Avast Antivirus is a popular choice for protecting your computer from malicious software. However, there might come a time when you need to remove it, whether you’re switching to another antivirus or simply want to try a different security approach. The guide below will explain how to disable and uninstall Avast free antivirus in a straightforward and concise manner.
Why Choose Avast
Avast is known for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive protection features, and free version. It offers real-time scanning, web filtering, email protection, and even additional features like a password manager and firewall (in paid versions). However, some users might find it resource-intensive or prefer a different security setup.
Understanding the Options
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the difference between disabling and uninstalling Avast:
Disabling: This temporarily stops Avast from running in the background. It’s like putting it on pause, and you can easily re-enable it later if needed.
Uninstalling: This completely removes Avast from your system, including all its files and settings. This is the permanent option if you no longer want to use it.
Steps to Disable Avast
Right-click on the Avast icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom right corner of your taskbar).
Select “Avast shields control” from the menu.
Choose the duration for which you want to disable Avast. You can choose options like “Disable for 10 minutes” or “Disable permanently” (which you can re-enable later).
Click “OK” to confirm.
Steps to Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus
Using Windows Settings (Recommended):
Open the Start menu and search for “Apps & features”.
Locate “Avast Free Antivirus” in the list.
Click on it and select “Uninstall”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. You might be prompted to restart your computer at the end.
Using Avast Uninstall Tool (Alternative)
Download the Avast Uninstall Tool from the official website (https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility).
Run the downloaded file as administrator (right-click and choose “Run as administrator”).
Select “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer when prompted.
A Word on Rebooting:
It’s highly recommended to restart your computer after either disabling or uninstalling Avast. This ensures that any necessary changes take effect properly.
Conclusion
Following these steps will either temporarily disable or permanently remove Avast from your system. Remember to choose the option that best suits your needs. If you’re unsure which method to choose, disabling Avast might be the safer option initially, as you can always re-enable it if needed.
FAQs
Will my computer be unprotected if I disable Avast?
Yes, your computer will be vulnerable to threats while Avast is disabled. It’s essential to have another security solution in place before disabling your current antivirus.
What happens if I uninstall Avast without restarting my computer?
While your computer might appear to be functioning normally, some processes or settings related to Avast might not be fully removed until you restart your system.
Can I reinstall Avast after uninstalling it?
Absolutely! You can download the latest version of Avast Free Antivirus from their official website and reinstall it like any other software.
Remember: This guide serves as a general overview, and specific steps might vary depending on your operating system and Avast version. In case of any difficulties, you can always refer to the official Avast support website or contact their customer service for further assistance.
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