Avast Antivirus is a popular security software that protects computers from various online threats, including viruses, malware, and spyware. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall Avast Antivirus from your computer, whether it’s due to compatibility issues, conflicts with other software, or simply because you want to switch to a different antivirus program. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling Avast Antivirus from your computer.
Why Uninstall Avast Antivirus?
Before we dive into the uninstallation process, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to remove Avast Antivirus from your computer. Here are a few possible reasons:
- Conflicts with other software: Avast Antivirus may conflict with other security software or programs on your computer, causing system crashes, slowdowns, or errors.
- Compatibility issues: Avast Antivirus may not be compatible with your operating system or other software on your computer, leading to errors or system crashes.
- Resource-intensive: Avast Antivirus can be resource-intensive, consuming a significant amount of CPU, memory, and disk space, which can slow down your computer.
- Switching to a different antivirus program: You may want to switch to a different antivirus program that better suits your needs or provides better protection.
Pre-Uninstallation Steps
Before you uninstall Avast Antivirus, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth removal process.
Disable Avast Antivirus
To disable Avast Antivirus, follow these steps:
- Open the Avast Antivirus user interface.
- Click on the “Menu” icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Click on “Components.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “File Shield,” “Behavior Shield,” and “Web Shield.”
Stop Avast Antivirus Services
To stop Avast Antivirus services, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- In the Services window, scroll down and find the Avast Antivirus services (e.g., “Avast Antivirus Service”).
- Right-click on each service and select “Stop.”
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus
Now that you have disabled Avast Antivirus and stopped its services, you can proceed with the uninstallation process.
Method 1: Uninstalling Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel
To uninstall Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel, follow these steps:
- Go to the Control Panel (you can search for it in the Start menu).
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
- Find Avast Antivirus in the list of installed programs.
- Click on “Uninstall” or “Remove.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 2: Uninstalling Avast Antivirus using the Avast Uninstall Tool
If you are unable to uninstall Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel, you can use the Avast Uninstall Tool. Here’s how:
- Download the Avast Uninstall Tool from the official Avast website.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to uninstall Avast Antivirus.
Method 3: Uninstalling Avast Antivirus in Safe Mode
If you are unable to uninstall Avast Antivirus using the above methods, you can try uninstalling it in Safe Mode. Here’s how:
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode (you can do this by pressing the F8 key while booting up).
- Go to the Control Panel and follow the same steps as above to uninstall Avast Antivirus.
Removing Avast Antivirus Residual Files
After uninstalling Avast Antivirus, you may still have some residual files left on your computer. To remove these files, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “%appdata%” and press Enter.
- Find the Avast Antivirus folder and delete it.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “%programdata%” and press Enter.
- Find the Avast Antivirus folder and delete it.
Rebooting Your Computer
After uninstalling Avast Antivirus and removing its residual files, it’s a good idea to reboot your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus can be a bit of a challenge, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to remove it successfully. Remember to disable Avast Antivirus, stop its services, and remove its residual files to ensure a complete uninstallation. If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, you can try using the Avast Uninstall Tool or uninstalling in Safe Mode.
What is Avast Antivirus and why would I want to uninstall it?
Avast Antivirus is a popular antivirus software that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. However, some users may want to uninstall it due to various reasons such as conflicts with other software, slow system performance, or dissatisfaction with the product.
If you’re experiencing issues with Avast Antivirus or simply want to try a different antivirus solution, uninstalling it is a straightforward process. Before you begin, make sure you have a replacement antivirus software ready to install to ensure your system remains protected.
Will uninstalling Avast Antivirus affect my computer’s performance?
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus can potentially improve your computer’s performance if the software was causing conflicts or consuming system resources. However, the impact on performance depends on various factors, such as the specifications of your computer, the presence of other resource-intensive programs, and the efficiency of the uninstallation process.
After uninstalling Avast Antivirus, you may notice improvements in your computer’s speed and responsiveness, especially if the software was running in the background and consuming system resources. However, if you don’t install a replacement antivirus solution, your system may become vulnerable to malware and other online threats.
Can I uninstall Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel?
Yes, you can uninstall Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel on Windows or the Applications folder on Mac. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any technical expertise. Simply navigate to the Control Panel or Applications folder, find the Avast Antivirus program, and follow the prompts to uninstall it.
However, using the Control Panel or Applications folder method may not completely remove all Avast Antivirus files and registry entries. To ensure a thorough uninstallation, you may need to use the Avast Uninstall Tool or a third-party uninstaller software.
What is the Avast Uninstall Tool and how do I use it?
The Avast Uninstall Tool is a specialized software provided by Avast that helps remove all Avast Antivirus files, registry entries, and other remnants from your system. This tool is useful when you want to completely uninstall Avast Antivirus and remove all its components.
To use the Avast Uninstall Tool, download it from the official Avast website, run the executable file, and follow the prompts to uninstall Avast Antivirus. The tool will automatically remove all Avast Antivirus components, including files, registry entries, and system services.
Will uninstalling Avast Antivirus remove all its components?
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus through the Control Panel or Applications folder may not remove all its components, such as registry entries, system services, and residual files. To ensure a complete uninstallation, you may need to use the Avast Uninstall Tool or a third-party uninstaller software.
These specialized tools can detect and remove all Avast Antivirus components, including hidden files and registry entries. This helps prevent conflicts with other software and ensures a clean uninstallation process.
Can I reinstall Avast Antivirus after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Avast Antivirus after uninstalling it. If you change your mind or want to try a different version of Avast Antivirus, you can download and install it again from the official Avast website.
Before reinstalling Avast Antivirus, make sure you have removed all its components, including residual files and registry entries. This ensures a clean installation and prevents conflicts with other software.
What should I do after uninstalling Avast Antivirus?
After uninstalling Avast Antivirus, it’s essential to install a replacement antivirus solution to ensure your system remains protected against malware and other online threats. You can choose from various antivirus software options, including free and paid solutions.
Additionally, you may want to run a system scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses that may have infected your system while Avast Antivirus was uninstalled. This helps ensure your system is secure and protected against online threats.