While using Avast antivirus software in your system, monitoring how it operates to ensure that it does not hamper your day-to-day activities in any manner is important. Especially given the recent cyberattacks they’ve endured and user data they’ve sold. If your Avast antivirus software does not allow you to download specific files on your computer or causes damage through its unlimited access into your system, it’s time you learn how to uninstall Avast.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What is Avast Antivirus?
- How to Uninstall Avast Antivirus
- Key Points to Remember
- How to Avoid Getting a Virus
With myriad antivirus software on the marketplace, deciding which application to choose for your PC can indeed be a daunting task. Since quality protection and compatibility are vital components to check in a package, performing in-depth research about the software and what it provides, with specific attention on how it can save your system from malware, viruses and other threats, is essential. With so many options out there, there’s no reason to stick with an antivirus that isn’t working for you.
What is Avast Antivirus?
Avast is a cloud-based antivirus software solution that provides cross-platform system scanning and browser cleanup for protection against viruses and all types of malware. It monitors performance issues to determine what to fix on your computer and how. With a variety of functionalities, including cyber scanning, real-time monitoring, virus protection and deep cleaning, this free antivirus software uses six-layer security to protect your computer against various threats and ransomware attacks.
However, Avast has made headlines in recent years for selling user data and suffering cyberattacks. With about 435 million installations across Windows and Mac devices, it has been harvesting customer information via app and browser plugins from across the globe and transferring it to Jumpshot for selling client databases to companies, including Google and Microsoft, that want to target customers through sales ads. Avast has also become a victim of a cyber espionage web through which hackers have gained access to its network and client databases.
If you are one of Avast’s antivirus users and you no longer feel comfortable using the software, you might have been thinking about uninstalling it altogether. With plenty of privacy and personal data breach issues that the application has faced in the past, learning how to uninstall it at the right time is crucial to keep your devices risk free.
How to Uninstall
If you want to uninstall Avast antivirus from your computer, here are a few methods to get you going. We recommend stopping the use of all other applications while uninstalling this for a streamlined process.
Method 1: Using Avast Uninstall Utility
- Step 1: Start Windows in Safe Mode.
- Step 2: Visit the official Avast website to download avast.clear.exe to download the Utility file on your system.
- Step 3: Run the Utility file using the Run as Administrator option from the sub-menu. Check the program file location specified in the directory and leave it as default if the pre-existing data is correct.
- Step 4: Click Uninstall and wait for a few minutes to complete the process.
- Step 5: Restart your computer.
Method 2: Using the Windows Start Menu
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- Step 1: Press the Start button and select Settings from the left panel of the menu. Another method to do this is by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Apps and Features directly from the list.
Select Settings from the Start Menu.
- Step 1: Press the Start button and select Settings from the left panel of the menu. Another method to do this is by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Apps and Features directly from the list.
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- Step 2: Search Apps and Features on the Settings window to list all installed applications. Scroll down to find the Avast Antivirus entry manually or use the Windows Search bar to locate it directly.
Search the Apps and Features list for Avast Antivirus entry on the Settings window.
- Step 2: Search Apps and Features on the Settings window to list all installed applications. Scroll down to find the Avast Antivirus entry manually or use the Windows Search bar to locate it directly.
- Step 3: Select the entry when you find it and press the Uninstall button at the bottom to begin removing it from your system. This will launch the uninstallation window.
- Step 4: Press Uninstall from the list of options and click Yes to confirm your command.
- Step 5: Restart your PC once all Avast program files get removed from your system.
Method 3: Using the Windows Control Panel
- Step 1: Launch the Control Panel app using the Windows Search bar.
- Step 2: Go to Programs.
Press Programs on the Control Panel app to uninstall Avast Antivirus app.
- Step 3: Select the Avast Antivirus entry and press Uninstall (this may take a few minutes).
- Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 4: Using the Windows AppData file
- Step 1: Use the Windows Search bar to find the AppData file. Type %appdata% to locate it on Windows 10.
Enter %appdata% on the Windows Search bar to delete the Avast Antivirus folder.
- Step 2: Double-click the Avast Antivirus folder and select Delete.
- Step 3: Restart your device to begin working on it again.
Method 5: Uninstall on a Mac
- Step 1: Click Avast Security or Avast Antivirus on your toolbar. Another option is to open the Finder window and search Avast Antivirus in the applications folder.
- Step 2: Press Avast Security on the menu bar and select Uninstall Avast Security.
- Step 3: An uninstallation window will open up. Click Continue and wait a few seconds for the uninstallation process to start. You should see a new dialogue box stating the computer has successfully removed the program file.
- Step 4: Open Finder to use the applications folder or press Command + Shift + G to launch the Go to Folder window for locating the leftover Avast Antivirus files. Another method to do this is to go to the Library folder and remove all files associated with Avast.
Type Avast Antivirus in the Finder window to directly locate Avast Antivirus files.
Key Points To Remember
- Manually uninstalling the Avast file will not delete all program files. You are required to go through the entire process to permanently delete it from your system.
- Don’t forget to restart your computer (for Windows users only) after uninstalling the app. Restarting will deregister and delete files no longer associated with any programs and perform in-depth system cleanup essential for your computer to operate smoothly.
Tips to Avoid Getting a Virus
- Cybercriminals spread viruses through spam emails. While most email services have built-in virus protection software, viruses can still reach your mailbox in the form of attachments. Configure your inbox to view image attachments and open emails from only trusted recipients. Avoid opening attachments from suspicious or unknown sources to keep your system safe and protected.
- A lurking software vulnerability can easily make space for viruses to enter your system. No matter how careful you are with your computer, even the tiniest of a security flaw in your downloaded applications can allow a cybercriminal to abuse your system. The only way to curb this risk is by adjusting your settings to download instant software updates. Following this step will aid in patching your operating system.
- Free game or movie copies may look tempting to download, but installing cracked versions will only leave your computer at risk with no virus protection built into them. Be cautious while downloading files and avoid making use of pirated applications.
We hope that you have all the necessary information to uninstall Avast Antivirus Software. Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions or special requests.