Why can’t I remove Avast from my computer?

Answered by Michael Wilson

There could be several reasons why you are unable to remove Avast from your computer. I will outline some possible causes and provide detailed explanations for each.

1. Self-Defense settings enabled: Avast has a feature called Self-Defense, which is designed to protect the program files and prevent unauthorized tampering. This feature can sometimes interfere with the uninstallation process. To overcome this, you can try disabling the Self-Defense settings in Avast. Here’s how:

A. Open Avast Antivirus and go to Settings.
B. In the General tab, click on Troubleshooting.
C. Untick the box that says “Enable Self-Defense.”
D. Now, try to uninstall Avast again using the Command Prompt method.

2. Corrupted installation files: If the Avast installation files on your computer are corrupted or incomplete, it may cause issues during the uninstallation process. In such cases, you can try reinstalling Avast and then uninstalling it. Here’s what you can do:

A. Download the latest version of Avast from the official website.
B. Run the installation file and choose the “Repair” option.
C. Once the repair process is complete, restart your computer.
D. Now, attempt to uninstall Avast using the Command Prompt method.

3. Conflicting programs or services: Sometimes, other programs or services running on your computer can interfere with the uninstallation of Avast. It is recommended to close all unnecessary programs and disable any security software temporarily before attempting to uninstall Avast. This will help avoid conflicts and allow for a smoother uninstallation process.

4. Insufficient user permissions: If you do not have sufficient user permissions, you may encounter issues when trying to uninstall Avast. To resolve this, make sure you are logged in as an administrator or have administrative privileges on your computer. Additionally, you can try running the Command Prompt as an administrator to ensure proper permissions for the uninstallation process.

5. Uninstaller file missing or damaged: In some cases, the Avast uninstaller file may be missing or corrupted, preventing you from uninstalling the program. To overcome this, you can try using Avast’s official uninstallation utility called Avast Clear. This tool is specifically designed to completely remove Avast from your computer. Here’s how to use it:

A. Download the Avast Clear utility from the Avast website.
B. Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
C. Run the Avast Clear utility and follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Avast.
D. Once the process is complete, restart your computer again.

If you are experiencing difficulties removing Avast from your computer, it is likely due to the Self-Defense settings being enabled, corrupted installation files, conflicting programs, insufficient user permissions, or a missing/damaged uninstaller file. By following the steps and troubleshooting methods outlined above, you should be able to successfully uninstall Avast from your computer.