If you no longer want to use Avast Antivirus on your Windows PC, simply deleting its shortcut or removing one component is not enough. A proper uninstall removes the main program and its related components so they do not continue taking up storage or interfering with another security application.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 provide straightforward ways to remove Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, or Avast One. In most cases, you can start with Windows Settings. If the normal uninstall process fails, Avast also provides a dedicated Avast Uninstall Tool designed to remove the antivirus more thoroughly, including situations where the regular uninstall process does not work.
Here is how to completely uninstall Avast Antivirus from Windows 11 and Windows 10, step by step.
Uninstall Avast Antivirus Completely From a Windows Computer
- Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
- Find Avast Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, or Avast One in the installed-app list.
- Select Uninstall and follow the instructions shown by the Avast Setup wizard.
- Restart your Windows computer after the removal process finishes.
- If Avast cannot be removed normally, use the official Avast Uninstall Tool and run it as an administrator.
- Allow the tool to restart Windows into Safe Mode, select the Avast installation, and complete the removal.
- Restart Windows normally and check that Avast no longer appears among your installed applications.
Step 1: Prepare Your Windows Computer
Before uninstalling Avast, save your work and close your open applications. This is especially important because the uninstall process may ask you to restart your computer.
If you are currently downloading a file, installing software, or working on an important document, finish that activity first. You should also make sure that you are using a Windows account with administrator privileges, because removing security software can require administrative permission.
It is also a good idea to know what security protection you will use after Avast is removed. Windows can manage its own security features, but if you plan to install another antivirus program, have its installer ready before you remove Avast. Running multiple antivirus products with active real-time protection can cause conflicts.
Step 2: Open Windows Settings
On Windows 11, click Start, select Settings, and then go to Apps > Installed apps. This page displays the applications currently installed on your computer.
On Windows 10, click Start, select Settings, and then go to Apps > Apps & features.
You can also use Windows Search to find Installed apps on Windows 11 or Apps & features on Windows 10. The exact wording is different between the two operating systems, but the purpose is the same.
Once the application list appears, wait a moment for Windows to load all installed programs.
Step 3: Find Avast Antivirus
Look through the installed applications for the Avast product you have installed. Depending on your version, it may appear as Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, or Avast One.
On Windows 11, you can use the search box near the top of the Installed apps page and type Avast. On Windows 10, use the search field in Apps & features if it is available.
Do not remove random Avast-related applications just because they have the Avast name. First identify the main antivirus product you want to uninstall.
If you also installed other Avast products, such as Avast Secure Browser, Avast Cleanup, Avast AntiTrack, or Avast Driver Updater, they may appear separately. Removing the main antivirus does not necessarily mean that every separate Avast application will automatically disappear.
Step 4: Start the Avast Uninstallation
Once you find the Avast antivirus application, select it and choose Uninstall.
Windows may display another Uninstall button that you need to select before the Avast Setup wizard opens. This is normal. If User Account Control appears asking whether you want to allow the application to make changes to your computer, select Yes if you initiated the uninstall.
The Avast Setup window should then appear. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen and confirm that you want to remove the program.
Take your time during this stage. Do not simply close the Setup window because it can interrupt the removal process.
Step 5: Complete the Avast Setup Wizard
The Avast Setup Wizard handles the actual removal of the antivirus. Depending on the Avast product and version installed on your computer, you may see different screens or options.
Follow the wizard until it confirms that Avast has been removed. You may also see an option related to restarting your computer.
A restart is important because antivirus software integrates deeply with Windows. Some services, drivers, and other components may remain active until Windows shuts down and starts again.
If Avast asks you to restart your computer, save your work and allow the restart to happen.
Step 6: Restart Your Windows PC
After the Avast uninstall process finishes, restart Windows even if the computer does not immediately require it.
Click Start > Power > Restart.
When Windows starts again, give the system a few moments to finish loading. Then check whether Avast is still listed among your installed applications.
A restart also helps Windows unload services and components that were associated with the antivirus before the uninstall.
Step 7: Check for Other Avast Applications
After restarting, return to Settings > Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10.
Search for Avast again.
