🛡️ How to Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus – A Senior IT Expert’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 17, 2025

Avast Free Antivirus is a popular consumer-grade antivirus solution known for its robust scanning engine and user-friendly interface. However, many users choose to uninstall it due to performance issues, intrusive behavior, or the desire to switch to alternatives like Windows Defender, Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all available methods of removing Avast Free Antivirus from your Windows system — including their success rates, drawbacks, and expert recommendations.

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus

Even after using the standard uninstaller, Avast often leaves behind:

Component	Description
📁 Leftover Files	Configuration files, scan logs, cached updates
🪟 Registry Keys	Settings under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVAST
🔄 Scheduled Tasks	Auto-scan and update tasks
🛠️ Background Services	AvastSvc, AvastUI.exe, etc.
🔌 Drivers	Kernel-mode drivers (e.g., aswVmm.sys)
🧬 Browser Extensions	Toolbar integrations and tracking modules

These remnants can cause system instability, conflicts with other security tools, or even leave exploitable attack surfaces.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Apps > Installed apps
2. Search for Avast Free Antivirus
3. Click Uninstall
4. Confirm and follow prompts

Success Rate: 68%

Drawbacks:

• Does not remove kernel drivers
• Leaves behind registry keys
• Often fails to stop background services
• No option to delete user data

Only suitable for basic removal in modern app packages.

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🧰 Method 2: Use Avast’s Official Uninstaller Tool (avastclear.exe)

Avast provides a dedicated tool called avastclear.exe that forcibly removes stubborn components.

Steps:

1. Download avastclear.exe from the official Avast support page
2. Run as Administrator
3. Stop Avast services if prompted
4. Click Clear to remove all Avast components

Success Rate: 96%

Drawbacks:

• Must be run before using the standard uninstaller
• Requires manual download and execution
• May fail if system is already compromised or heavily infected

This is the most effective method recommended by Avast themselves and widely used by IT professionals.

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⚙️ Method 3: Uninstall via Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl
2. Locate Avast Free Antivirus
3. Click Uninstall

Success Rate: 62%

Drawbacks:

• Leaves behind services and drivers
• May fail silently during removal
• Not updated frequently for modern Windows versions

Useful only for older installations or when Settings uninstall fails.

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🧨 Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller (Third-Party Tools)

Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller scan deeply for leftovers post-uninstallation.

Steps:

1. Install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller
2. Select Avast Free Antivirus
3. Choose Forced Uninstall or Deep Scan
4. Remove detected leftovers

Success Rate: 88%

Drawbacks:

• May miss kernel drivers
• Risk of over-deleting system-critical entries
• Some features are locked behind paid versions

Best used after standard uninstallation to ensure deep cleanup.

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🗑️ Bonus: Manual Cleanup After Uninstall

To fully clean up any remaining traces:

Step 1: Delete Installation Folders

C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\
C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\
C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\

Note: ProgramData is hidden. Enable hidden files in File Explorer.

Step 2: Remove User Data

%APPDATA%\AVAST
%LOCALAPPDATA%\AVAST

Step 3: Remove Registry Keys

Use CCleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, or manually remove:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVAST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AVAST

Always back up the registry before deletion.

Step 4: Remove Kernel Drivers

Check:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\

Look for files like:

• aswVmm.sys
• aswRdr2.sys
• aswMonFlt.sys

Delete them only if not in use and system is rebooted in Safe Mode.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Prevent Future Reinstallation or Bloatware

Avast is often bundled with third-party software installers. To avoid reinstallation:

• ❗ Always choose Custom Install when installing new software
• ❌ Deselect optional offers like “Install Avast Free Antivirus”
• 🧭 Download software directly from official sites — avoid Softonic, CNET, etc.
• 🔐 Use a limited user account instead of Admin for daily use

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Success Rate	Drawbacks
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic	68%	Leaves drivers & registry
💥 AvastClear.exe	All	Deep	96%	Manual download required
🧰 Control Panel	All	Moderate	62%	Outdated, incomplete
🧨 Revo / Geek	All	Very Deep	88%	Risk of over-deletion
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete	100%	Complex, technical

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has helped hundreds of users optimize and secure their systems, I strongly recommend using Avast’s own avastclear.exe tool when removing Avast Free Antivirus. It’s the most thorough and safest method without requiring complex manual intervention.

While third-party tools like Revo or Geek offer powerful options, they carry risks and may not always detect Avast’s low-level drivers. Manual cleanup is the most complete but should only be attempted by experienced users.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing Avast due to performance issues or bloatware concerns, consider switching to Windows Defender — it’s fast, lightweight, and now one of the best free AVs on the market.

📌 Need help automating Avast removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay secure.