How to Disable Avast Antivirus in 2025

How to Disable Avast: A Complete Guide for All Users

Avast Antivirus programs like Avast work hard to protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other threats. Sometimes, however, you may want to disable Avast for a short period. Perhaps you need to install software that Avast blocks or you want to improve your computer’s speed. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to disable Avast safely and correctly. In this guide, we will cover every method—from temporary pauses to completely turning it off—and explain how to do this on both Windows and macOS. We will also look at advanced topics such as disabling specific shields, dealing with browser extensions, and troubleshooting common problems.

Note: Disabling your antivirus software may leave your computer more vulnerable to threats. It is essential to re-enable protection as soon as you have completed your task, or consider using an alternative method of protection if you choose to turn Avast off permanently.

Why You Might Want to Disable Avast

There are several reasons why you might decide to disable Avast temporarily or completely:

Software Installation Conflicts: Sometimes, Avast may mistakenly block legitimate programs from installing or running.
Gaming or Streaming Issues: Certain real-time applications like games or streaming services might experience lag or interruptions because of Avast’s scanning processes.
Troubleshooting: If you suspect that Avast is causing system slowdowns or conflicts with other software, temporarily disabling it can help you diagnose the problem.
Resource Management: For some users, Avast’s background processes may consume extra system resources. Temporarily turning off these processes can sometimes improve performance.

Understanding the Risks of Disabling Avast

Disabling Avast means that your computer will no longer have its full set of protections. This can expose you to risks such as:

Malware Infections: Without active antivirus protection, malicious software may have an easier time infiltrating your system.
Security Vulnerabilities: Disabling Avast might allow unauthorized programs to run or connect to the internet without being checked.
Inadvertent Exposure: Some websites or downloads may appear safe with Avast’s help. Without that safety net, you need to be extra careful about what you click or install.

Because of these risks, it is always a good idea to disable Avast only for as long as necessary and to re-enable it as soon as possible.

Overview of Different Disabling Methods

There are multiple ways to disable Avast, and they can be grouped into two main categories:

Temporary Disabling: This includes pausing protection for a set period or turning off specific shields (like web or mail shields). Temporary disabling is useful if you only need to work with a program that Avast might interfere with.
Complete Disabling: This method involves turning off all of Avast’s protection or even removing it from startup. You might choose complete disabling when you are installing software or troubleshooting conflicts.

In the sections that follow, we explain both methods in detail, step by step.

2. Temporarily Disabling Avast

Sometimes you only need to pause Avast’s protection for a short time. Temporary disabling is the safest option if you want to run a program that Avast might block or if you need a quick test without turning off all protection permanently.

2.1 How to Pause Avast Protection for a Specific Time

Avast gives you the option to pause protection for a certain period. This is how you can do it:

Access the Avast Icon:
Look for the Avast icon in your system tray (usually located at the bottom-right corner of your Windows screen). On macOS, check your menu bar.
Right-Click the Icon:
A menu will appear with options such as “Avast shields control” or “Pause protection.”
Select the Time Duration:
Choose how long you want to pause the protection. Options typically range from 10 minutes to one hour or until the next system restart. Select the duration that suits your needs.
Confirm Your Choice:
You may be asked to confirm that you want to disable protection. Confirm your decision, and Avast will pause its scanning and protection features for the chosen duration.
Remember to Resume:
When the time period is over, Avast should automatically re-enable. If not, you can manually restart the protection by right-clicking the icon again and choosing to resume protection.

2.2 Disabling Individual Shields in Avast

If you want more control over what is disabled, you can choose to turn off specific shields rather than the entire antivirus program. Avast usually offers several shields, such as:

File Shield: Scans files when you open, save, or run them.
Behavior Shield: Monitors programs for suspicious behavior.
Web Shield: Protects you from unsafe websites.
Mail Shield: Scans your email attachments and messages.

