How to completely uninstall Avast from Windows and macOS
To completely uninstall Avast, use the built-in Add or Remove Programs (Windows) or Applications (macOS) first, then run Avast’s official removal tool, and manually check for leftover files, registry keys, and services. This removes the antivirus product and any browser extensions or drivers. If stubborn remnants remain, use a trusted third-party uninstaller or reinstall and then run cleanup. Below are the recommended steps for each platform and what to verify after removal.
How to uninstall Avast on Windows
Standard uninstall via Settings or Control Panel
Use Windows Settings first for most Avast consumer products:
- Windows 10 and 11: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Avast Antivirus, and click Uninstall.
- Older Windows: Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click Avast Antivirus, and choose Uninstall/Change.
If the standard uninstall fails or reports an error, use an elevated Command Prompt: msiexec /x {ProductCode} with the correct product code from the software entry, or start the uninstall from the installation folder with uninstall.exe /quiet. Log off and back on after removal, then reboot once to clear residual services and drivers.
Use Avast Cleanup and Removal Tool
Avast provides an official removal tool designed to handle leftover components:
- Download the Avast Removal Tool from the official Avast website (avast.com).
- Run the tool as administrator; it will scan and remove Avast components and prompt to remove leftover items.
- After the tool completes, restart your computer and verify the uninstallation with the checks below.
Safe Mode or Clean Boot for stubborn installs
Some services prevent uninstallation. To mitigate this:
- Restart into Safe Mode with Networking (or perform a Clean Boot) before launching the standard uninstall or the Avast removal tool.
- In Safe Mode, run the Avast uninstaller or removal tool and reboot into normal Windows when finished.
Checking for leftovers on Windows
Inspect these common areas for residual Avast files and settings after uninstall:
| Area | What to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Program Files | Avast or AvastUI folders | Remove only if not shared with other products |
| Users\<username>\AppData\Local and Roaming | Avast, AvastUI, Avast Cleanup directories | AppData is hidden; show hidden files or paste path into Explorer |
| Windows Registry | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Avast and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Avast | Back up the registry before deleting keys |
| Drivers and services | avascan.sys, aswBoot.sys and any Avast services | Check Device Manager and Services for inactive entries |
| Browser extensions | ||
| Scheduled tasks | Tasks referencing Avast paths | Delete only tasks you recognize as Avast-related |
| Certificates | Trusted root certificates from Avast | Remove via Manage Computer Certificates if present |
How to uninstall Avast on macOS
Standard uninstall via Applications
On macOS:
- Open Finder, go to Applications, and drag Avast Antivirus to the Trash or Control‑click and choose Move to Trash.
- Open Avast’s app in Applications, open the menu, and select Uninstall Avast.
- Empty the Trash to complete removal of the main app.
Remove extensions and helper tools
Additional components should also be removed:
- Browser extensions: In Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, go to the extensions list and remove any Avast entries.
- Helper apps and configuration profiles: Open System Settings > Privacy & Security and remove any Avast configurations or certificates.
Cleanup of leftover files
After uninstall, check these locations for residual files and delete them if safe:
- /Library/Application Support/Avast
- /Library/Preferences/com.avast.*
- /Library/LaunchDaemons and /Library/LaunchAgents with Avast names
- /Library/Extensions and /Library/Security if present
- ~/Library/Application Support/Avast and ~/Library/Preferences/com.avast.*
Empty the Trash after removal.
Using Avast Removal Utility for macOS
Avast provides an uninstaller tool for macOS. Download it from the official Avast site, run it as instructed, and follow prompts to remove all components and leftovers.
Using third-party uninstallers with caution
Third-party uninstallers (e.g., AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, Revo Uninstaller) can help remove stubborn files and registry-like entries. Steps:
- Download only from the vendor’s official site.
- Run a scan with the uninstaller, review entries specific to Avast, then remove them.
- Reboot and verify that no Avast processes, services, or browser extensions remain.
Always verify third-party tools’ reputability, and create a Time Machine (macOS) or system restore point (Windows) before making bulk changes.
Verifying complete removal
After you uninstall Avast, confirm the product is fully removed:
- No Avast processes appear in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS).
- No Avast services listed in Services (Windows) or launchd/launchagents (macOS).
- No Avast folders in Program Files/Applications, AppData, or Library directories.
- No Avast browser extensions or toolbar entries.
- No Avast-related firewall rules or network drivers.
- Antivirus status in Windows Security or macOS Security & Privacy shows another product active or none.
Before and after removal considerations
Before uninstalling, disable any real-time protection, save configurations you may need, and note alternative protection. After uninstall, install another trusted antivirus if you need ongoing protection, and run a full scan to ensure no threats were missed. If Avast was part of a suite, remove only the antivirus component unless you intend to keep other tools.
If you suspect incomplete removal or see Avast components reappearing, rerun the official removal tool in Safe Mode, or reinstall the product temporarily to trigger a clean uninstall, then run cleanup and verify again.
Following these steps will remove Avast from Windows and macOS, reduce leftover files and registry entries, and leave your system ready for another security solution.