Avast is a popular antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against cyber threats. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall this program from your device. Whether it’s due to personal preference or the need to switch to a different antivirus software, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Avast, ensuring a smooth removal without leaving any traces behind.
Downloading An Avast Uninstallation Tool
For a complete and hassle-free removal of Avast antivirus software from your computer, it is recommended to download and use the Avast Uninstall Utility. This tool is specifically designed to ensure a thorough elimination of all Avast components.
To begin, visit the official Avast website and navigate to the “Downloads” section. Search for the Avast Uninstall Utility and click on the appropriate link to initiate the download. Save the file to a familiar location on your computer.
Once the download is complete, locate the file and double-click on it to run the utility. A security prompt may appear asking for your permission to make changes to your system. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. The tool will automatically remove all Avast-related files and registry entries, leaving no traces behind.
After the process is finished, restart your computer to ensure that all remnants of Avast are completely removed. You can now proceed to install any alternative antivirus software that you prefer.
Disabling Avast Temporarily
When uninstalling Avast, it is recommended to disable the antivirus temporarily to prevent any interference. Disabling Avast is a straightforward process.
To start, locate the Avast icon in the system tray on your desktop. Right-click on the icon, and a context menu will appear. From the menu, select “Avast shields control” or a similar option that allows you to disable the real-time protection.
You will then be presented with options to disable Avast for a specific amount of time, such as 10 minutes or an hour. Choose the appropriate option based on your needs.
Alternatively, you can open the Avast user interface by double-clicking the desktop icon or searching for Avast in the start menu. Once the interface is open, go to the “Settings” tab, select “Protection,” and then click on “Core Shields.” From here, you can toggle the switch to disable Avast’s real-time protection.
Remember, it is crucial to re-enable Avast’s protection after completing the uninstallation process or installing a new antivirus program to ensure your computer remains protected.
Uninstalling Avast Via The Control Panel
Uninstalling Avast through the Control Panel is one of the most common methods used to remove the antivirus software from a Windows computer. It’s a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.
To begin, navigate to the Control Panel on your computer. This can be done by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows Start menu.
Once in the Control Panel, locate the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” section. Click on it to open a list of all the installed programs on your computer.
Scroll down the list until you find Avast antivirus software. Select it and click on the “Uninstall” or “Remove” button. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
After the uninstallation is complete, it’s recommended to restart your computer to ensure all components of Avast have been removed.
Uninstalling Avast via the Control Panel is a simple and effective method for removing the antivirus software from your computer. However, if you encounter any difficulties or if Avast’s uninstaller fails to remove all components, there are alternative methods available.
Removing Avast Leftovers From The Registry
When uninstalling Avast from your computer, it’s important to remove any leftover files or registry entries to ensure a clean uninstallation. Follow these steps to remove Avast leftovers from the registry:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall.
4. Look for a folder with the name “Avast” or “AVAST Software” and delete it.
5. Next, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREAVAST Software.
6. If you find any keys or folders related to Avast, right-click on them and select Delete.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
Removing Avast leftovers from the registry is crucial to prevent any conflicts or issues with future installations of antivirus software. However, exercise caution when editing the registry, as any mistakes can cause serious problems to your computer’s functionality. Consider creating a backup of the registry before proceeding with these steps.
Removing Avast Using Third-party Uninstaller Software
When it comes to removing Avast from your computer, using a third-party uninstaller software can be a more effective and efficient method. These specialized tools are designed to thoroughly scan and remove all traces of the antivirus software from your system, including any leftover files or entries in the registry.
To begin the process, you first need to download and install a reliable third-party uninstaller software. Some popular options include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller. Once installed, follow these steps:
1. Launch the third-party uninstaller software and let it scan your system for installed programs.
2. Locate Avast in the list of installed programs and select it.
3. Choose the option to uninstall Avast. The third-party uninstaller will initiate the removal process.
4. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions provided by the uninstaller software. It may ask you to confirm your decision or provide additional options for removing Avast.
Once the uninstallation process is complete, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect. Using a third-party uninstaller software reduces the chances of leaving behind any remnants of Avast on your system, allowing you to completely remove the antivirus software and all its associated files.
Uninstalling Avast On Mac Computers
Avast is a popular antivirus software that provides protection for both Windows and Mac operating systems. If you are a Mac user and no longer wish to use Avast, you may need to uninstall it from your computer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
1. Close all Avast-related applications: Before uninstalling Avast, make sure to close any running Avast applications, including the Avast Security interface.
2. Open the Applications folder: Go to the Finder, click on the “Go” menu at the top, and select “Applications” from the drop-down menu. This will open the Applications folder where all your installed applications are stored.
3. Locate the Avast application: Scroll through the Applications folder and find the Avast application. It typically has a name like “Avast Security” or “Avast Antivirus.”