To disable an individual shield:

Open Avast Settings:
Click on the Avast icon and select “Open Avast user interface” or open the Avast application from your Start menu (or Applications folder on macOS).
Navigate to Protection:
Go to the “Protection” section, where you will see the list of shields.
Turn Off the Specific Shield:
Click on the shield you wish to disable. There should be an option to pause or disable that shield. Select the desired option.
Set the Duration:
As with pausing all protection, you may be asked how long you want to disable the shield. Choose the appropriate time frame.
Verify the Shield is Disabled:
Look for visual confirmation that the shield is off. The indicator light or status should change to show that it is not active.

2.3 Restoring Protection After Temporary Disabling

Restoring protection is as important as disabling it. Once your task is completed, you need to ensure that your computer is safe again.

Check the Avast Icon:
If protection is paused, the icon might show a temporary indicator (such as a pause symbol or a different color).
Manually Re-enable If Needed:
If the timer hasn’t expired yet or if the software did not automatically resume, right-click the Avast icon and choose “Enable protection” or “Resume shields.”
Confirm All Shields Are Active:
Open the Avast user interface and verify that all shields are active. Make sure that each individual shield (file, behavior, web, mail) is turned on.
Restart Your Computer:
Sometimes a restart can help to ensure that all changes take effect and that Avast is running normally again.

By following these steps, you can safely pause Avast’s protection without compromising your system’s security for too long.

3. Completely Turning Off Avast

While temporary disabling is generally recommended, there are situations where you might want to completely turn off Avast. This is more common when troubleshooting or when you need to run software that Avast strongly conflicts with.

3.1 How to Disable Avast from the System Tray

The system tray provides quick access to Avast’s features. Here’s how you can use it to turn off the antivirus completely:

Locate the Avast Icon:
Find the Avast icon in the system tray on your computer. It usually looks like a small shield with the Avast logo.
Right-Click on the Icon:
A context menu will appear, offering various options.
Select “Avast shields control”:
From the menu, choose the option that says “Avast shields control.” This will open up a submenu.
Choose “Disable for…” Option:
In the submenu, you may see options such as “Disable for 10 minutes,” “Disable until computer is restarted,” or “Disable permanently.” Choose the option that best fits your needs.
Confirm the Action:
Avast will ask you to confirm your choice. Confirm that you want to disable it completely. The icon may change to indicate that Avast is turned off.

3.2 Disabling Avast Using Avast Settings

For a more controlled approach, you can disable Avast directly through its settings menu:

Open Avast User Interface:
Double-click on the Avast icon or find it in your list of programs and open it.
Go to the Settings Menu:
Look for a gear icon or a “Settings” option, usually located in the upper right corner of the window.
Find the “Protection” Tab:
Once in settings, navigate to the “Protection” tab where all the shields and real-time scanning features are listed.
Toggle Off All Shields:
You will see individual options for each shield. Turn each one off by clicking the toggle button. This method ensures that every part of Avast is disabled.
Save Your Changes:
After turning off the shields, save your changes if prompted. Close the Avast window.
Double-Check the Status:
Look at the Avast icon in the system tray again to confirm that the protection is off.

3.3 Verifying Avast is Fully Turned Off

After disabling Avast, it’s important to verify that it is completely turned off:

Check the System Tray:
The Avast icon should indicate a disabled status (often by a changed color or a pause symbol).
Review the User Interface:
Open Avast’s user interface again and confirm that all shields are shown as “off” or “disabled.”
Test with a Safe Program:
Run a trusted program that previously gave Avast issues. If the program runs without interruption, it’s likely that Avast is fully disabled.
Monitor System Behavior:
Observe your computer for any unusual behavior or warnings. If everything runs smoothly and no security warnings appear, then Avast is not interfering.

Remember, if you have completely disabled Avast, make sure to re-enable it or use another antivirus program as soon as possible to keep your computer safe.

