Avast, one of the most popular antivirus software programs, offers users the vital protection they need against various online threats. However, some users may find that Avast consumes a significant amount of system resources or interferes with other applications, prompting them to wish to stop the program from running. In this quick guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to disable or temporarily pause Avast, allowing you to regain control over your computer’s performance without compromising your security.
Disable Avast Temporarily Through The System Tray
If you want to temporarily disable Avast, the first step is to locate the Avast icon in your system tray, which is usually found in the bottom right corner of your desktop screen. Right-click on the Avast icon, and a menu should appear.
From the menu, you will find an option labeled “Avast shields control” or “Disable temporarily”. Select this option, and a sub-menu will pop up, allowing you to choose how long you want Avast to be disabled.
You can select a duration from options like 10 minutes, 1 hour, or until your next restart. Once chosen, Avast will stop its real-time protection temporarily, giving you the freedom to perform tasks without interference from the antivirus software.
Keep in mind that disabling Avast temporarily leaves your computer vulnerable to threats, so make sure to re-enable it after completing your task or when feeling the need for protection again.
Access Avast settings and turn off real-time protection
Avast antivirus software provides real-time protection that constantly scans and monitors your computer for potential threats. However, there may be instances when you need to turn off this feature temporarily. To access Avast settings and disable real-time protection, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Avast icon in your system tray, often found in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. Right-click on the Avast icon to open a context menu.
3. From the context menu, hover over the “Avast shields control” option.
4. In the sub-menu, you will find options to disable the protection for different time frames, such as 10 minutes, 1 hour, or until the next restart. Choose the option that suits your needs.
5. After selecting the desired duration, click on it to disable real-time protection.
Remember that disabling real-time protection leaves your computer vulnerable to potential threats, so it’s essential to re-enable it when you’re done with the specific task that required it to be turned off.
Prevent Avast From Starting Up With Windows
Avast automatically starts running every time you start your computer, which can be quite frustrating if you don’t want it constantly running in the background. To prevent Avast from starting up with Windows, follow these steps:
1. Open Avast by clicking on its icon in the system tray.
2. Click on the menu button in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”
3. In the Settings menu, go to the “General” tab.
4. Scroll down and find the “Enable Avast self-defense module” option.
5. Uncheck the box next to it to disable this feature.
6. Click on “OK” to save the changes.
By disabling the self-defense module, you prevent Avast from starting up with Windows, therefore stopping it from auto-launching every time you turn on your computer. This is particularly useful if you only want to use Avast occasionally or if you have an alternative antivirus program installed that you prefer to use instead. Remember that if you disable Avast from starting up with Windows, you need to manually launch it whenever you want to use it.
Uninstall Avast From Your Computer Completely
Uninstalling Avast from your computer completely is a surefire way to stop it from running in the background. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer.
2. Locate the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” option and click on it.
3. In the list of installed programs, find Avast and select it.
4. Click on the “Uninstall” or “Remove” button at the top of the list.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
6. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to ensure all Avast components are removed.
By uninstalling Avast, you not only stop it from running but also free up valuable system resources it was consuming. However, keep in mind that uninstalling Avast means you won’t have any antivirus protection on your computer. If you decide to remove Avast permanently, consider installing an alternative antivirus program to keep your computer protected from malware and other threats.
Use The Avast Task Manager To Stop All Avast Processes
Avast is an antivirus software that runs multiple processes in the background. Sometimes, these processes may continue running even after you disable the real-time protection. To completely stop Avast from running, you can use the Avast Task Manager.
First, right-click on the Avast icon in the system tray and select “Open Avast user interface” to access the main Avast window. From there, click on the “Menu” button on the top-right corner and select “Task Manager” from the drop-down menu.
In the Task Manager window, a list of all active Avast processes will be displayed. To stop them, simply click on the “Stop” button next to each process. Alternatively, you can select multiple processes and click on the “Stop” button at the bottom of the window to stop them all at once.
Once you have stopped all Avast processes, the antivirus software will no longer be running on your computer. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and Avast may start running again after a system restart or an update. If you want a more permanent solution, you may consider other methods like disabling Avast from starting up with Windows or uninstalling it completely.
