If you’re an avid PC user, you know that Avast is the most popular and one of the best free antivirus software, especially for Windows. In 2017, it became the antivirus vendor with the most market share amongst antivirus applications. Currently, Avast Antivirus has 430 million users worldwide.

Avast is used in 186 countries in over 40 languages. It’s free for scanning your device for security issues and performance problems. It’s a useful software program, but sometimes it can meddle with other applications installed on your system. This interference, along with the unnecessary installation of this software’s bundle, can be the reasons why someone would want to uninstall this antivirus program.

Let’s look at the ways you can completely uninstall Avast.

How to Disable Avast’s Self-Defense Mode

First, you’ll need to disable Avast’s self-defense mode as it’s embedded in the program to avoid malicious software from removing Avast.

  1. Go to the ‘hidden’ tab in the settings.
  2. Open the Avast user interface and click on the “Menu” tab on top.
  3. Select “Settings” when the drop-down menu appears.
  4. When the “Settings” window opens, select “General” from the left navigation pane and then click on “Troubleshooting” from the sub-menu.
  5. Click on the checkbox next to the “Enable Self-Defense” option to deselect and turn off the Self-Defense mode.
  6. When a pop-up window appears, click on “OK” to confirm your change.

Uninstalling Using the Avast Uninstall Utility

  1. First, you’ll need to download the Avast Uninstall Utility file, which has the uninstallation setup. Once it’s saved and downloaded, click on it and select “Run as administrator” from the menu that appears.
  2. If a prompt asking for permission appears, click “Yes”.
  3. Restart Windows in Safe Mode.
  4. When it restarts, select the location of the Avast program files on your PC.
  5. Select “Avast Free Antivirus” in the drop-down menu and then click “Uninstall”.
  6. Wait until all the Avast Free Antivirus files are removed from your system.
  7. Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstall via the Windows 10 Start Menu

  1. Right-click on the Windows start button and then select “Apps and Features” from the menu that appears.
  2. Make sure that the “Apps & Features” is selected in the left pane, and then click on “Avast Free Antivirus”.
  3. Select “Uninstall”. If a permission prompt appears, then click on “Yes”.
  4. Once the Avast Free Antivirus set up appears, click on “Uninstall” again.
  5. Click “Yes” to confirm, and then wait until the setup completely uninstalls Avast from your PC.
  6. Restart your PC to finish the process.

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Raymond Kenney

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Raymond Kenney has a Masters degree in Cybersecurity from Boston University. He is a seasoned IT professional and cybersecurity expert, which makes him your go-to source for all things related to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and online privacy.

With over a decade of experience in the IT field, Raymond has honed his skills in network security, data privacy, and cybersecurity, previously working for a leading Cybersecurity company. During his tenure, he authored numerous articles and technical papers on these topics, establishing himself as a trusted voice in the industry.

His passion for cybersecurity extends to his in-depth research on VPNs, where he seeks to educate users about the importance of online privacy and security. Known for his meticulous approach, Raymond reviews various VPN services, breaking down their features, analyzing their security protocols, and assessing their overall performance.

Raymond's expert tips and recommendations are grounded in his hands-on experience and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of network security. His articles are not merely informative but are practical guides helping users navigate the complex world of VPNs and online privacy.

Raymond's dedication to promoting online privacy extends beyond his professional work. He is an active participant in various cybersecurity forums and conferences, sharing his insights and learning from other industry experts. His commitment to his field is fueled by a desire to contribute to a safer, more secure digital world.

With Raymond, you can expect thorough, insightful, and reliable information on VPNs, network security, and online privacy. His expert advice is sure to enlighten, guide, and empower you in your digital journey.

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