4. Disabling Avast on Windows

The process for disabling Avast can vary slightly depending on which version of Windows you are using. In this section, we will focus on Windows 10 and 11, as well as older versions like Windows 8 and 7.

4.1 Steps for Windows 10 and 11 Users

If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, here is a step-by-step guide to disable Avast:

Find the Avast Icon:
Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen to locate the system tray, then find the Avast icon.
Right-Click the Icon:
A menu will appear. From this menu, select “Avast shields control.”
Choose the Time Option:
You can choose to disable Avast for a specific time period (for example, 10 minutes, one hour, or until the next restart).
Confirm the Action:
After selecting the time, confirm your choice if prompted. The icon should change, indicating that the shields are disabled.
Check in the Avast Application:
Open the Avast user interface to ensure that all shields show as disabled.

4.2 Disabling Avast in Windows 8 and 7

For those still using older versions of Windows, the process is very similar:

Access the System Tray:
In Windows 8 and 7, the system tray is typically located in the lower-right corner. Find the Avast icon.
Right-Click on the Icon:
Right-click to open the menu and select “Avast shields control.”
Select the Desired Time Period:
Pick the time period for which you want to disable Avast protection.
Confirm and Verify:
Confirm your selection. Then, open the Avast application to ensure that the shields are disabled.

4.3 Ensuring Windows Defender is Enabled After Disabling Avast

When you disable Avast, especially if you plan to use your computer for tasks that require some form of protection, you may want to ensure that Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus in Windows) is active:

Open Windows Security Settings:
Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.” Open the application that appears.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection:
Check the status of Windows Defender. If Avast is disabled, Windows Defender should automatically turn on. If it doesn’t, manually enable it by clicking on “Manage settings” and then switching on real-time protection.
Test for Conflicts:
Run a quick scan with Windows Defender to ensure it is active and that there are no conflicts with any remaining Avast processes.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Windows system is protected even when Avast is disabled.

Disabling Avast on macOS

Mac users may also need to disable Avast, though the process differs slightly from Windows. Here’s how to do it on a Mac.

How to Disable Avast on a Mac

Open Avast Security:
Click on the Avast icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen, or open the Avast application from your Applications folder.
Access Preferences:
In the Avast interface, look for the “Preferences” or “Settings” option.
Navigate to the Shields Section:
Within Preferences, locate the section that allows you to manage shields or real-time protection settings.
Disable the Shields:
Click the toggle buttons to disable the different shields (e.g., real-time scanning, web shield). Confirm your choices if prompted.
Check the Status:
The Avast icon or the status screen in the application should now show that the shields are off.

Managing Avast Preferences on macOS

Managing preferences on macOS is similar to the process on Windows:

Launch Avast:
Open the Avast application from the Dock or Applications folder.
Go to the Settings Menu:
Click on “Preferences” or a similar option in the menu.
Turn Off Specific Features:
You can choose to disable only certain features, such as file scanning or web protection. This allows you to have control over what is active and what is not.
Apply and Save Changes:
Ensure that your changes are saved. You may need to restart Avast or even your Mac to ensure that the changes take effect.

Checking If Avast is Fully Disabled on Mac

After disabling Avast on your Mac, take these steps to verify the status:

Review the Menu Bar Icon:
The icon should show an indication that Avast is off or in a paused state.
Open the Avast Interface:
Double-check the status of all shields in the application. Make sure that the settings reflect that protection is disabled.
Run a Test Application:
If you are trying to run a program that Avast was interfering with, open it to see if the issue is resolved.

By carefully following these steps, Mac users can disable Avast with confidence.

Disabling Avast for Specific Applications

There are times when you don’t need to disable Avast entirely but only for a particular program. This can be done by adding exceptions or configuring the firewall settings.