If you find another Avast application that you no longer want, you can uninstall it separately. This is particularly useful if you previously installed products such as Avast Secure Browser or other Avast utilities.
For example, removing the antivirus does not automatically mean that Avast Secure Browser has also been removed. Avast provides a separate uninstall procedure for that product when the normal removal process does not work.
Step 8: Use the Avast Uninstall Tool if Normal Uninstall Fails
If Windows cannot uninstall Avast, the Setup wizard displays an error, or you receive a message indicating that the installation is already running, use the Avast Uninstall Tool.
This is particularly useful when the normal Windows uninstall process cannot completely remove the antivirus. Avast’s dedicated tool is designed to remove Avast antivirus products when standard uninstallation fails and can perform the removal while Windows is running in Safe Mode.
Download the official Avast Uninstall Tool and save it somewhere easy to find, such as your Downloads folder. Once downloaded, right-click the tool and select Run as administrator.
When User Account Control asks for permission, select Yes.
Step 9: Restart Windows Into Safe Mode
The Avast Uninstall Tool may offer an option to restart the computer into Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads Windows with a limited set of drivers and services, which can make it easier to remove antivirus components that are normally in use.
Follow the Avast tool’s instructions and select the option to restart into Safe Mode.
After Windows restarts, the Avast removal tool should open or allow you to continue with the removal process. Confirm the correct Avast installation if the tool asks you to select one.
Be careful when selecting the product and installation location. If your computer contains more than one Avast product, make sure you are removing the product you actually intend to remove.
Step 10: Finish the Complete Removal
Allow the Avast Uninstall Tool to finish its work. Do not shut down the computer while the tool is removing files and components.
When the process is complete, restart your PC normally. After Windows starts, check Settings > Apps again and search for Avast.
If the main Avast antivirus no longer appears, the uninstall was successful.
You do not normally need to manually delete Avast folders from Windows system directories or make changes to the Windows Registry just to uninstall Avast. Manually removing registry entries can create additional problems if the wrong entries are deleted.
Step 11: Check Your Security Protection
Once Avast has been removed, check your computer’s security status.
Open Windows Security from the Start menu and review the Virus & threat protection area. If you are installing another antivirus, complete that installation according to the provider’s instructions.
The important point is not to leave your computer without appropriate antivirus protection longer than necessary. If you plan to use another security product, install and configure it after Avast has been successfully removed.
Faqs
Can I uninstall Avast from Windows 11?
Yes. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate your Avast product, select the available menu, and choose Uninstall. Follow the Avast Setup wizard until the process finishes.
Can I uninstall Avast from Windows 10?
Yes. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find your Avast application, select it, and choose Uninstall. Follow the instructions provided by the Avast Setup wizard.
What if Avast does not uninstall?
If the normal Windows uninstall process fails, use the official Avast Uninstall Tool. Avast specifically recommends its uninstall utility for situations where standard uninstallation fails or an installation-related message prevents removal.
Do I need to restart Windows after uninstalling Avast?
A restart is strongly recommended after removing Avast. It gives Windows an opportunity to unload services and components associated with the antivirus and complete the removal process.
Will uninstalling Avast cancel my subscription?
Uninstalling Avast does not necessarily cancel a paid subscription. If you have an active Avast subscription, check your Avast account and subscription settings separately if you want to cancel future billing.
Will removing Avast remove Avast Secure Browser?
Not necessarily. Avast Secure Browser is a separate application and may remain installed after you remove the antivirus. Check your installed applications and uninstall it separately if you no longer want it.
Should I manually delete Avast folders?
Generally, no. Avoid manually deleting system folders or registry entries unless official troubleshooting instructions specifically require it. The normal uninstaller or Avast Uninstall Tool is designed to handle the removal.
Bottom Lines
Completely removing Avast Antivirus from Windows 11 or Windows 10 is usually straightforward. Start with Settings > Apps, locate your Avast product, and run its normal uninstall process. Afterward, restart your computer and check the installed applications again.
If the standard uninstall fails, the Avast Uninstall Tool is the better option because it is specifically designed to handle difficult Avast removals, including removal through Safe Mode.
Once Avast is gone, check Windows Security or install your preferred security solution so your computer continues to have appropriate protection.