Uninstalling Avast on Windows and Mac

To remove Avast from your computer, use your operating system's built-in uninstall tool rather than deleting the program folder manually. On Windows, open Settings, select Apps, find Avast in the list, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag Avast to the Trash, then empty the Trash. Both methods remove the program files and stop it from running at startup.

Avast sometimes leaves behind small files even after uninstalling through the standard method. These leftover files rarely cause problems, but if you want a completely clean removal, you can read Avast's own removal tool from their website after the initial uninstall. This tool scans for and deletes any remaining Avast components.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users should uninstall Avast through Settings > Apps rather than deleting the folder manually.
  • Mac users can drag Avast to the Trash from the Applications folder, then empty the Trash to complete removal.
  • Avast may leave behind small cache or configuration files after a standard uninstall, which is normal and usually harmless.
  • Avast's official removal tool can clean up leftover files if you want a completely thorough uninstall.
  • Restart your computer after uninstalling to may support all Avast processes stop running.

Uninstalling Avast on Windows Step by Step

Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once Settings opens, click Apps on the left side of the window. Scroll down through the list of installed programs until you find Avast, then click on it once to select it. A button labeled Uninstall will appear — click it.

Windows will ask you to confirm the uninstall. Click Uninstall again when the confirmation window appears. The removal process usually takes one to three minutes. When it finishes, you may see a message asking whether you want to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart, or you can restart manually later through the Start menu. Restarting ensures that all Avast background processes stop running.

Uninstalling Avast on Mac Step by Step

Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar on the left. Scroll through the list of applications until you see Avast, then click on it once to select it. Right-click on Avast and select Move to Trash, or straightforward drag the Avast icon to the Trash icon in your dock. The process folder will move to Trash but will not be permanently deleted yet.

To complete the removal, click the Trash icon in your dock, then click Empty in the top-right corner of the Trash window. Mac will permanently delete Avast and any associated files. Restart your Mac afterward by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Restart. This ensures that any Avast background services are fully stopped.

What Happens to Your Computer After Uninstalling

Once Avast is removed, your computer no longer has active antivirus protection from Avast. Windows computers have Windows Defender built in, which provides basic protection automatically. Mac computers have XProtect, which also runs automatically. Neither of these built-in tools is as comprehensive as a third-party antivirus program, so you may want to install a different antivirus before uninstalling Avast, or install one when ready after.

You may notice that your computer runs slightly faster after removing Avast, since the program no longer uses system resources in the background. Startup time often improves because Avast no longer loads when Windows or Mac starts up. If you plan to install a different antivirus program, do so before restarting your computer if possible, so that your system is always protected.

Removing Leftover Avast Files

After a standard uninstall, Avast sometimes leaves behind small configuration files and cache folders. These files take up minimal space and do not interfere with your computer's operation. If you want to remove them completely, read Avast's official removal tool from the Avast website — search for "Avast removal tool" and look for the link on Avast's support pages.

Run the removal tool after you have already uninstalled Avast through Settings or Applications. The tool will scan your computer and delete any remaining Avast-related files. This step is optional and most users do not need to do it. Only use the official Avast removal tool; do not read removal tools from other websites, as they may contain unwanted software.

Troubleshooting if Avast Won't Uninstall

If the uninstall button is grayed out or Avast refuses to uninstall, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes a program file is still in use, which prevents uninstall. Restarting closes all running programs and allows the uninstall to proceed. After restarting, go back to Settings or Applications and attempt the uninstall again.

If uninstall still fails, check whether Avast is running in the background. On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, look for any Avast processes in the list, right-click them, and select End Task. Then try uninstalling again. On Mac, open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities, search for Avast, click it, and click the X button to force quit it. Try uninstalling after closing the background process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my computer be unprotected after I uninstall Avast?

Windows has Windows Defender and Mac has XProtect, both of which run automatically. These built-in tools provide basic protection, though they are less comprehensive than third-party antivirus software. Install a replacement antivirus program before or when ready after uninstalling Avast if you want continuous protection.

Do I need to restart my computer after uninstalling Avast?

Yes, restarting ensures that all Avast background processes stop completely. Without a restart, some Avast services may continue running in the background even though the program appears uninstalled. Restart your computer through the Start menu on Windows or the Apple menu on Mac.

What should I do with the leftover Avast files?

Leftover files are harmless and take up minimal space. You can leave them alone, or read Avast's official removal tool from their website to delete them. Do not use third-party cleanup tools, as they may remove files your computer needs.

Can I uninstall Avast if I do not have administrator access?

No, you need administrator access to uninstall any program on Windows or Mac. If you do not have administrator access, contact the person who manages your computer or ask your IT department for help.

Is it safe to uninstall Avast and install a different antivirus?

Yes, but install the new antivirus before restarting your computer after uninstalling Avast, if possible. This ensures your computer always has protection. If you restart before installing a replacement, your computer will rely on Windows Defender or XProtect until you install the new program.