How to Uninstall Avast Antivirus from Your Mac

Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Avast AntivirusMacUninstallationRemovalSoftwareSystem MaintenanceComputerSecurityCybersecurityTroubleshooting

Uninstalling software from your Mac can seem like a daunting task at first glance, especially if it is software that integrates itself deeply into the system such as an antivirus tool. However, armed with the right instructions, you can easily remove a program like Avast Antivirus without much hassle or technical expertise. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the entire process of uninstalling Avast Antivirus from your Mac. The following narrative takes a simple and beginner-friendly approach, ensuring that even those with the most basic understanding of computers can follow it comfortably. If you find yourself stumbling across the task of ridding your Mac of Avast Antivirus, you are in the right place.

Why should you uninstall Avast Antivirus?

Before we proceed with the removal process, it helps to understand the possible reasons why you are considering this step. A primary motivation may be the need to address performance issues. Some users have reported that Avast Antivirus can sometimes slow down Mac computers by consuming significant system resources. Programs running slower than expected or applications taking longer to open may prompt you to consider removing Avast. Another reason may be that you have decided to switch to another antivirus solution. You may have found another software that better suits your needs in terms of usability, protection level, or pricing. Finally, technical glitches in the antivirus or frequent crashes may be another reason to uninstall it.

Start the uninstallation process

Advanced knowledge is not required to proceed with the uninstallation. There is no need to manually search for program files scattered across different directories. Instead, Avast offers a built-in uninstallation feature that will perform a clean removal. This feature is specially designed to ensure that every component of the software is removed, leaving no remnants that can hinder your system's performance in the future.

Steps to uninstall Avast antivirus from your Mac

1. Disable Shields : Launch Avast Antivirus on your Mac. You can find it by opening your Applications folder and selecting Avast. Before proceeding with the uninstallation, it is necessary to disable the shields to ensure they do not interfere with the removal. Once Avast is open, go to the Menu section, usually found at the top right of the Avast interface, and click on Preferences. Locate the 'Core Shields' section and turn off all active shields by clicking the toggle switch.
2. Open the uninstallation utility : Click Go on the menu and scroll down to find Uninstall Avast. Selecting this option opens the uninstallation utility specifically designed to remove antivirus software.
3. Follow the prompts to uninstall : The utility will present you with a series of prompt screens. If you want to continue with the uninstallation, click Yes or Uninstall on these prompts. If a prompt asks for your password for confirmation, enter your Mac's administrator password.
4. Complete the uninstallation : Once you confirm, the utility automatically removes Avast Antivirus from your system. A progress bar may appear, and upon completion, you will receive a notification indicating successful removal of Avast.
5. Restart your Mac : Although many systems don't require this step after uninstalling an application, it's still a best practice to restart your Mac. Doing so ensures that all changes made take effect properly and that any temporary files created during the uninstallation process are cleared.

Delete residual files manually

Although the uninstallation utility does a great job of removing Avast, some leftover files may still exist in certain system directories. To reclaim additional storage space and ensure optimal system automation, you must ensure that these files are deleted. You can locate these leftover files by performing some simple manual deletions. However, be very careful during this process; you don't want to risk accidentally deleting essential files.

1. Library Folder Exploration : Open Finder and click Go in the top menu. Hold down the Option key, and you'll see Library in the dropdown. Click on it.
2. Delete Avast-related files : Go to the following folders in your Library:
   • Application Support : Find any folders related to Avast and move them to the Trash.
   • Cache : Here, find and delete Avast cache files if present.
   • Preferences : Delete any preferences files identifiable as .plist files associated with Avast.
   • Logs : If any log files are created by Avast, they can also be deleted.
3. Empty the Trash : After deleting these possible leftover files, open your Trash and empty it to permanently remove these files from your system.

Possible problems and solutions

During the uninstallation process, some problems may arise depending on the state of your software or the configuration of your system. For example:

• Unable to uninstall : If you cannot initiate the uninstallation, make sure you have administrative privileges. Log in to your administrator account and try again. Sometimes, simply restarting your system can solve this problem.
• System slows down : If your system slows down noticeably during installation, wait patiently, as it may take some time, especially on older machines. After uninstallation, restarting your Mac should restore its performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You may find yourself asking a lot of questions during the process or trying to be reassured about the procedure. Here are some common questions:

• Is it safe to uninstall Avast? : Yes, removing Avast makes room for other applications you use. It is mandatory to use an alternative antivirus solution after uninstalling to ensure continued protection.
• Does uninstalling erase my scans? : All scans you perform with Avast are irrelevant after uninstalling. Removing an app erases all associated data, unless explicitly specified otherwise in your System Preferences.
• Can I reinstall Avast later? : Sure! If you decide to reinstall Avast later, it's totally possible. Simply go to the official Avast website, download the installer, and follow their installation instructions.

By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently and effectively remove Avast Antivirus from your Mac. Complete removal helps maintain the overall efficiency of your system and prepares it for any new software installations you may make in the future. Remember, uninstalling antivirus software is acceptable, but maintaining system security should be a priority at all times.

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