Uninstalling antivirus software like Avast can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Will your computer be left vulnerable to malware and viruses? Will you lose any important data or settings? In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you uninstall Avast and provide guidance on how to do it safely.
Why Uninstall Avast?
Before we dive into the process of uninstalling Avast, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to do so. Here are a few possible reasons:
- Conflicting software: If you’ve installed another antivirus program, it may conflict with Avast and cause system errors or slow down your computer.
- System performance issues: Avast can be a resource-intensive program, and uninstalling it may improve your computer’s performance.
- False positives: If Avast is flagging legitimate files or programs as malware, you may want to uninstall it to avoid any further issues.
- Subscription expiration: If your Avast subscription has expired, you may want to uninstall the program to avoid any further charges.
The Uninstallation Process
Uninstalling Avast is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Uninstalling Avast Through The Control Panel
- Go to the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by typing “control panel” in the Run dialog box (Windows key + R).
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
- Find Avast in the list of installed programs and click on it.
- Click the “Uninstall” button to start the uninstallation process.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Method 2: Uninstalling Avast Using The Avast Uninstall Tool
- Download the Avast Uninstall Tool from the official Avast website.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to uninstall Avast.
- The tool will remove all Avast files and registry entries from your computer.
What Happens After Uninstallation?
After uninstalling Avast, you may notice a few changes on your computer:
- Loss of antivirus protection: Without Avast, your computer will no longer have real-time antivirus protection. You may want to consider installing another antivirus program to fill this gap.
- Removal of Avast files and registry entries: The uninstallation process will remove all Avast files and registry entries from your computer. This may free up some disk space and improve system performance.
- Changes to system settings: Avast may have made changes to your system settings, such as configuring your firewall or setting up a VPN. These changes will be reverted after uninstallation.
Will I Lose Any Data Or Settings?
Uninstalling Avast should not affect any of your personal data or settings. However, if you’ve configured Avast to scan specific folders or files, you may need to reconfigure these settings in your new antivirus program.
What To Do After Uninstalling Avast
After uninstalling Avast, you should:
- Install another antivirus program: To ensure your computer remains protected from malware and viruses, you should install another antivirus program as soon as possible.
- Run a system scan: Run a full system scan with your new antivirus program to ensure your computer is free from malware and viruses.
- Check for updates: Make sure your operating system and other software are up to date to prevent any security vulnerabilities.
Recommended Antivirus Programs
If you’re looking for an alternative to Avast, here are a few recommended antivirus programs:
- Norton Antivirus: A comprehensive antivirus program that offers real-time protection and a range of features, including a firewall and password manager.
- Kaspersky Antivirus: A highly-rated antivirus program that offers advanced protection against malware and viruses, as well as a range of features, including a password manager and online banking protection.
- Bitdefender Antivirus: A lightweight antivirus program that offers real-time protection and a range of features, including a firewall and anti-phishing protection.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Avast is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to consider the implications of doing so. Without antivirus protection, your computer may be vulnerable to malware and viruses. By installing another antivirus program and running a system scan, you can ensure your computer remains protected. Remember to also check for updates and configure your new antivirus program to meet your specific needs.
| Antivirus Program | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Norton Antivirus | Real-time protection, firewall, password manager | $39.99/year |
| Kaspersky Antivirus | Advanced protection, password manager, online banking protection | $59.99/year |
| Bitdefender Antivirus | Real-time protection, firewall, anti-phishing protection | $29.95/year |
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely uninstall Avast and ensure your computer remains protected from malware and viruses.
What Happens To My Computer After Uninstalling Avast?
When you uninstall Avast, your computer will no longer have the protection provided by the antivirus software. This means that your computer will be more vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other online threats. You may notice that your computer is more susceptible to slowdowns, crashes, and other performance issues.
However, uninstalling Avast will also free up system resources that were previously being used by the software. This can result in a slight improvement in your computer’s performance, especially if you had multiple antivirus programs installed. Additionally, you may notice that some features or programs that were previously blocked by Avast are now accessible.
Will Uninstalling Avast Remove All Its Files And Folders?
Uninstalling Avast will remove most of the software’s files and folders from your computer. However, some residual files and folders may remain, especially if you had customized the software’s settings or had it integrated with other programs. These residual files can take up space on your hard drive and may cause conflicts with other antivirus software.
To completely remove all Avast files and folders, you may need to use a third-party uninstaller or manually delete the remaining files and folders. It’s also a good idea to restart your computer after uninstalling Avast to ensure that all system changes take effect.
Can I Reinstall Avast After Uninstalling It?
Yes, you can reinstall Avast after uninstalling it. In fact, you can download and install the latest version of Avast from the official website. However, before reinstalling Avast, it’s recommended that you remove any residual files and folders left behind by the previous installation.
Reinstalling Avast will give you the opportunity to start with a clean slate and configure the software according to your needs. You may also want to consider upgrading to a newer version of Avast or switching to a different antivirus program that better suits your needs.
Will Uninstalling Avast Affect My Other Antivirus Software?
Uninstalling Avast may affect other antivirus software installed on your computer, especially if they were integrated or conflicting with Avast. In some cases, uninstalling Avast may resolve conflicts with other antivirus software, allowing them to function more smoothly.
However, in other cases, uninstalling Avast may create compatibility issues with other antivirus software. It’s recommended that you restart your computer and check the status of your other antivirus software after uninstalling Avast. You may also want to consider reinstalling or updating your other antivirus software to ensure that your computer remains protected.
How Do I Uninstall Avast Completely?
To uninstall Avast completely, you can use the built-in uninstaller provided by the software. Alternatively, you can use the Control Panel or Settings app to uninstall Avast. You can also use a third-party uninstaller to remove Avast and its residual files.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s recommended that you restart your computer after uninstalling Avast to ensure that all system changes take effect. You may also want to consider running a disk cleanup or disk defragmentation tool to remove any remaining files and optimize your hard drive.
What Are The Risks Of Not Uninstalling Avast Properly?
Not uninstalling Avast properly can lead to a range of risks, including conflicts with other antivirus software, system crashes, and performance issues. Residual files and folders left behind by Avast can also take up space on your hard drive and cause problems with other programs.
Additionally, not uninstalling Avast properly can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other online threats. It’s recommended that you use a reputable antivirus program to protect your computer and ensure that you uninstall Avast properly to avoid any potential risks.
Can I Get A Refund After Uninstalling Avast?
If you purchased a subscription to Avast, you may be eligible for a refund after uninstalling the software. However, the refund policy varies depending on the subscription plan and the time frame in which you request a refund.
It’s recommended that you contact Avast support directly to inquire about their refund policy and to request a refund if you’re eligible. You may also want to consider switching to a different antivirus program that better suits your needs and provides a more comprehensive refund policy.