TotalAV
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Step-by-Step TotalAV Installation Guide

This guide shows you how to install TotalAV on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Follow each platform's steps carefully: download only from trusted sources, grant the required permissions, sign in to activate your license, and run the first scan to secure your device.

Overview — What to expect during install

Installing TotalAV is straightforward but varies slightly by platform. You will: (1) download the official installer or app store package, (2) run the installer or install the app, (3) grant permissions required for scanning and protection, (4) sign in with your TotalAV account to activate your license, and (5) allow the first update and initial scan to complete. Read each platform's steps below and follow them in order.

Pre-install checklist

  • Confirm your purchase email or account credentials are at hand.
  • Back up important files — a safe habit before making system changes.
  • Temporarily close other security tools to avoid conflicts.
  • Ensure you have administrator rights (desktop) or the device passcode (mobile).

Windows — step-by-step

Use these steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The process is similar on both: download, run with elevated rights, complete the installer, then sign in and activate.

  1. Download only from trusted sources. Grab the installer from your account portal or official TotalAV site. Save the TotalAVInstaller.exe to your Downloads folder.
  2. Run as administrator. Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator. Accept the User Account Control prompt so the installer can add drivers and services.
  3. Follow the installer prompts. Accept the license, choose an install folder (default is fine), and allow the installer to download the latest engine and definition files.
  4. Restart if requested. Some components require a reboot to initialize correctly. Save work and restart when asked.
  5. Sign in and activate. Open TotalAV, sign in with the account used to purchase, and allow activation. Let the app update definitions and complete the initial smart scan.

After activation enable real-time protection and schedule weekly full or smart scans. If other antivirus products are present, uninstall them or use the built-in conflict resolution tips in the app.

macOS — step-by-step

On macOS, installers come as .dmg files. macOS requires you to grant deeper system permissions for full scanning and web protection.

  1. Download the .dmg from the official portal. Double-click the downloaded file to mount it.
  2. Drag to Applications. Move the TotalAV icon into Applications to install the app properly.
  3. Open & allow permissions. The first time you launch, macOS will ask you to allow the app to run and request permissions—grant Full Disk Access, Accessibility, and any network extensions the app prompts for in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.
  4. Sign in and run the initial scan. Sign in, let definitions update, and allow the smart or full scan to finish before heavy multitasking.

If the app says a permission is missing, follow the in-app instructions which usually open the correct System Preferences pane for you. Reboot if prompted.

Android — step-by-step

Install TotalAV from Google Play for automatic updates and the safest distribution. Android uses permissions for storage, accessibility, and VPN features.

  1. Install from Google Play. Open Play Store, search for TotalAV and tap Install. Avoid third-party APK sites.
  2. Grant permissions. When the app requests permissions (Storage, Accessibility for WebShield, VPN permissions for the privacy features), grant them so shields and web protection work correctly.
  3. Sign in & enable shields. Sign in with your account, enable real-time protection, and schedule scans from Settings.

On Android, the VPN feature will ask to create a VPN profile — allow it if you want encrypted browsing on open Wi-Fi.

iOS (iPhone & iPad) — step-by-step

iOS apps are isolated so antivirus behavior differs from desktop. Key features are VPN, web protection, and account management.

  1. Download from the App Store. Search for TotalAV and install the official app — iOS prevents background scanning like desktops, but privacy tools still help.
  2. Configure VPN & web protection. Allow the VPN profile and follow prompts to enable web protection or tracker blocking.
  3. Sign in & check the subscription. Verify your plan under Account and enable the features you need.

If a site or banking page misbehaves with the VPN on, try switching server locations or temporarily pausing the VPN.

Activation, first scan & support

After installing, sign in to activate your license. The app will usually update signatures automatically and suggest an initial smart scan. Let that scan complete; it builds a baseline and populates quarantine so you can review flagged items safely.

Common support actions

Collect exact error messages, timestamps, and steps you tried before contacting support. This speeds diagnosis. Use the in-app Help screen — it’s the safest route to official assistance.

License & device management

Device slots and renewals are managed in your account dashboard. To move protection, remove the old device from the list, install on the new device, and sign in to activate.

Troubleshooting tips

Reboot the device, update the OS and app, temporarily disable other security tools to rule out conflicts, and reinstall the app if problems persist.

Best practices after installation

Keep automatic updates enabled, schedule regular scans, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your account, and use a password manager to store unique passwords. Be cautious of email or SMS requests about refunds or urgent security warnings; always open the app directly rather than following links in messages.

Treat sudden performance changes as potential indicators — run a scan, check for unwanted browser extensions, and clear temporary files if the device is sluggish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the installation usually take?

Installers themselves usually finish in a few minutes. The initial updates and first scan can add 5–30 minutes depending on your device and internet speed.

Can TotalAV coexist with other security tools?

Some overlap is possible, but having multiple real-time antivirus engines can cause conflicts. If in doubt, temporarily disable or uninstall the other tool while testing TotalAV.

What should I do if activation fails?

Confirm you're signing in with the email used for purchase and verify your subscription status in the account portal. If problems remain, collect error text and timestamps and use in-app support.