Introduction: Why Can’t You Fully Remove Avast Cleanup?
If you’ve tried uninstalling Avast Cleanup, you may have noticed that even after the standard uninstall process:
- Leftover files and folders remain
- Registry entries still linger
- Background services keep running
- System preferences or scheduled tasks aren’t removed
This is because Avast Cleanup integrates deeply into your system, installing performance optimization tools, disk cleaners, registry editors, and background processes — making a full removal more complex than expected.
In this guide, we’ll:
- Explain why Avast Cleanup leaves behind traces
- Provide 6 professional methods to fully remove it
- Include a success rate for each method
- Help you clean your system thoroughly before switching to an alternative cleanup tool
Let’s dive in!
What Makes Avast Cleanup Difficult to Remove?
Understanding why Avast Cleanup doesn’t uninstall cleanly helps you choose the best removal strategy:
Cause | Description |
---|---|
🛠️ Registry Entries | Modifies system-wide settings and startup items |
💾 Background Services | Includes real-time optimization modules |
📁 User-Specific Data | Stores logs, cache, and user preferences in AppData |
🔐 Protected Files & Tasks | Some components are locked by system policies or scheduled tasks |
🧩 Add-ons & Extensions | May integrate with other Avast products or system utilities |
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 Cleanup, click Uninstall
- Follow on-screen instructions
🛠️ Why It Works:
Removes the main application interface but often fails to delete registry keys, cached files, or background services.
Method 2: Use Avast Clear Tool (for Full Avast Suite Removal) – Success Rate: ~85%
If you installed Avast Cleanup as part of the Avast Antivirus suite, the Avast Clear Tool can help remove all Avast-related 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 Cleanup.
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 Cleanup
- 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 Cleanup
C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast Cleanup
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 Cleanup-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 future installations.
Method 6: Boot in Safe Mode and Uninstall – Success Rate: ~80%
Safe Mode disables background processes that may lock Avast Cleanup files or services.
✅ Steps:
- Restart your PC and press
F8
or holdShift
while clicking Restart - Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
- Press
F4
or5
to enter Safe Mode - Try uninstalling Avast Cleanup using any previous method
🛠️ Why It Works:
Prevents Avast Cleanup from locking its own files and services during uninstallation.
✅ Summary Table: Avast Cleanup Uninstall Methods & Success Rates
Method | Success Rate | Best For |
---|---|---|
🖥️ Use Windows Settings | ~40% | Quick partial removal |
🧰 Use Avast Clear Tool | ~85% | 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 |
🛡️ Safe Mode Uninstall | ~80% | Unlocking protected files |
Conclusion: Achieve a Clean Avast Cleanup Removal
Uninstalling Avast Cleanup completely requires more than just the standard uninstaller. By combining multiple methods — especially the Avast Clear Tool or Revo Uninstaller — you can ensure your system is truly free of its components.
For best results:
- Start with the Avast Clear Tool or Revo Uninstaller
- Then manually check for remaining files or registry entries
- Optionally, use Safe Mode if files are locked
With these steps, you’ll be ready to install another system optimization tool without interference or performance issues.
📌 Pro Tip: Save this article for future reference or share it with friends who are struggling with Avast Cleanup removal. Want a downloadable checklist or need help automating some of these steps via PowerShell scripts? Feel free to ask!
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