How to Add Exceptions in Avast

Adding an exception means that Avast will ignore a specific file, folder, or application:

Open Avast User Interface:
Start by launching Avast and going to its main settings.
Go to the “Exceptions” Section:
Look for an option that says “Exceptions” or “Whitelist.” This section allows you to add programs or files that Avast should not scan.
Add the Specific Program or File:
Click “Add Exception” and browse for the program’s executable file or the folder where it is located. Select it and add it to the list.
Save the Changes:
Confirm and save your settings. Avast will now skip scanning for that particular item, allowing it to run without interference.

Allowing a Program Through Avast Firewall

If Avast’s firewall is blocking an application from accessing the internet, you can allow it through by:

Opening Avast Settings:
Navigate to the firewall or network protection section in the Avast user interface.
Find the Application Settings:
Look for a list of blocked applications or for an option to manage application permissions.
Allow the Program:
Locate the program you need to allow and select the option to “Allow” or “Whitelist” it. Confirm your changes.
Test the Program:
Open the application to check that it can now access the internet without being blocked.

Disabling Avast for Gaming or Streaming

Gaming and streaming applications may sometimes run into conflicts with real-time scanning:

Temporarily Pause Protection:
If you are in the middle of a gaming session, you might want to pause Avast protection. Use the “Pause for a specific time” option as described earlier.
Set Up Exceptions:
For long-term gaming or streaming, consider adding the game or streaming software to the exceptions list. This will allow it to run smoothly without Avast interfering.
Monitor Performance:
After making these changes, check your game or stream to ensure that performance has improved.

Disabling Avast When It Prevents Software Installation

At times, Avast might mistakenly block a program you trust from installing. This section explains what to do in such cases.

Avast Blocking Software: What to Do

If Avast is preventing you from installing software:

Identify the Blocked Software:
Note which program is being blocked and read any warning messages from Avast.
Temporarily Disable Avast:
Use the methods described above to pause or disable Avast’s shields for a short time.
Proceed with the Installation:
Install the software once Avast is paused. Make sure you download the installer from a trusted source.
Re-enable Avast Immediately:
Once the installation is complete, turn Avast back on to resume protection.

Temporarily Disabling Avast to Install a Program

Follow these steps for a smooth installation:

Open the System Tray or Avast Interface:
Choose the temporary disable option for a short duration (e.g., 30 minutes).
Run the Installer:
Launch the installer for the program. Complete the installation without interference.
Monitor the Process:
Make sure that the installation completes successfully without errors.
Restart Avast:
Once installation is complete, manually re-enable Avast if it does not do so automatically.

Whitelisting a Program in Avast

If you frequently install updates or new versions of a program that Avast blocks:

Add the Program to the Exceptions List:
Open Avast settings, navigate to exceptions, and add the software to the whitelist.
Test the Update Process:
Run the update or installation process again to ensure that Avast does not block it.
Monitor Security:
Even though the program is whitelisted, continue to ensure that it comes from a trusted source.

Disabling Avast Browser Extensions

Avast often installs browser extensions to help protect you from malicious websites. However, these extensions might interfere with your browsing experience, so you might want to disable or remove them.

Removing Avast Browser Extensions from Chrome

To remove or disable Avast’s browser extension in Chrome:

Open Google Chrome:
Click the three-dot menu at the top right and go to “More tools” > “Extensions.”
Locate the Avast Extension:
Find the Avast extension in the list of installed extensions.
Disable or Remove the Extension:
You can either toggle it off or click “Remove” to uninstall it completely.
Restart Chrome:
Close and reopen Chrome to ensure the changes take effect.

Disabling Avast Extensions in Firefox

For Firefox users:

Open Firefox:
Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) and select “Add-ons.”
Find the Avast Extension:
Locate the Avast extension in the list.
Disable or Remove the Extension:
Click on the extension and choose “Disable” or “Remove.”
Restart Firefox:
Restart the browser to make sure that the extension is no longer active.

