How to Completely Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus (2025 Guide)

---

Introduction: Why Can’t You Fully Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus?

If you’ve ever tried to uninstall Avast Free Antivirus, you may have noticed that even after removal:

• Leftover files and folders remain
• Registry entries still linger
• System performance issues persist
• Conflicts with new security software occur

This is because Avast is deeply integrated into the Windows system, especially at the driver and service level, making it more complex to fully remove compared to standard applications.

In this guide, we’ll:

• Explain why Avast leaves behind traces
• Provide 6 professional methods to completely uninstall Avast Free Antivirus
• Include a success rate for each method
• Help you ensure a clean system state for installing alternative antivirus tools

Let’s get started!

---

What Makes Avast Difficult to Remove?

Understanding why Avast doesn’t uninstall cleanly helps you choose the right approach:

Cause	Description
🛠️ Kernel-Level Drivers	Avast installs deep system drivers that aren’t removed by default
🗂️ Residual Registry Entries	Leftover keys can cause conflicts with other apps
💾 Persistent Services & Scheduled Tasks	Background services continue running unless manually disabled
🧹 No Built-in Deep Cleaner	Standard uninstaller doesn’t offer full cleanup options
🔐 Protected Files & Folders	Some files are locked during uninstallation

Now let’s look at how to tackle these challenges effectively.

---

Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Uninstall – Success Rate: ~40%

This is the basic method most users try first.

✅ Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps
3. Find Avast Free Antivirus, click Uninstall
4. Follow on-screen instructions

🛠️ Why It Works:

Removes the main program interface but often fails to delete drivers, services, or registry entries.

---

Method 2: Use Avast Clear Uninstaller Tool – Success Rate: ~85%

Avast provides a dedicated tool called Avast Clear to help remove leftover components.

✅ Steps:

1. Download Avast Clear from the official support page
2. Run the .exe file as Administrator
3. Click Remove to delete all Avast components
4. Restart your computer

🛠️ Why It Works:

Specifically designed to remove kernel-level drivers and hidden services that the regular uninstaller misses.

---

Method 3: Use Revo Uninstaller (Free/Paid) – Success Rate: ~90%

Revo Uninstaller scans for leftovers after uninstallation and removes them safely.

✅ Steps:

1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller
2. Launch the app and find Avast Free Antivirus
3. Select Uninstall
4. 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.

---

Method 4: Manually Delete Remaining Files & Folders – Success Rate: ~70%

Some files are not deleted due to permission or lock issues.

✅ Steps:

1. Navigate to:

• C:\Program Files\AVAST Software
• C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software
• C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software

1. Right-click folder > Delete
2. 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 or other antivirus apps.

✅ Steps:

1. Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCleaner or Wise Registry Cleaner
2. Run a scan and select all Avast-related entries
3. Backup the registry first (optional)
4. 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.

---

Method 6: Boot in Safe Mode and Uninstall – Success Rate: ~80%

Safe Mode disables background processes that may lock Avast files or drivers.

✅ Steps:

1. Restart your PC and press F8 or hold Shift while clicking Restart
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
3. Press F4 or 5 to enter Safe Mode
4. Try uninstalling Avast using any previous method

🛠️ Why It Works:

Prevents Avast from locking its own files and services during uninstallation.

---

✅ Summary Table: Uninstall Methods & Success Rates

Method	Success Rate	Best For
🖥️ Use Windows Settings	~40%	Quick partial removal
🧰 Use Avast Clear Tool	~85%	Full removal including drivers
🔍 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 Removal

Uninstalling Avast Free Antivirus completely requires more than just the standard uninstaller. By combining multiple methods — especially Avast Clear or Revo Uninstaller — you can ensure your system is truly free of Avast components.

For best results:

• Start with Avast Clear 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 antivirus solution without interference or performance issues.

---

📌 Pro Tip: Save this article for future reference or share it with friends who are struggling with Avast removal. Want a downloadable checklist or need help automating some of these steps via PowerShell scripts? Feel free to ask!

---