How to Completely Uninstall Avast: A Step-by-Step Guide
Avast is a well-known antivirus software that provides comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. However, there might come a time when you need to uninstall Avast from your computer. Perhaps you’re switching to a different antivirus solution, experiencing performance issues, or simply want to remove it. Whatever your reason, it’s crucial to uninstall Avast correctly to ensure all its components are removed and no residual files are left behind, which could potentially cause conflicts with other software or impact system performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to completely uninstall Avast, ensuring a clean and thorough removal.
## Why Completely Uninstall Avast?
Before we delve into the uninstallation process, let’s understand why a complete removal is essential:
* **Preventing Software Conflicts:** Antivirus software often integrates deeply into the operating system. Incomplete uninstallation can leave behind files and registry entries that may conflict with other security software or even other applications, leading to instability and errors.
* **Improving System Performance:** Residual files can consume system resources, slowing down your computer. Removing all traces of Avast can free up space and improve overall performance.
* **Ensuring a Clean Slate:** If you plan to install a different antivirus program, a complete removal of Avast ensures a clean slate, preventing potential conflicts and allowing the new software to function optimally.
* **Reinstallation Issues:** Sometimes, a corrupted installation of Avast might require a complete uninstall before a fresh, clean installation can be performed. Incomplete removal can hinder the reinstallation process.
## Methods to Uninstall Avast
There are several methods you can use to uninstall Avast. We’ll cover the most common and effective approaches, starting with the easiest and progressing to more advanced techniques.
1. **Uninstalling Avast via the Windows Control Panel (or Settings App)**
This is the standard and usually the first method you should try. It’s a straightforward process built into Windows.
**Steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11:**
* **Open the Settings App:** Click the Windows Start button (usually the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen) and then click the gear icon (Settings). Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
* **Navigate to Apps:** In the Settings app, click on “Apps” (or “Apps & Features”).
* **Find Avast in the List:** Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find “Avast Free Antivirus,” “Avast Premium Security,” or a similar Avast product.
* **Select Uninstall:** Click on the Avast entry. An “Uninstall” button should appear. Click it.
* **User Account Control (UAC):** Windows might ask for permission to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to proceed.
* **Avast Uninstall Wizard:** The Avast Uninstall wizard will appear. Click on “Uninstall” in the wizard.
* **Confirmation:** Avast might ask you to confirm your decision. Click “Yes” or “Uninstall” to proceed.
* **Uninstall Process:** The uninstallation process will begin. Wait for it to complete. This may take several minutes.
* **Restart Your Computer:** Once the uninstallation is complete, Avast will prompt you to restart your computer. It’s highly recommended to restart to ensure all files and processes are completely removed. Click “Restart computer” to do so.
**Steps for Windows 7 and Windows 8:**
* **Open the Control Panel:** Click the Windows Start button and then click “Control Panel.”
* **Navigate to Programs and Features:** In the Control Panel, under “Programs,” click on “Uninstall a program.”
* **Find Avast in the List:** Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find “Avast Free Antivirus,” “Avast Premium Security,” or a similar Avast product.
* **Select Uninstall:** Click on the Avast entry and then click the “Uninstall” button that appears at the top of the list.
* **User Account Control (UAC):** Windows might ask for permission to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to proceed.
* **Avast Uninstall Wizard:** The Avast Uninstall wizard will appear. Click on “Uninstall” in the wizard.
* **Confirmation:** Avast might ask you to confirm your decision. Click “Yes” or “Uninstall” to proceed.
* **Uninstall Process:** The uninstallation process will begin. Wait for it to complete. This may take several minutes.
* **Restart Your Computer:** Once the uninstallation is complete, Avast will prompt you to restart your computer. It’s highly recommended to restart to ensure all files and processes are completely removed. Click “Restart computer” to do so.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Close all Avast-related processes:** Before starting the uninstallation, make sure to close any Avast windows or processes running in the background. You can check the system tray (the area near the clock) for Avast icons and right-click them to exit. Also, check the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for any Avast processes and end them.
* **Troubleshooting:** If you encounter errors during the uninstallation process, try restarting your computer and attempting the uninstallation again. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve conflicts and allow the uninstallation to proceed smoothly.
2. **Using the Avast Uninstall Utility (Avast Clear)**
If the standard uninstall process fails or you suspect that some Avast components remain after the uninstallation, the Avast Uninstall Utility (also known as Avast Clear) is your next best option. This tool is specifically designed to remove all traces of Avast from your system.
