Are you tired of Avast Free Antivirus consuming your system resources, slowing down your PC, or interfering with your favorite applications? Disabling Avast Free Antivirus can be a breath of fresh air for your Windows 10 operating system. But, before we dive into the disables process, let’s understand the importance of antivirus software and the reasons why you might want to disable Avast.
The Role of Antivirus Software in Windows 10
Antivirus software is an essential component of any Windows operating system. It protects your PC from malware, viruses, and other online threats that can compromise your system’s security and data. Avast Free Antivirus is a popular choice among Windows users, offering robust protection and features like real-time scanning, password management, and Wi-Fi scanning.
However, there may be situations where you want to disable Avast Free Antivirus, such as:
- Performance Issues: Avast Free Antivirus can consume system resources, slowing down your PC, especially during rigorous tasks like gaming or video editing.
- Software Conflicts: Avast may interfere with other applications or software, causing compatibility issues or errors.
- Temporary Disablement: You may want to disable Avast temporarily to troubleshoot issues or install other software that requires Avast to be turned off.
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus in Windows 10: The Step-by-Step Guide
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be done in a few clicks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
Method 1: Disable Avast Free Antivirus from the System Tray
Step 1: Access the System Tray
Click on the upward arrow icon in the bottom right corner of your Windows 10 screen to open the System Tray.
Step 2: Right-Click on the Avast Icon
Right-click on the Avast icon in the System Tray, and a context menu will appear.
Step 3: Disable Avast Shields
Click on “Avast shields control” and select “Disable for 10 minutes,” “Disable for 1 hour,” “Disable until computer is restarted,” or “Disable permanently” from the drop-down menu.
Important Note: Disabling Avast shields will expose your system to potential threats. Only disable Avast if you’re certain it’s necessary and safe to do so.
Method 2: Disable Avast Free Antivirus from the Avast User Interface
Step 1: Open Avast User Interface
Double-click on the Avast icon in the System Tray or search for “Avast” in the Windows search bar to open the Avast user interface.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Protection” Tab
Click on the “Protection” tab in the Avast user interface.
Step 3: Toggle Off the Shields
Toggle off the “Core Shields” switch to disable Avast’s shields. You can also toggle off individual shields like “File Shield,” “Behavior Shield,” and “Web Shield” as needed.
Method 3: Disable Avast Free Antivirus from the Windows Settings App
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings App
Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Update & Security” Section
Click on the “Update & Security” section.
Step 3: Click on “Windows Security”
Click on “Windows Security” from the left menu.
Step 4: Click on “Virus & threat protection”
Click on “Virus & threat protection” from the left menu.
Step 5: Manage Avast Free Antivirus
Click on “Manage providers” and toggle off the Avast Free Antivirus switch.
What Happens When You Disable Avast Free Antivirus?
When you disable Avast Free Antivirus, the following changes occur:
- No Real-Time Scanning: Avast will no longer scan your system in real-time, leaving your PC vulnerable to malware and viruses.
- No Automatic Updates: Avast will not receive automatic updates, which means you’ll need to manually update the software when you re-enable it.
- No Protection: Avast will not provide protection against malware, viruses, or other online threats.
Important Note: Disabling Avast Free Antivirus leaves your system exposed to potential threats. Only disable Avast if you’re certain it’s necessary and safe to do so.
Re-Enabling Avast Free Antivirus in Windows 10
To re-enable Avast Free Antivirus, follow the same steps as before, but toggle the switches back on or enable the shields.
Tip: If you’ve disabled Avast permanently, you’ll need to reinstall the software to reactivate it.
