-Ukraine-Belarus region, in China, and also in the Nordic countries (that’s Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, in case you were wondering). I say successfully… – that would be an understatement; for with practically zero promo activity Kaspersky Free was installed several million times, in doing so cranking up our market share considerably. Not that increasing market share is our aim; our aim is to raise the overall level of protection on the Internet. Anyway, here’s thanks to all Kaspersky Free users for helping us save the world!

And on July 25 – for our 20th birthday – the product will start being officially launched!

The roll-out won’t be fully global instantaneously; it’s going to be done over four months in waves as per different regions. The first wave will be the U.S.A., Canada, and many of the Asia Pacific countries. September: India, Hong Kong, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Latin America. October: Europe, Japan and South Korea. November: Vietnam and Thailand. And that, I do believe, will be it – the whole planet covered.

Briefly about the product…

It’s a version with all the bare essentials: file, email and web antivirus; automatic updates, self-defense; quarantine; and so on. This arsenal ensures convenient and safe web surfing (is it still surfing? Sounds a bit 90s to me), working with USB sticks and other portable storage media, and protection against both phishing and infected files being run. In short, the indispensable basics that no one on the planet should do without.

Kaspersky Free is also lighter on system resources and quicker than its big brothers. It’s based on the same technologies as those older brothers, which you all know always come out on top in independent testing. This means that, though it features just the bare basics, it still packs a punch – a punch we’re no less proud of. The same protection without compromise: we detect any cyberthreat regardless of its origin or intention – even if certain folks don’t like it. At the same time Kaspersky Free doesn’t come cut with all the usual nonsense like advertising-oriented user-habit tracking and confidentiality infringements – which free AV normally suffers badly from in order to make it financially worthwhile to its manufacturers.

Question? Comments? Suggestions? Let me know – below.

PS: We have plenty of other free utilities, you know; have a look – here!

READ COMMENTS 77
Comments 77 Leave a note

    Keith

    Good for you guys! This is a great addition; all of the free AV programs these days are pretty bad.

    Rootwyrm

    So… Just how are you making this free, and how is it fiscally viable to do so? What is the trade-off, and what kind of privacy is in place (compared to those who use user metrics where the customer is the product for the company’s return i.e. Avast/AVG, Avira, etc).

    DonKid

    There´s no catch. More people using our security solutions means more people will be more secure; more computers will contribute to our cloud service, Kaspersky Security Network, and we will in turn be able to detect more previously unknown threats and react faster to their discovery. It’s the same as with services that show traffic jams — the more people who use the app, the more reliable the information is.

    HD

    I installed it a long time ago and found myself constantly thinking I’m missing out the good stuff from those paid versions like “advanced” protection (the more the better?!) and Auto-update… So I recently purchased the Internet Security suite and now I’m quite happy with it.
    I guess that all by itself shows how good the product is, no bloat, no promo/manipulation, just what it is (I feel it’s like my grandma somehow, slow, steady and caring) and still gets quite a hefty number of users.

    Godwin Delali Adadzie

    Hi Eugene,

    That is a good goodies for all of us netizens. Happy 20th birthday to Kaspersky and hope to give the FREE version a shot. Thanks.

    Francisco Díaz

    Thanks! such an awesome software for free!!, but I really wish you could include at least a basic firewall, sometimes a lot of application leave open ports and many nasty stuff available for attackers to mess with

    DonKid

    Kaspersky Free includes the essentials, the basic security components — file antivirus, e-mail antivirus, and Web antivirus.

    Paul

    Commercial use allowed :) ?

    DonKid

    Hi. You can use it, but for commercial Kaspersky have others products for example Kaspersky Small Office Security.

    Moncef

    Is it allowed to use in a small company of 15 computers in windows domain ?

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    France Athow

    So can I confirm that there is no difference between Kaspersky Antivirus 2017 and Kaspersky Free. Otherwise, it would be very handy to have some sort of comparison table between the two.

    DonKid

    Kaspersky doesn´t have a compare page yet. Please see these 2 links at the end of page to see the differences. https://usa.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus
    https://usa.kaspersky.com/antivirus

    Jacob

    Is there something such as a “game mode” which turns off auto update etc. during fullscreen programs?

    DonKid

    Hi. No. This feature isn´t available for free version.

    DonKid

    You can mark the option to disable some functionality. See this link http://support.kaspersky.com/13104

    Milos Korenko

    Wanted to try it and got an error. The error is listed on your Forum for about a year but I’m not sure how to fix it.