**Steps to Use Avast Clear:**
* **Download Avast Clear:** Go to the official Avast website and download the Avast Clear utility. You can find it by searching for “Avast Clear” or “Avast Uninstall Utility” on the Avast support website. Make sure you download the tool from the official Avast website to avoid downloading potentially malicious software.
* **Boot into Safe Mode:** This is a crucial step. Avast Clear works best in Safe Mode because it allows the tool to access and remove files that might be locked or in use while Windows is running normally. To boot into Safe Mode:
* **Windows 10 and Windows 11:**
* Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
* Click on “Update & Security” (or “Windows Update” in Windows 11).
* Click on “Recovery” in the left-hand menu.
* Under “Advanced startup,” click on “Restart now.”
* After your computer restarts, you’ll see a blue screen with options. Select “Troubleshoot.”
* Select “Advanced options.”
* Select “Startup Settings.”
* Click “Restart.”
* After your computer restarts again, you’ll see a list of startup options. Press the number 4 (or F4) to enable Safe Mode, or press the number 5 (or F5) to enable Safe Mode with Networking.
* **Windows 7 and Windows 8:**
* Restart your computer.
* As your computer restarts, repeatedly press the F8 key. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
* Use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode” (or “Safe Mode with Networking”) and press Enter.
* **Run Avast Clear:** Once you’re in Safe Mode, locate the Avast Clear utility you downloaded earlier and run it. You may need to right-click the file and select “Run as administrator.”
* **Select the Avast Installation Folder:** The Avast Clear utility will prompt you to select the folder where Avast is installed. By default, it’s usually located at `C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast`. However, if you installed Avast in a different location, browse to that folder.
* **Click Uninstall:** Click the “Uninstall” button in the Avast Clear utility.
* **Confirmation:** Avast Clear will ask you to confirm your decision. Click “Yes” to proceed.
* **Uninstallation Process:** The uninstallation process will begin. This may take several minutes. The tool will remove all Avast-related files and registry entries.
* **Restart Your Computer:** Once the uninstallation is complete, Avast Clear will prompt you to restart your computer. Click “Restart computer” to reboot your computer back into normal Windows mode.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Always boot into Safe Mode:** Running Avast Clear in Safe Mode is crucial for its effectiveness. Safe Mode prevents other programs from interfering with the uninstallation process, allowing Avast Clear to remove all Avast components.
* **Download from the Official Website:** Only download Avast Clear from the official Avast website to ensure you’re getting a genuine and safe tool.
* **Back Up Your Registry (Optional):** Before using Avast Clear, you might consider backing up your Windows Registry. This is a precautionary measure in case anything goes wrong during the uninstallation process. You can back up the Registry using the Registry Editor (regedit.exe). However, this is generally not necessary unless you’re particularly concerned about potential issues.
3. **Manually Removing Avast Files and Registry Entries (Advanced)**
This method is for advanced users who are comfortable with editing the Windows Registry and navigating the file system. It’s generally not recommended unless the other methods have failed, as incorrect modifications to the Registry can cause serious system problems.
**Warning:** Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky. Incorrect changes can render your system unstable or unusable. Before proceeding, create a system restore point or back up your Registry. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
**Steps to Manually Remove Avast:**
* **Show Hidden Files and Folders:** By default, some Avast files and folders might be hidden. To make them visible:
* **Windows 10 and Windows 11:**
* Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
* Click on the “View” tab.
* Check the box next to “Hidden items” in the “Show/hide” section.
* **Windows 7 and Windows 8:**
* Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
* Click on “Organize” and then select “Folder and search options.”
* Click on the “View” tab.
* Under “Hidden files and folders,” select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
* Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
* **Delete Avast Files and Folders:** Manually delete any remaining Avast files and folders. Look for them in the following locations (replace `
* `C:\Program Files\Avast Software`
* `C:\ProgramData\Avast Software`
* `C:\Program Files (x86)\Avast Software` (if you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows)
* `C:\Users\
* `C:\Windows\System32\drivers\asw*.sys` (where `asw*.sys` represents Avast driver files)
* **Edit the Windows Registry:**
* **Open the Registry Editor:** Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type `regedit` and press Enter.
* **User Account Control (UAC):** Windows might ask for permission to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to proceed.
* **Back Up the Registry:** Before making any changes, back up the Registry by clicking on “File” and then “Export.” Choose a location to save the backup file and give it a descriptive name.
