How to Remove Avast

This updated guide examines How to Remove Avast and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Removing Avast from Windows

1. Click on the Start menu and select 'Control Panel.' The Control Panel window will open and display on-screen.
   • If using Windows 8, swipe in from the right side of the screen and tap on 'Search,' or point to the upper-right corner of your screen, move the mouse pointer down, and click on 'Search' to locate Control Panel.^[1]
2. Click on 'Programs,' then select 'Programs and Features.'
3. Click on the Avast program you want removed, then select 'Uninstall.' Windows will guide you through removing Avast, or will begin removing Avast from your system automatically.
   • If you receive an error message or experience difficulties with removing Avast using Control Panel, proceed to step #4 to finish removing Avast from your computer.
4. Go to the Avast website athttps://www.avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utilityand click on the 'avastclear.exe' link displayed on-screen. This link contains a unique uninstall utility that will help you remove Avast from your Windows-based computer.
5. Select the option to save the.exe file to your desktop.
6. Click on the 'Start' menu and select the option to restart your computer.
   • Alternately, you can attempt to double-click on the.exe file, and select the option to have Avast restart your computer in Safe Mode.^[2]
7. Press and hold F8 on your keyboard as your computer boots up until the Advanced Boot Options menu displays on-screen. ^[3]
   • If using Windows 8, swipe in from the right side of the screen, and navigate to Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Recovery > Advanced startup, then select the option to restart your computer in Safe Mode.^[4]
8. Double-click on the Avast.exe file saved on your desktop. This will launch and run the uninstall utility.
9. Verify that the Avast program you want removed is displayed in the dropdown menu under 'Select product to uninstall.' If your Avast product is not displayed in the dropdown menu, click on the 'browse' icon and navigate to where you initially saved your Avast product at the time of installation.
10. Click on 'Remove' or 'Uninstall.' The Avast uninstall utility will begin removing the Avast program from your computer, which may take up to several minutes to complete.
11. Restart your computer and allow it to boot up normally. Avast will now be completely removed from your computer.^[5]

Method 2of 2:

Removing Avast from Mac OS X

1. Launch the Avast program you want removed from your computer.
2. Click on 'Avast' and select Uninstall Avast.'
3. When asked to confirm the uninstallation, click Uninstall.
4. If asked for authentication, enter the administrator Name and Password.
5. Click Quit after the uninstallation is finished. ^[6]