Conclusion
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be done in a few clicks. However, it’s essential to understand the implications of disabling antivirus software and only do so when necessary. Remember to re-enable Avast Free Antivirus as soon as possible to ensure your system remains protected from malware and viruses.
| Methods | Steps |
|---|---|
| Method 1: Disable from System Tray | Right-click on Avast icon, select “Avast shields control,” and choose disable option |
| Method 2: Disable from Avast User Interface | Open Avast UI, navigate to “Protection” tab, and toggle off shields |
| Method 3: Disable from Windows Settings App | Open Windows Settings, navigate to “Update & Security,” click on “Windows Security,” and toggle off Avast switch |
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to disable Avast Free Antivirus in Windows 10 with ease. Remember to prioritize your system’s security and only disable Avast when necessary.
Why do I need to disable Avast Free Antivirus?
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus may be necessary in certain situations, such as when you need to install another antivirus software or when Avast is interfering with a specific program or application. Additionally, disabling Avast can also help to improve your computer’s performance, as antivirus software can consume system resources.
By disabling Avast, you can temporarily halt its real-time protection and scanning features, allowing you to perform specific tasks without any interruptions. However, it’s essential to note that disabling your antivirus software can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other online threats, so make sure you only disable it when necessary and re-enable it as soon as possible.
Will disabling Avast Free Antivirus remove it from my computer?
No, disabling Avast Free Antivirus will not remove it from your computer. Disabling Avast only stops its real-time protection and scanning features, but the software remains installed on your computer. This means that you can easily re-enable Avast whenever you want to by following the same steps in reverse.
If you want to completely remove Avast from your computer, you’ll need to uninstall it through the Control Panel or by using the Avast uninstaller tool. Make sure you uninstall Avast properly to avoid any leftover files or registry entries that could cause issues with your computer.
Can I disable Avast Free Antivirus temporarily or permanently?
You can disable Avast Free Antivirus either temporarily or permanently, depending on your needs. If you only need to disable Avast for a short period, you can set a specific time period for which Avast will be disabled. On the other hand, if you want to disable Avast permanently, you can do so by selecting the “Stop permanently” option.
Keep in mind that disabling Avast permanently can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other online threats, so make sure you have alternative protection in place or re-enable Avast as soon as possible. Additionally, if you’re using Avast for business purposes, you may need to consult with your system administrator before making any changes to your antivirus software.
Will disabling Avast Free Antivirus affect my Windows Defender?
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus will not directly affect your Windows Defender. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software in Windows 10, and it will continue to run in the background regardless of Avast’s status. However, if you’re using Avast as your primary antivirus software, disabling it may allow Windows Defender to take over as your default antivirus software.
In this case, Windows Defender may start to scan your computer and provide alerts for potential threats. Make sure you’re aware of the antivirus software running on your computer and adjust your settings accordingly to avoid any conflicts or overlaps.
Can I disable Avast Free Antivirus using the Task Manager?
Yes, you can disable Avast Free Antivirus using the Task Manager. To do so, open the Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab, and find the Avast Antivirus program. Right-click on it and select “Disable” to prevent Avast from launching at startup.
However, note that this method will only disable Avast from running at startup, but it will not disable its real-time protection and scanning features. To completely disable Avast, you’ll need to follow the steps outlined in the main article.
Will disabling Avast Free Antivirus affect my gaming performance?
Disabling Avast Free Antivirus can potentially improve your gaming performance, as antivirus software can consume system resources and slow down your computer. By disabling Avast, you can free up system resources and improve your gaming experience.
However, keep in mind that disabling your antivirus software can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other online threats, which can affect your gaming performance in the long run. Make sure you only disable Avast when necessary and re-enable it as soon as possible to ensure your computer remains protected.
Can I re-enable Avast Free Antivirus at any time?
Yes, you can re-enable Avast Free Antivirus at any time by following the same steps in reverse. To re-enable Avast, go to the Avast interface, click on the “Menu” button, and select “Settings.” From there, toggle the switch to enable Avast’s real-time protection and scanning features.
Once you re-enable Avast, it will resume its normal operations, including real-time protection, virus scanning, and automatic updates. Make sure to re-enable Avast as soon as possible to ensure your computer remains protected from malware and other online threats.