Last updated on September 28th, 2026 at 04:50 am
I won’t say much more, but when I first noticed TotalAV adverts everywhere, I thought it was another shifty antivirus trying to scare me into buying protection I didn’t need. However, my laptop began acting strangely after I downloaded what I thought was a safe PDF, so I decided to give it a try. Here is what happened when I used it.
Table of Contents
What Is TotalAV Anyway?
TotalAV is simply a one-stop security pack that is compatible with Windows, Mac, phones – almost everything. It includes standard antivirus protection, plus extras like a VPN, password manager, and system cleaners. It has more than 30 million users, which surprised me.
I chose the Internet Security plan for 39 euros a year because it covered my laptop, phone, and tablet. It also came with a VPN, which seemed like a decent offer.
Arranging It (Simpler than I Cared to Think)
It all began with me; it can with you, it will:
Step 1: Download and Install
I registered on their site, found the installer, and within 3 minutes it was already up and running. No bizarre masses of popups or extra junk software attempting to creep in – that was also refreshing.
Step 2: Run Your First Scan
The computer program promptly proposed a Smart Scan. I clicked it. It identified 47 problems five minutes later, most of them being tracking cookies and a few startup programs that were slowing my boot time. Admittedly, it didn’t feel right to see how dramatic so many of the so-called threats were; however, cleaning my laptop made it faster.
Step 3: Turn on real-time protection.
This is the important part. Open Settings and make sure Active Defense is set to Real-time. This keeps the software on alert for sketchy downloads 24/7. Otherwise, you’ll be doing manual checks, which is pointless.
Step 4: Enable WebShield
WebShield blocks unsafe websites before they even load. The browser extension (a 10-second install) detected the two phishing websites I nearly fell for in an email. Worth it.
Features I Actually Used
The Scanning Options
It has Quick Scan (under 5 minutes, basics only), Full Scan (about an hour to scan everything), and Custom Scan (you select specific folders). Quick scans run daily, and full scans run weekly while I sleep.
System Cleanup Tools
The disk cleaner deleted 4GB of junk files I didn’t even know existed. Copycat file discovery identified three versions of the same vacation photos that were taking up space. This was enormous for someone like me who never cleans their computer manually.
Safe Browsing VPN
I tested this at a coffee shop. I switched on the VPN, then checked my bank account on public WiFi, and it wasn’t decipherable by a spy on that network. The connection isn’t fast, but it wasn’t irritating. Password Manager
I will tell you, I have used my previous password manager; however, I have tried the TotalAV version. It creates difficult passwords and stores them on the devices. Use this if you don’t have one. People get hacked through password reuse.
What I Liked
Performance actually improved. My 4-year-old laptop freezes less, and it boots faster. The interface is minimized – no annoying menus or technical language pervades. And the WiFi checker that alerts you to network insecurity is in the mobile app.
What Annoyed Me
Complete scans slow down all that. Don’t try to cheat or make videos while it’s running. It also sometimes flags safe files as suspicious (false positives), and in those cases, I had to tell it a couple of times that it was fine.
The bigger issue? Subscription management. Remember to remind your calendar to renew, since people who do the online claim they are billed without prior notice. I’m keeping an eye on mine.
Is TotalAV Worth Your Money?
If you’re new to antivirus software and want an average level of tech protection without having to be a tech, then yes, TotalAV is good. It monitored threats I didn’t even know about and cleared my system without me lifting a finger.
Is it perfect? No. However, it does what I need it to at $39/year because it includes a VPN and system tools—acting as a hawk watch with auto-renewal.
FAQs
Q: Does TotalAV decrease the speed of my computer?
A: Daily quick scans? Barely noticeable. A complete system scan will cripple it for around an hour. I run mine in the evening, so it doesn’t interrupt anything. The real-time protection is a silent-running program with no problems.
Q: Did I see that I could use TotalAV on my phone, as well?
A: Yep, it works on Android and iOS. The Android version supports this cool App Lock, which lets you set passwords for a specific set of applications. iPhone version prevents spam texts with the database used to block phishing websites. Both versions contain the VPN, which I do use whenever I am on open WiFi.
Also Read:
The Only Work From Home Accessories Guide You’ll Actually Need
Hi, I’m Veena, and I’m passionate about sharing honest, in-depth reviews that help people choose better. I’ve spent years exploring products, tech, and trends, and I enjoy breaking things down in an easy-to-understand way. Whether it’s a gadget, app, or lifestyle tool, I aim to give you clear, practical insights based on real experience.