Managing Avast Extensions in Edge and Other Browsers

The steps are similar for Microsoft Edge or other browsers:

Open the Browser’s Extension Manager:
This is typically found in the settings or menu section.
Find the Avast Extension:
Look for the Avast extension in your list.
Disable or Remove:
Toggle it off or remove it entirely.
Confirm Changes:
Restart the browser if necessary to apply the changes.

Disabling Avast’s Automatic Startup

If you prefer that Avast does not run automatically every time you start your computer, you can disable its automatic startup. This can be particularly useful if you are troubleshooting or if you want to manually control when Avast runs.

Preventing Avast from Running at Startup in Windows

Open the Task Manager:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. On Windows 10 and 11, you can also right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
Go to the Startup Tab:
Find the “Startup” tab, which lists all programs set to run at startup.
Locate Avast:
Look for Avast or any related processes.
Disable the Startup Entry:
Right-click on Avast and select “Disable.” This stops Avast from launching automatically when Windows starts.
Restart Your Computer:
Restart to confirm that Avast no longer starts automatically.

Managing Avast Startup Behavior on Mac

For macOS users:

Open System Preferences:
Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
Go to Users & Groups:
Select your user account and then click on “Login Items.”
Locate Avast:
Find any entries related to Avast in the list.
Remove Avast from Login Items:
Select the Avast entry and click the “–” (minus) button to remove it from startup.
Restart Your Mac:
After a restart, Avast should not start automatically.

9.3 Disabling Background Avast Processes

Sometimes, even if Avast does not appear in your startup list, background processes may still run:

Open Avast Settings:
Access the Avast user interface and navigate to advanced settings or performance settings.
Disable Background Scanning:
Look for options that allow you to disable background scanning or background processes. Toggle these options off.
Confirm Changes:
Restart your computer to ensure that no background processes are running.

10. Uninstalling Avast Completely

If you decide that you no longer want to use Avast, you might consider uninstalling it entirely. Uninstalling should be your last resort because you will lose the protection Avast offers. Follow these steps carefully for your operating system.

10.1 When to Consider Uninstalling Avast

Ongoing Conflicts: If Avast continuously interferes with your software and troubleshooting does not help.
Switching to a Different Antivirus: When you plan to install another antivirus program, it might be best to remove Avast first.
Performance Issues: If Avast causes significant slowdowns and you have alternative protection in place.

10.2 Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling Avast on Windows

Open Control Panel:
Click the Start button, type “Control Panel,” and open it.
Go to Programs and Features:
In the Control Panel, select “Programs and Features” (or “Uninstall a program”).
Locate Avast:
Scroll through the list until you find Avast Antivirus.
Uninstall Avast:
Click on Avast and then select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen prompts. You might be asked to confirm your choice or to restart your computer.
Use the Avast Uninstall Utility:
In some cases, remnants of Avast might remain. Download and run the Avast Uninstall Utility from the official website if necessary.
Restart Your Computer:
After uninstallation, restart your computer to complete the process.

10.3 Uninstalling Avast on macOS

Open Finder:
Navigate to your Applications folder.
Find Avast Security:
Locate the Avast application.
Drag to Trash:
Drag the Avast icon to the Trash. Alternatively, right-click and choose “Move to Trash.”
Remove Associated Files:
To completely remove Avast, delete any leftover files in your Library folder. Look for files related to Avast in the “Application Support” and “Preferences” folders.
Empty the Trash:
Finally, empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation.

11. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even when following instructions carefully, you may run into problems when disabling Avast. Here are some common issues and their solutions.

11.1 Avast Won’t Disable: What to Do

Check for Updates:
Sometimes an outdated version of Avast might cause issues. Ensure that you have the latest update installed.
Restart the Computer:
A simple restart can sometimes resolve issues where Avast does not disable properly.
Use the Uninstall Utility Temporarily:
If you need to disable Avast urgently, consider using the uninstall utility to remove it temporarily and reinstall it later if needed.

