Introduction: Why Can’t You Fully Remove Avast Secure Browser?
If you’ve tried uninstalling Avast Secure Browser, you may have noticed that even after running the standard uninstaller:
- Leftover files and folders remain
- Registry entries still linger
- Default browser settings aren’t restored
- Toolbars or extensions persist in other browsers
This is because Avast Secure Browser integrates deeply into your system, not only as a standalone app but also by modifying browser policies, registry keys, and system preferences — making it harder to remove completely.
In this guide, we’ll:
- Explain why Avast Secure Browser leaves behind traces
- Provide 6 professional-grade methods to fully remove it
- Include a success rate for each method
- Help you clean your system thoroughly before installing alternative browsers
Let’s dive in!
What Makes Avast Secure Browser Difficult to Remove?
Understanding why Avast Secure Browser doesn’t uninstall cleanly helps you choose the best removal strategy:
Cause | Description |
---|---|
🛠️ Registry Modifications | Modifies Windows registry to control browser behavior |
🧩 Extensions & Add-ons | Installs components that can affect Chrome or Edge |
💾 Persistent Services & Tasks | Background processes may keep running |
📁 User Profile Integration | Stores data in hidden AppData directories |
🔐 Protected Files & Policies | Some components are locked or protected by system policies |
Now let’s explore how to overcome these challenges effectively.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Uninstall – Success Rate: ~40%
This is the most basic method users try first.
✅ Steps:
- Press
Win + I
to open Settings - Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- Find Avast Secure Browser, click Uninstall
- Follow on-screen instructions
🛠️ Why It Works:
Removes the main application interface but often fails to delete registry keys, leftover files, or extensions.
Method 2: Use Avast Clear Tool (for Full Avast Suite Removal) – Success Rate: ~80%
If you installed Avast Secure Browser with the full Avast suite, the Avast Clear tool can help remove all components together.
✅ Steps:
- Download Avast Clear from the official support page
- Run the
.exe
file as Administrator - Click Remove to delete all Avast components
- Restart your computer
🛠️ Why It Works:
Specifically designed to remove kernel-level drivers and services, including those used by Avast Secure Browser.
Method 3: Use Revo Uninstaller (Free/Paid) – Success Rate: ~90%
Revo Uninstaller scans for leftovers after uninstallation and removes them safely.
✅ Steps:
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller
- Launch the app and find Avast Secure Browser
- Select Uninstall
- After uninstall completes, choose Advanced Scan to remove residual files and registry entries
🛠️ Why It Works:
Combines forced uninstall with deep scanning to eliminate stubborn remnants like registry keys and hidden files.
Method 4: Manually Delete Remaining Files & Folders – Success Rate: ~70%
Some files are not deleted due to permission or lock issues.
✅ Steps:
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast Secure Browser
C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast Secure Browser
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\AVAST Software
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\AVAST Software
- Right-click folder > Delete
- If access is denied:
- Take ownership via Properties > Security
- Or boot into Safe Mode before deleting
🛠️ Why It Works:
Ensures no hidden or protected files remain after uninstallation.
Method 5: Clean the Windows Registry – Success Rate: ~65%
Leftover registry entries can cause errors or prevent reinstallation of Avast products or interfere with other software.
✅ Steps:
- Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCleaner or Wise Registry Cleaner
- Run a scan and select all Avast Secure Browser-related entries
- Backup the registry first (optional)
- Delete selected entries
⚠️ Caution:
Always back up the registry before editing manually.
🛠️ Why It Works:
Removes invalid or obsolete entries that may interfere with system operations or browser performance.
Method 6: Remove Extensions from Other Browsers – Success Rate: ~95%
Avast Secure Browser may have added extensions or policies to Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
✅ Steps:
- Open your default browser (e.g., Chrome or Edge)
- Go to Extensions (usually under
chrome://extensions/
oredge://extensions/
) - Look for:
- Avast Online Security
- Avast SafePrice
- Avast Web/Media Shield
- Click Remove for each
- Also check Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Permissions to remove any Avast-related permissions
🛠️ Why It Works:
Eliminates lingering effects of Avast Secure Browser even if the app itself is uninstalled.
✅ Summary Table: Avast Secure Browser Uninstall Methods & Success Rates
Method | Success Rate | Best For |
---|---|---|
🖥️ Use Windows Settings | ~40% | Quick partial removal |
🧰 Use Avast Clear Tool | ~80% | Full removal with Avast suite |
🔍 Use Revo Uninstaller | ~90% | Removing all traces automatically |
📁 Manual File Deletion | ~70% | Cleaning up leftover folders |
🧹 Registry Cleanup | ~65% | Fixing system errors from leftover keys |
🧩 Remove Browser Extensions | ~95% | Eliminating persistent add-ons in Chrome/Edge |
Conclusion: Achieve a Clean Avast Secure Browser Removal
Uninstalling Avast Secure Browser completely requires more than just the standard uninstaller. By combining multiple methods — especially Revo Uninstaller or Avast Clear — you can ensure your system is truly free of its components.
For best results:
- Start with Revo Uninstaller or Avast Clear
- Then manually check for remaining files or registry entries
- Always remove browser extensions in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
With these steps, you’ll be ready to use an alternative browser without interference or unwanted toolbars.
📌 Pro Tip: Save this article for future reference or share it with friends who are struggling with Avast Secure Browser removal. Want a downloadable checklist or need help automating some of these steps via PowerShell scripts? Feel free to ask!
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