Clear Any Avast Notifications Or Pop-ups From Your Screen
Avast often displays notifications and pop-ups to alert users about potential threats or updates. While these can be helpful, they can also be disruptive, especially if they appear frequently. This section will guide you on how to clear Avast notifications or pop-ups from your screen.
To clear Avast notifications or pop-ups:
1. Locate the Avast icon in your system tray (usually located in the bottom right corner of your desktop).
2. Right-click on the Avast icon to open the context menu.
3. In the context menu, hover your mouse over “Avast shields control” option.
4. Select the “Disable until computer is restarted” option.
By following these steps, you temporarily disable Avast’s notifications and pop-ups until you restart your computer. This can be particularly useful when you’re engaged in important tasks or simply want uninterrupted usage. However, do keep in mind that disabling notifications may reduce your awareness of potential threats, so use this option judiciously.
Prevent Avast From Running In The Background During Gaming Or Other Specific Activities
Avast antivirus can sometimes interfere with the gaming experience or specific activities on your computer. It may consume system resources, cause lags, or display annoying pop-ups during crucial moments. To prevent Avast from running in the background while gaming or performing other specific activities, follow these steps:
1. Open Avast antivirus on your computer.
2. Click on the “Menu” tab in the top-right corner of the Avast user interface.
3. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
4. In the left-hand pane, click on the “General” tab.
5. Scroll down and find the “Exclusions” section.
6. Click on the “Add exclusion” button.
7. Choose the type of exclusion based on your needs, such as “File,” “Folder,” or “Application.”
8. Browse and select the game or application file that you want to exclude from Avast’s background scanning.
9. Click “OK” to save the changes.
By adding exclusions, Avast won’t interfere with your gaming or specific activities, allowing you to have a seamless experience without interruptions or performance issues.
Resolve Any Issues Or Conflicts That May Be Causing Avast To Continuously Run
If you’ve tried all the previous methods to stop Avast from running but it still persists, it’s possible that there are underlying issues or conflicts on your system. This section will provide you with some troubleshooting steps to resolve these problems.
Firstly, ensure that your Avast antivirus program is fully updated. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and result in continuous running. Go to the Avast interface, click on “Update” in the left-hand menu, and then select “Program”. If an update is available, install it.
Next, check for any conflicting software or applications on your computer. Some programs may clash with Avast, causing it to run constantly. Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently installed software to see if that resolves the issue.
If the problem persists, try performing a clean reinstall of Avast. Uninstall Avast completely from your computer using the instructions mentioned earlier and then reinstall it from the official Avast website.
Lastly, if none of the above steps work, consider contacting Avast support for further assistance. They have resources and expertise to help you troubleshoot and resolve any complex issues causing Avast to continuously run.
FAQs
1. How do I stop Avast from running on my computer?
To stop Avast from running on your computer, you can follow these steps:
– Open the Avast user interface by right-clicking on the Avast icon in the system tray and selecting “Open Avast user interface.”
– In the Avast user interface, go to the “Settings” tab.
– From the left-hand side menu, select “General.”
– Scroll down and find the “Troubleshooting” section.
– Uncheck the box that says “Enable Avast self-defense module.”
– Click “OK” to save the changes.
– Finally, restart your computer to ensure Avast is no longer running.
2. Is it safe to stop Avast from running on my computer?
Yes, it is safe to stop Avast from running on your computer if you no longer want to use it or if you prefer to use a different antivirus software. However, keep in mind that disabling Avast will leave your computer unprotected against potential threats. If you decide to stop Avast, make sure to have an alternative security solution in place to ensure the safety of your system.
3. Can I temporarily stop Avast from running instead of permanently disabling it?
Yes, you can temporarily stop Avast from running without permanently disabling it. Here’s how:
– Right-click on the Avast icon in the system tray.
– From the context menu, select “Avast shields control.”
– Choose the duration you want to disable Avast for (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour, until the computer restarts).
– Avast will now be temporarily disabled for the selected period. After that, it will automatically turn back on to ensure your computer remains protected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping Avast from running can be achieved through a few simple steps. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, users can ensure that Avast is temporarily disabled or completely uninstalled from their device. Whether for troubleshooting purposes or to switch to an alternative antivirus software, it is important to remember that Avast’s protection should only be disabled if absolutely necessary, and that it should be re-enabled or replaced with a reliable alternative to maintain the security of the device.