    (Error 27300. Error installing driver klim6.sys_X64_NT602)

    DonKid

    Can you please create a post in the forum ?
    http://forum.kaspersky.com/

    ossama

    Does this edition cover ransom ware ?

    Nosmo King

    I like the sound of this as a multi user with a few PC’s, some of which get used very rarely. However, if the picture above is to be believed then I am wary of the absence of a firewall. Is that really such a “premium” feature these days ?

    Sam

    Thank you, for making the world a safer place, particularly for those whom are unable to afford high quality protection and peace of mind…

    Mickey

    Ok, great. Looking forward to this.

    Jack

    This is a great idea.

    KaX

    For Mac? How to download?

    DonKid

    Kaspersky doesn´t have a Mac version yet.

    Tim

    Could you hide the download any better? Plenty of useless links in this post and the link to https://www.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus redirects to https://usa.kaspersky.com/ where you have to jump through hoops to not be offered the free version.

    Ben

    Is Kaspersky Free just for PC or will there be a version for Mac as well and if so any ETA on that?

    DonKid

    At this moment only for PC. Kaspersky doesn´t have any ETA for Mac.

    Jason

    Is this free for businesses? Does it need to be licensed or registered? The first screenshot says 365 days remaining.

    DonKid

    Hi. You can use it, but for commercial Kaspersky have others products for example Kaspersky Small Office Security.

    Jay

    For some reason, clicking the link to the free antivirus redirects to the Kaspersky USA site. Can you guys fix it please?

    Modifan@UN

    Very Nice step taken by Kaspersky lab.

    Bart

    What can I say, I used the paid version before but lost my job, and now you are giving us this present, thank you very much.
    PS I love your travel blog
    Bart

    AndyMutz

    whats up with the license for the free version? it says its only licensed for 366 days..

    DonKid

    When the license is over you can renew without any problem.

    Kaspersky User & Fan

    Hi Eugene,
    A great product you have there and exciting announcement!

    I wanted to know if the Free version will support being a member of the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) so that suspicious files can be automatically submitted to the KSN etc

    Thanks for the info, I think that will help alot with Internet security if KSN support is still available

    Thanks

    DonKid

    Hi. Yes. Kaspersky Free uses KSN.

    Linh Nguyen

    where to download?? I spend about 15 mins on your site and could only find the 30 days trial download. Thanks.

    ronen

    So what will be the product portfolio ?

    Joseph Hurtado

    Mr. Eugene Kaspersky,

    As I said publicly on Twitter, this initiative is a great thing you, and your company are doing. The Bible promises you blessings for your generosity as Solomon said on Ecclesiastes 11:1-2.

    HOWEVER your website team has not properly updated your own website. The links you provide have not a single link to the Free Kaspersky antivirus. Please tell them to fix this, many users will be thankful, and you will have more customers.

    Cheers,

    Joseph Hurtado
    Sr. Agile Coach & Innovator

    Dmitriy

    That’s great, but where can it actually be downloaded? I’m in US

    Ravi

    will this free edition be available for Mac OS as well or it is only for Windows?

    DonKid

    Kaspersky doesn´t have plan for Mac at this moment.

    VP

    Where is kaspersky Free for US? it’s July 27th and I can’t find it on your site …..promises…. promises …..If you fail in your security like you do in your release promise why should I even give your product a try…?

    DirtyWorld

    Many Thanks 4 the best Antivirus of the World

    Jimmy Goh

    May I suggest that Kaspersky Lab considers restricting the free AV to home users and not companies. Think AVG is free for home users but not companies.

    mike

    I don’t think companies can use freebie software like that, I’m certain they will be required to pay a fee if they don’t classify as a home user.

    pretty sure Kaspersky could find out.

    Bartosz

    Well, Kaspersky AV used to have free AV for home users back in the days…

    Peter

    Stop putting companies into one big pond. A small family business does not equal to Microsoft. They have entirely different budgets and incomes.

    So I believe restriction might be okay, it should not blindly close out ALL businesses. Maybe companies with more than 20-50 installations? Something along those lines.
    To be honest a big enough business like that already purchases the business oriented version because it’s easier to manage by IT.

    Btw they can either put a price for all companies and then they go and use Windows 10 + Defender, or just keep giving this away for free for small businesses. Their choice.

