Defend your computer against viruses and malware undetected by traditional antivirus software with this next generation of computer protection. AOL Tech Fortress will:

  • Stop attacks before they harm your computer
  • Work in conjunction with your existing antivirus software
  • Work on up to three computers

FAQs

How does AOL Tech Fortress work?

AOL Tech Fortress works to protect your computer and devices from malware that is undetectable by traditional antivirus software.

Am I eligible for AOL Tech Fortress?

Certain AOL Advantage Plans are eligible for AOL Tech Fortress. To view what your AOL plan has to offer, check out your MyBenefits page.

How do I download and install AOL Tech Fortress?

To download and install AOL Tech Fortress, visit get.aol.com/techfortress and click Download Now.

For installation steps, visit Install and Uninstall AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard.

How many devices can I install AOL Tech Fortress on?

AOL Tech Fortress can be installed on up to three devices.

To manage your AOL Tech Fortress licenses, visit your MyBenefits page.

What is zero-day malware?

Zero-day malware is a previously unidentified computer virus that has no specific antivirus software signature available. Without an available signature, traditional antivirus software has no way to identify the malware. AOL Tech Fortress is able to detect zero-day malware, which would otherwise infect your computer, without an antivirus software signature.

Can I still use my antivirus software if I have AOL Tech Fortress?

Yes! AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard is compatible with most widely used antivirus software tools, including free ones.  You can use your antivirus tool to periodically check your computer and enhance your security.

What are the system requirements for AOL Tech Fortress?

AOL Tech Fortress is supported on Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (32 bit OS) or later.

Minimum configuration of 1.0 GB of RAM, 200 MB free Disk space. Also compatible with Windows Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 tablets.

Note: AOL Tech Fortress is not supported on Mac devices or operating systems.

I received an error message while trying to install AOL Tech Fortress, what do I do?

For a list of AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard error messages and trouble shooting steps, read the AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard error messages article.

What if my computer is already infected with a virus or malware?

AOL Tech Fortress will not scan your computer for any existing malware or virus issues. To prevent installing AOL Tech Fortress with malware on your computer, run a virus scan prior to installing AOL Tech Fortress.

I cannot install something because of AOL Tech Fortress, what can I do?

AOL Tech Fortress is constantly monitoring your computer, and may interfere with installing new programs to prevent unknowingly installing malware. To proceed with installing a new program, lower the AOL Tech Fortress protection level and continue installing the program.

To lower the AOL Tech Fortress protection level:

1. From the desktop toolbar, right click the AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard icon.

2. Click Tech Fortress.

3. Lower your protection level to Allow Installs and close the window.

Note: If the software you are installing requires you to restart your computer, uncheck the Automatically resume Protected level after 20 minutes option.

4. Close the window, and install your software!

Note: Don't forget to raise your protection level once you have installed your software.

How do I get customer support for AOL Tech Fortress?

To receive customer support for AOL Tech Fortress, please call 1-800-827-6364.

How do I deactivate AOL Tech Fortress?

To deactivate AOL Tech Fortress on your device:

1. Uninstall AOL Tech Fortress. For steps to uninstall, visit Install and Uninstall AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard.

2. Visit your MyBenefits page to deactivate the license associated with the device you have uninstalled AOL Tech Fortress on.

Note: Uninstalling AOL Tech Fortress will not automatically deactivate the license associated with that device. You must visit your MyBenefits page to deactivate the license.

I deactivated my AOL Tech Fortress license but keep getting a pop up, what do I do?

If you have deactivated your AOL Tech Fortress license but are receiving a pop up on your device, you still have the AOL Tech Fortress software installed. To turn the pop up off, you must uninstall your AOL Tech Fortress software.

To uninstall the AOL Tech Fortress software, follow the steps in the Install and Uninstall AOL Tech Fortress powered by AppGuard article.

What happens to my AOL Tech Fortress benefit if I change my AOL Advantage Plan?

Only certain AOL Advantage Plans are eligible for AOL Tech Fortress. If you decide to change your AOL Plan to one that does not include AOL Tech Fortress, your AOL Tech Fortress licenses will be deactivated.

AOL Tech Fortress will remain on your computer or device until you uninstall it. For step-by-step uninstalling instructions, read our Installing and Uninstalling AOL Tech Fortress (link to come) article.

If you choose to cancel your AOL membership, this will also cancel AOL Tech Fortress. If the cancellation is pending your next billing date, AOL Tech Fortress will remain active until the cancellation of your account is complete.