Avast Antivirus has been a popular choice for PC protection for years. It offers a free version with solid features, making it a tempting option. But sometimes, you might decide it’s time for a change. Maybe you’re switching to another antivirus or just want to streamline your system. Whatever the reason, uninstalling Avast Antivirus is a straightforward process.
Why Uninstall Avast Antivirus?
There are several reasons why you might consider uninstalling Avast. Here are a few common ones:
Switching Antivirus: You might have found another antivirus program that better suits your needs or offers additional features.
System Performance: Some users report that Avast can slow down their computers, especially older ones. Uninstalling it can potentially improve performance.
Conflicts: Avast might conflict with other software you’re running, causing glitches or crashes.
Simplification: Maybe you just want to declutter your system and get rid of unused programs.
Types of Avast Antivirus and Benefits
Avast offers a free version (Avast Free Antivirus) and several paid tiers with additional features like firewalls, anti-phishing, and data breach protection. Regardless of the version you have, the uninstall process is very similar.
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to uninstall Avast Antivirus from your Windows 10 PC:
Using Apps & features
Open the Start menu. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Go to Apps & features. You can either type “Apps & features” in the search bar or scroll down the Start menu and find it listed under “System settings.”
Find Avast Antivirus. In the list of installed apps, locate “Avast Free Antivirus” (or the specific version you have).
Click the three dots and select Uninstall. Once you find Avast, click the three dots next to it and choose “Uninstall” from the menu that appears.
Confirm the uninstall. A confirmation window from Avast Setup will pop up. Click “Uninstall” again to proceed.
Optional: Answer the survey (or skip). Avast might ask you to complete a short survey about why you’re uninstalling. You can choose to answer the questions or click “Skip and uninstall” to continue.
Wait for the process to finish. Avast will be removed from your system. This might take a few minutes.
Restart your computer. Once the uninstall is complete, it’s recommended to restart your computer for any changes to take full effect.
Using Programs and Features (Control Panel)
This method is similar to the first but uses the Control Panel instead of the newer Settings app.
Open the Control Panel. Click on the Windows search bar and type “Control Panel.” Open the Control Panel app.
Go to Programs and Features. Under “Programs,” you should see “Programs and Features” listed. Click on it.
Find Avast Antivirus. Locate “Avast Free Antivirus” (or your specific version) in the list of installed programs.
Right-click and select Uninstall. Right-click on Avast and choose “Uninstall” from the menu.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The steps from here onwards are identical to Method 1 (steps 5-8).
Double-checking for Leftovers
While the uninstall process should remove most of Avast’s files, sometimes leftover bits might remain. Here’s how to check:
Open File Explorer. Click on the folder icon in your taskbar (usually located at the bottom right of your screen).
Navigate to Program Files. In File Explorer, go to “C:\Program Files” (or “C:\Program Files (x86)” for 32-bit systems).
Look for Avast folders. Check if there’s a folder named “Avast Software.” If you find it, right-click on it and select “Delete.”
Empty the Recycle Bin. After deleting the folder, right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select “Empty recycle bin.”
That’s it! You’ve successfully uninstalled Avast Antivirus.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus is a simple process that can be done using either the Settings app or the Control Panel. Remember to restart your computer after the uninstall is complete for any changes to take effect. If you’re concerned about leftover files, you can manually check for them in Program Files.