* **Delete Avast Registry Entries:** Carefully delete any remaining Avast Registry entries. Search for Avast-related keys and values in the following locations:
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Avast Software`
* `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Avast Software`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall` (look for a key related to Avast and delete it)
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services` (look for services starting with `asw` and delete them)
* **Important:** Be extremely cautious when deleting Registry entries. Deleting the wrong entries can cause serious system problems. Only delete entries that you are absolutely sure are related to Avast.
* **Restart Your Computer:** After deleting the files and Registry entries, restart your computer to apply the changes.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Back Up the Registry:** Before making any changes to the Registry, always back it up. This will allow you to restore the Registry to its previous state if something goes wrong.
* **Be Extremely Cautious:** Deleting the wrong Registry entries can cause serious system problems. Only delete entries that you are absolutely sure are related to Avast.
* **Consider Using a Registry Cleaner:** While not generally recommended, some users find Registry cleaner tools helpful for removing orphaned Registry entries. However, use these tools with caution and choose a reputable one.
4. **Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software**
Another option is to use a third-party uninstaller program. These programs are designed to remove software completely, including leftover files and registry entries that standard uninstallers often miss. Popular options include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller.
**Steps to Use a Third-Party Uninstaller:**
* **Download and Install the Uninstaller:** Choose a reputable uninstaller program and download it from the official website. Install the program on your computer.
* **Run the Uninstaller:** Launch the third-party uninstaller.
* **Find Avast in the List:** The uninstaller will display a list of installed programs. Find Avast in the list.
* **Select Uninstall or Analyze:** Depending on the uninstaller, you may need to select “Uninstall” or “Analyze” to begin the uninstallation process. Some uninstallers will first run the program’s built-in uninstaller and then scan for leftover files and registry entries.
* **Scan for Leftover Files and Registry Entries:** After the initial uninstallation, the uninstaller will scan your system for leftover files, folders, and registry entries related to Avast.
* **Delete Leftover Items:** The uninstaller will display a list of leftover items. Review the list and select the items you want to delete. Be cautious and only delete items that you are sure are related to Avast.
* **Complete the Uninstallation:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. You may need to restart your computer.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Choose a Reputable Uninstaller:** Select a well-known and reputable uninstaller program to avoid downloading malware or potentially harmful software.
* **Be Cautious When Deleting Leftover Items:** Review the list of leftover files and registry entries carefully before deleting them. Only delete items that you are sure are related to Avast.
* **Create a System Restore Point:** Before using a third-party uninstaller, create a system restore point. This will allow you to restore your system to its previous state if something goes wrong.
## Verifying a Complete Uninstall
After using any of the methods above, it’s a good idea to verify that Avast has been completely uninstalled. Here’s how:
* **Check Program Files:** Look in the `C:\Program Files` and `C:\Program Files (x86)` directories for any remaining Avast folders. If you find any, delete them.
* **Check ProgramData:** Look in the `C:\ProgramData` directory for any remaining Avast folders. If you find any, delete them.
* **Check the Registry:** Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) and search for Avast-related keys. If you find any, delete them (but be careful!).
* **Check Installed Programs List:** Go back to the Control Panel (or Settings app) and check the list of installed programs. Make sure Avast is no longer listed.
* **Scan with Another Antivirus:** Run a scan with another antivirus program to ensure that there are no remaining malicious files or traces of Avast.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues during the Avast uninstallation process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Uninstallation Fails:** If the uninstallation process fails, try restarting your computer and attempting the uninstallation again. You can also try running the Avast Uninstall Utility (Avast Clear) in Safe Mode.
* **Error Messages:** If you receive error messages during the uninstallation, try searching online for the specific error message to find a solution. The Avast support website might also have information about the error.
* **Unable to Delete Files:** If you’re unable to delete certain files, make sure that no Avast processes are running in the background. You can check the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for any Avast processes and end them. You might also need to take ownership of the files before you can delete them.
* **Registry Errors:** If you encounter Registry errors, restore the Registry from the backup you created before making any changes.
## Conclusion
Uninstalling Avast completely requires a systematic approach to ensure all components are removed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove Avast from your computer and prevent potential conflicts or performance issues. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and always proceed with caution, especially when editing the Windows Registry. Whether you’re switching to a different antivirus solution or simply need to remove Avast, a complete and thorough uninstallation will help keep your system running smoothly and securely.