    Tomas

    Why? The true revolution will be when Kaspersky Free can be installed in companies without limits (like 10 computers in Windows Defender).

    John Doe

    I don’t agree with Jimmy, Avast is free for home and business use even with en centralized management. It’s time to have other options.

    Felix

    Awesome, Installed it on a few Windows pc’s at home and works perfectly. I hope there will be a Mac version coming soon for myself.

    Charlotte

    I see you did not post my comment from yesterday which was negative. By the way, today my computer is operating normally, again.

    Dick Lind

    I really appreciate Kaspersky (Iv’e got the IS) Worth every dollar!

    Carlson Meyers

    Does this has Exclusions? Avast Free did have but another one smadav didn’t have for the free ver.

    DonKid

    No. Kaspersky doesn´t have Exclusions.

    DonKid

    Hi. Yes. Open Kaspersky. Click Settings>Additional.

    Paul K

    I looked forward to the day this would happen, knowing I would get the best AV on the market. I installed it and it blocked Mozilla Thunderbird email client. How do I prevent that happening?

    DonKid

    Kaspersky doesn´t block Mozilla Thunderbird. Did you have other AntiVirus installed ?

    BSJ

    What about macOS users? :) or at least update kaspersky virusscan in the app store. thank you very much

    DonKid

    Kaspersky doesn´t have plan for Mac at this moment.

    Ronildo

    Kaspersky Free protect against Ransomware? Before and after infection? Great freeware solutions have this built-in protection!

    DonKid

    Kaspersky Free provides basic protection, and Kaspersky Internet Security leaves, shall we say, a bit more room for user error. Ultimately, Kaspersky Internet Security’s System Watcher component makes the paid product better at combating encryptors and yet-unknown threats.

    Saineshwar Bageri

    It not free at all its giving amount when you choose to download.

    Virus

    I assume it for PC only?

    DonKid

    Yes. At this time it´s only for PC.

    Stephen Pendred

    Wonderful news – I’m certainly happy to pay for Kaspersky as it’s a wonderful product and want to see it continue!

    For those who can’t afford to pay for protection or don’t need all of the features in the paid version – this is a brilliant way to get first class protection.

    Zero

    Hi, Kaspersky and sorry for my english (I prefer little mistakes for my fault instead of an automatic translator).

    I actually have Windows Defender – «oh God!» like you say! – on Win8.1 and the great “Kaspersky anti ransomware tool”.

    So my question is: “if I install KAV free, there will be a basic ransomware protection like other AV or like your tool?”
    In other words, “do I uninstall the anti ransomware tool or I have to keep it?”

    Thank you for you work in order to make the world a secure place.

    DonKid

    Kaspersky Free Antivirus doesn´t have the System Wacher module. The ransomware protection uses the database only.

    Zero

    Thank you for the answer.
    I’ll wait October (release in the rest of Europe) in order to try KAV free with the anti-ransomware tool.

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    jbu6734

    I have installed and used Kaspersky Free AV about two weeks ago. Thank you so much to KL for such an amazing product for free. I’m recommending Kaspersky Free AV to my friends. But unfortunately, the installer for Kaspersky Free has changed from kfa18.0.0.405(c) to (kfa18.0.0.405aben_12579) which is a trial version where the required licence is missing, though it is stated a FREE Version on the download page. I wonder has Kaspersky Lab already withdrawn the free version. If so, please do state clearly on the download page. Please let us be informed and update the post entitled “KL AV for free. Secure the whole world will be” on Eugene Kaspersky’s Official Blog.

    DonKid

    Hi. The only thing that change was the installer. Kaspersky Free Antivirus will continue as Free.

    jbu6734

    Hi, DonKid. Thank you so much for your response albeit a little bit late. I have tried installing Kaspersky Free AV using the new installer, kfa18.0.0.405aben_12579 umpteen times but sad to say every time what I got was the missing licence error message and the PC left unprotected. It was unlike the previous version of your installer whereby the activation took place automatically and it was a real breeze to users like me.

    0

    DonKid

    Please use this tool to remove Kasperskyhttp://support.kaspersky.com/common/service.aspx?el=1464 and reinstall it.

    1

    jbu6734

    Hi, DonKid. Thanks a trillion for your prompt reply. Your kindness is much appreciated. Tried out your suggestion just now. Praise God! It worked awesomely. Finally, got Kaspersky Free installed and activated smoothly.

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