4. Drag the Avast application to the Trash: Once you have found the Avast application, click and hold on it, and then drag it to the Trash icon in the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Avast application and select “Move to Trash.”
5. Enter the administrator password: When prompted, enter the administrator password for your Mac. This is necessary to authorize the uninstallation process.
6. Empty the Trash: To complete the uninstallation, right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.” Confirm the action when prompted.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully uninstall Avast from your Mac computer. It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on the version of Avast you have installed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During The Uninstallation Process
During the process of uninstalling Avast, you may encounter some common issues that can hinder the removal of the antivirus software completely. Understanding these issues and knowing how to troubleshoot them can help ensure a smooth uninstallation process.
One common problem is encountering error messages or being unable to uninstall Avast through the Control Panel. In such cases, you can try using the Avast uninstallation tool, which is specifically designed to remove Avast completely from your system.
Another issue you may face is Avast blocking the uninstallation process or interfering with other security software. To troubleshoot this, you can first disable Avast temporarily or even boot your computer into Safe Mode to prevent any interference and ensure a successful uninstallation.
If you still encounter difficulties, you can consult Avast’s official support forums or contact their customer support for assistance. They can provide you with further troubleshooting steps tailored to your specific situation.
By addressing and resolving these common uninstallation issues, you can successfully remove Avast from your computer and proceed with installing alternative antivirus software if desired.
After Uninstallation: Alternative Antivirus Software Recommendations
After successfully uninstalling Avast antivirus software from your computer, it is crucial to consider installing alternative antivirus software to ensure the ongoing protection of your device. Here are some recommendations for reliable antivirus software options:
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Known for its top-notch malware detection rates, Bitdefender offers exceptional protection against all types of online threats. It also includes features like a password manager and a VPN.
2. Norton Security Premium: Norton is a well-established and trusted brand in the cybersecurity industry. This robust antivirus software offers comprehensive protection against various malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
3. Malwarebytes: While primarily known for its outstanding anti-malware capabilities, Malwarebytes also provides real-time protection against viruses. It is a lightweight software that works well alongside other antivirus programs.
4. Kaspersky Total Security: Kaspersky offers a wide range of protection, including antivirus, firewall, and anti-ransomware features. It also provides online banking security and a virtual keyboard to protect your sensitive information.
Remember to choose an antivirus software that suits your specific needs and preferences. It is essential to regularly update and maintain your chosen antivirus software for optimal security. Additionally, consider supplementing your antivirus software with a reliable anti-malware program for extra protection against advanced threats.
FAQ
1. How do I uninstall Avast from my computer?
To uninstall Avast from your computer, follow these step-by-step instructions:
– Open the Avast user interface by right-clicking on the Avast icon in the system tray and selecting “Open Avast User Interface.”
– In the main Avast window, go to the “Menu” tab and select “Settings.”
– From the left-hand sidebar, choose “General” and click on the “Troubleshooting” tab.
– Under the “Troubleshooting” tab, click on the “Uninstall” button.
– You will be prompted with a warning message that uninstalling Avast will remove all its components from your computer. If you’re sure you want to proceed, click “Yes” to confirm.
– Wait for the uninstallation process to complete. This may take a few minutes.
– Once the process is finished, you will receive a notification that Avast has been successfully uninstalled.
2. Can I uninstall Avast using the Control Panel?
Yes, you can also uninstall Avast through the Control Panel by following these steps:
– Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard, type “Control Panel,” and press “Enter” to open the Control Panel.
– In the Control Panel, select “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
– Locate Avast in the list of installed programs.
– Right-click on Avast and select “Uninstall” or “Uninstall/Change.”
– Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
– Once the process is finished, restart your computer to ensure that Avast has been completely removed.
3. How can I ensure a complete removal of Avast from my computer?
To ensure a complete removal of Avast from your computer, you can use the Avast Uninstall Utility. Here’s how:
– Visit Avast’s official website and download the Avast Uninstall Utility.
– Save the file to your computer.
– Restart your computer in Safe Mode. You can do this by pressing the “Windows” key, typing “Change advanced startup options,” and selecting “Restart now” under “Advanced startup.”
– Once your computer restarts, press the “F4” key to enter Safe Mode.
– Locate and run the Avast Uninstall Utility (it should be in the location where you saved it).
– Choose the Avast product you want to uninstall from the drop-down menu.
– Click on “Uninstall” and wait for the utility to complete the removal process.
– After the process is finished, restart your computer again to exit Safe Mode and ensure all remnants of Avast have been removed.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, uninstalling Avast is a straightforward process that can be easily accomplished by following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article. Whether it is due to personal preference or the need to switch to a different antivirus software, removing Avast can be done without much trouble. By carefully following the instructions provided, users can uninstall Avast from their systems and ensure a smooth transition to a different security solution, if desired.