11.2 Resolving Avast Errors When Disabling

Error Messages:
If you see error messages, note down what they say. Often, these messages provide clues as to why Avast is not disabling.
Check for Conflicting Software:
Ensure that no other security software is interfering with Avast.
Consult Online Forums:
Many users have experienced similar issues. Online forums and the official Avast support pages can provide helpful solutions.

11.3 Contacting Avast Support for Help

Visit the Official Support Page:
Avast has a dedicated support site with troubleshooting guides and FAQs.
Submit a Ticket:
If your problem persists, consider submitting a support ticket directly through the Avast website.
Use Community Forums:
Sometimes community forums can provide fast, user-driven solutions.

12. Conclusion

12.1 Key Takeaways

Safety First:
Always remember that disabling your antivirus leaves your computer vulnerable. Only disable Avast for as long as necessary.
Multiple Methods:
Whether you need to pause Avast temporarily or completely turn it off, there are several methods available—using the system tray, settings menu, or even by uninstalling.
Operating System Differences:
The process differs slightly between Windows and macOS. Follow the steps that match your operating system.
Re-enable Quickly:
As soon as you finish the task that required Avast to be disabled, turn the protection back on or install another antivirus solution.

12.2 What to Do After Disabling Avast

After you have disabled Avast, whether temporarily or permanently, here are some important next steps:

Monitor Your System:
Keep an eye on your computer for any signs of malware or unusual behavior.
Update Other Security Tools:
Make sure that your operating system’s built-in security (like Windows Defender) is enabled.
Consider Alternative Solutions:
If Avast is causing too many issues, research alternative antivirus programs that may better suit your needs.

12.3 Alternative Antivirus Options

If you decide that Avast is not right for you, consider the following options:

Windows Defender:
Built into Windows 10 and 11, Windows Defender offers good protection without needing additional software.
Other Third-Party Antivirus Programs:
Look into options like Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky for different features and performance benefits.
Lightweight Security Suites:
If performance is a key concern, consider antivirus software known for its low impact on system resources.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the most common questions about disabling Avast, answered in simple language.

13.1 Is it Safe to Disable Avast?

Disabling Avast is safe if you only do it for a short period and understand the risks. Without active protection, your computer is more vulnerable to malware, so only disable Avast when necessary and re-enable it immediately after completing your task.

13.2 Will Disabling Avast Improve My PC’s Performance?

Sometimes, turning off real-time scanning can free up system resources, which may lead to a temporary improvement in performance. However, this comes at the cost of security. It is best to only disable Avast if you experience specific performance issues and to consider other performance optimization methods as well.

13.3 How Can I Temporarily Disable Avast Without Uninstalling It?

You can temporarily disable Avast by using the “Pause protection” option from the system tray or within the Avast user interface. This allows you to choose a specific time period (such as 10 minutes or one hour) during which Avast will not actively scan your system.

13.4 Does Avast Turn Itself Back On Automatically?

Yes, if you choose the temporary disable option, Avast is designed to automatically resume protection after the set time period expires. However, if you disable Avast completely using the settings, you will need to manually re-enable it.

13.5 What Should I Do If Avast Won’t Disable?

If Avast refuses to disable or gives error messages, try updating the software, restarting your computer, or checking for conflicts with other security tools. If the problem persists, consult the Avast support page or contact their customer service for further help.

Final Thoughts

Disabling Avast should always be done with caution. This guide has covered all the essential methods—from pausing protection temporarily to completely turning off Avast, as well as addressing specific needs like disabling browser extensions and adding exceptions for trusted applications. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can control when and how Avast runs on your computer, thereby minimizing conflicts and ensuring your system remains protected.

Remember, your computer’s security is paramount. Even if you disable Avast to solve an immediate problem, be sure to re-enable your antivirus software as soon as possible or install an alternative protection solution. With careful management and attention to security settings, you can strike a balance between system performance and safety.