Are you tired of Avast Antivirus running in the background, consuming system resources and slowing down your computer? Do you want to disable or uninstall Avast but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone! Many users have struggled with this issue, and in this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of stopping Avast from running on your Windows PC.
Why Stop Avast From Running?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss why you might want to stop Avast from running. Here are a few reasons:
- System Resource Consumption: Avast, like any other antivirus software, consumes system resources to run its processes and scans. This can slow down your computer, especially if you have an older machine or limited RAM.
- Conflict with Other Software: Avast might conflict with other antivirus software or security tools, causing issues with your system.
- Unwanted Updates: Avast can update itself automatically, which might lead to compatibility issues or unexpected changes to your system.
- Personal Preference: You might simply prefer to use a different antivirus software or have a specific reason for not wanting Avast to run.
Disabling Avast From Running
Now that we’ve covered the reasons, let’s explore the steps to disable Avast from running. There are two methods: temporarily disabling Avast and permanently uninstalling it.
Temporarily Disabling Avast
If you only want to disable Avast temporarily, follow these steps:
Method 1: Disable Avast From The Taskbar
- Click on the Avast icon in the system tray (usually found in the bottom right corner of your screen).
- Right-click on the icon and select Avast shields control.
- Click on Disable for 10 minutes, Disable for 1 hour, or Disable permanently (until you restart your computer).
Method 2: Disable Avast From The Settings
- Open Avast Antivirus from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Click on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the Protection section.
- Toggle the switch next to File Shield, Behavior Shield, and Web Shield to the Off position.
Permanently Uninstalling Avast
If you want to completely remove Avast from your system, follow these steps:
Method 1: Uninstall Avast From The Control Panel
- Press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel.
- Click on Programs and Features (in Windows 10/8) or Add or Remove Programs (in Windows 7).
- Locate Avast Antivirus in the list of installed programs.
- Click on Uninstall or Remove to begin the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Method 2: Uninstall Avast From The Settings
- Open Avast Antivirus from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
- Click on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to the Subscription section.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom of the window.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the uninstallation process, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Avast Won’t Uninstall
- Solution: Use the Avast Uninstall Tool, which can be downloaded from the Avast website. This tool will completely remove Avast from your system.
Issue 2: Avast Leaves Behind Files And Folders
- Solution: Use the Windows built-in tool, Disk Cleanup, to remove temporary files and other unnecessary data left behind by Avast.
Issue 3: Avast Continues To Run In The Background
- Solution: Check the Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if any Avast processes are still running. End the processes, and then restart your computer.
Alternatives To Avast Antivirus
If you’ve decided to uninstall Avast, you might be wondering what alternative antivirus software to use. Here are a few popular options:
- Norton Antivirus: Known for its robust protection and features like password management and online backup.
- Kaspersky Antivirus: Offers advanced security features like password management, online banking protection, and parental controls.
- Malwarebytes: A popular choice for detecting and removing malware, with options for both free and premium versions.
Conclusion
Stopping Avast from running can be a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth uninstallation. Whether you want to disable Avast temporarily or uninstall it permanently, we’ve covered both options in this guide. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and consider alternative antivirus software to keep your system protected.
What Is Avast And Why Do I Want To Stop It From Running?
Avast is a popular antivirus software that is designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats. While it can be a useful tool, some users may want to stop it from running due to various reasons such as it consuming system resources, slowing down their computer, or interfering with other programs.
Stopping Avast from running can be useful if you want to free up system resources, improve your computer’s performance, or troubleshoot issues with other software. Additionally, if you’re switching to a different antivirus program or prefer not to use an antivirus at all, stopping Avast is a necessary step.
Is It Safe To Stop Avast From Running?
Stopping Avast from running can expose your computer to potential security risks if you don’t have alternative protection in place. Avast provides real-time protection against malware and viruses, so if you turn it off, you’ll be leaving your computer vulnerable to potential threats. However, if you’re planning to replace Avast with another antivirus software or have a different security solution in place, stopping Avast can be a safe option.
It’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision. If you do decide to stop Avast, make sure you have a backup plan to protect your computer from malware and viruses. You can consider installing an alternative antivirus software or enabling the built-in Windows Defender.
Will Stopping Avast Affect My Windows Defender?
Stopping Avast will not directly affect Windows Defender, but it’s essential to understand how these two security programs interact. Windows Defender is a built-in security feature in Windows that provides real-time protection against malware and viruses. When Avast is installed, it can disable Windows Defender to avoid conflicts.
If you stop Avast, Windows Defender will not automatically take over as your primary antivirus software. You’ll need to enable it manually to ensure you have continued protection. Alternatively, you can install a different antivirus software to replace Avast.
Can I Stop Avast From Running Temporarily?
Yes, you can stop Avast from running temporarily without uninstalling it. This can be useful if you need to troubleshoot issues or perform tasks that Avast might be interfering with. Avast provides an option to temporarily disable its shields for a specified period.
To do this, open Avast and go to the Protection tab. Then, click on the “Core Shields” option and toggle the switch to disable it. You can choose how long you want to disable the shields, and Avast will automatically re-enable them when the selected time period ends.
Will Stopping Avast Affect My Other Security Software?
Stopping Avast may affect other security software you have installed, depending on how they interact with Avast. Some security software may rely on Avast’s Real-Time Protection feature or use Avast’s virus definitions. If you stop Avast, these software programs may not function correctly or may even crash.
It’s essential to check the compatibility of your other security software with Avast before stopping it. You may need to adjust your other security software settings or replace them with alternative solutions that don’t rely on Avast.
Can I Stop Avast From Running In The Background?
Yes, you can stop Avast from running in the background without completely uninstalling it. Avast provides an option to disable its background scanning feature, which can help conserve system resources.
To do this, open Avast and go to the Settings tab. Then, click on the “General” option and toggle the switch to disable “Background Scanning.” This will prevent Avast from running in the background and consuming system resources.
What Should I Do After Stopping Avast From Running?
After stopping Avast from running, it’s essential to take steps to ensure your computer remains protected from malware and viruses. If you’re not planning to replace Avast with another antivirus software, you should enable Windows Defender or install a different security solution.
Additionally, take this opportunity to review your computer’s security settings and ensure that your operating system and other software are up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to perform a thorough system scan using a malware removal tool to detect and remove any potential threats.