NEW Avast Version 20.8 (October 2020)

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi all, please welcome the newest version of Avast AV: 20.8 (20.8.2429)
Update: Oct-07-2020 upon applying new service-pack, current version number is 20.8.2432

Here are our biggest improvements:

  • Improved accessibility - Our interface is now better suited for impaired users
  • Safer web browsing - Web Shield now supports scanning for threats in Google’s QUIC protocol
  • Friendlier CyberCapture - If you stumble upon a file we can’t identify, CyberCapture can send it to our ThreatLabs for a detailed analysis. We’ve updated this entire process to make it easier than ever
  • Better Remote Access Shield - Not only do we now support Windows’ Samba protocol, we’ve also added logs to show all remote connection attempts to your computer. (Avast Premium Security only)
  • Firewall recognizes VPNs - Firewall now knows when you’re using our VPN and won’t classify this as an unknown network. (Avast Premium Security only)

And here are just some of the 100+ issues we also fixed:

  • Stomped a pretty nasty UI bug that made AV pop up randomly
  • Edge case fixed where Password Protection didn’t recognize supported browsers
  • Text encoding of an exclusion created from detection dialog
  • Shredder can now properly shred read-only files
  • Fixed service crashes that happened when uninstalling the Wi-Fi Inspector component
  • Remnants of configurations are now properly stored in the registry (instead of avast5.ini)
  • Firewall no longer blocks ping (this was an edge case)
  • Fixed the excessive memory usage of process monitor caused by Behavioral Shield hooking
  • Fixed OS boot problems when running smss.exe as virtualized
  • Plugged a memory leak in RegistryChangeWatcher
  • Fixed aswToolsSvc.exe initialization issues upon version update and before OS restart
  • Fixed serviceDLL monitoring and removal
  • Repair action now properly fixes hooklib.dll
  • Remote Access Shield detection window no longer appears if you’ve disabled its notifications in settings

How to install:

  1. Update from your existing Avast version via Settings → Update → Update program
  2. Or you can download and install files:

Online installers (recommended):

Offline installers:

As usual, a very big thanks to everyone involved! Enjoy.
AVAST Team

2

Thanks for the new release :slight_smile:

Yay, I can confirm the issue is fixed now 8)

3

Mad rash fool that I am, I noticed Avast 20.8 very soon after release and impulsively installed it on five of my seven Windows x64 systems (1x7, 1x8.1 and 3x10). As the man who jumped from the top of the Empire State Building was heard to say as he passed the 70th floor, “So far, so good.” :o

I could swear that my older slower systems are running more smoothly and quickly. There is also a small saving in RAM usage, for instance on my Windows 7 x64 3GB RAM system of probably 50MB. It just works so darned well. Is it too good to be true?

P.S. I have since updated my remaiming two Windows 10 systems without problems. This Avast version is the dog’s wotnots (that’s very good).

4

Thanks Benko, spreading the news… :slight_smile:

5

I’m glad that this update brings out accessibility improvements, as i am one of the blind users. Keep it up guys!
This version is good for now.
Regards,
Urh

6

Why not call it 20.10 ?

7

I think because the original intent of a monthly program update have been missed for a while.

Given that the last one was 20.7 released in September (09), and if I remember correctly the one before that missed the monthly update time table. Now it just looks like a normal incremental program update version.

8

Also because of your contributions ( on Slack ) as well. Thnx m8 :slight_smile:

Greetz, Red.

9

Hello Avast team,
please move offline installers from http to https. Chrome blocks unsecured (http) downloads by default. Thank you.

10

Thnx ! I have forwarded this.

Greetz, Red.

11

→ https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=60523.msg527512#msg527512

12

Hi, I just got updated to 2430, while the release version from yesterday is marked as 2429.
So, is this a beta or a stable build update…!? Any changelog…?? Please enlighten me/us. Cheers

13

Same like @asyn. I am on the beta channel and now got 2430 update today, when, the 20.8 was released yesterday.

14

We found couple more fixes to be added, so that’s why this beta and soon new public release.

thank you,

15

This will be a small service pack to 20.8 currently being beta-tested and then released to production soon enough, most probably this week

16

I see, thanks Slavo.

17

Compared with previous updates of Avast, version 20.8 seems to have provoked the fewest complaints against a new update that I can remember reading.

18

Does the update take place automatically in the free version?

Do I need to restart my PC or does it update without restarting?

After the PC is powered on, how long should the update take?

Thanks! :wink:

19

@Nunzio77.
You can check your app update settings via the user interface:
Menu>Settings>General>Update
click “More options” to view the dropdown extended menu.

If you have Automatic Update selected, then you will get automatic update.
You may be asked to Restart your PC following the update.

20

Thank you for the information. :slight_smile:

I’ve checked and it’s set to automatic update.
I have a “red” warning telling me that it is out of date and the old version is still there.

Will there be the new version after the reboot or do I just have to wait for it to download and install?
Is it specified when a restart is required?

I have recently been using Avast Free and therefore I still do not know the update mechanism on new software releases. :wink: