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How to Completely Delete Avast from Your MacBook: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to evict Avast from your macOS paradise? You’ve come to the right place. Removing Avast completely requires more than just dragging the application icon to the Trash. You need to surgically extract all associated files to ensure no lingering traces affect your Mac’s performance or security. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to completely uninstall Avast from your MacBook, leaving it clean and optimized. Let’s get started.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deleting Avast the Right Way

The “drag-and-drop” method simply won’t cut it. You need to follow these steps meticulously for a clean uninstall:

1. Quit Avast:

First and foremost, ensure Avast is completely shut down. Look for the Avast icon in the menu bar (usually at the top-right of your screen).
If it’s there, click on it, and select “Quit Avast” or “Exit“.
If it’s not responding, force quit the application. Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select Avast from the list, and click “Force Quit.”

2. Use the Dedicated Avast Uninstaller (Recommended):

The most reliable method is to use the official Avast uninstaller. This utility is designed to remove all components associated with the software.
Navigate to your Applications folder (Finder > Applications).
Locate the Avast Security application (or whatever version you have installed).
Inside the Avast Security folder, you should find an uninstaller application, usually named “Uninstall Avast Security” or something similar. Double-click it.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll likely be prompted for your administrator password.
The uninstaller will likely ask you to restart your Mac. Do it. This is crucial for completing the uninstall process.

3. If No Uninstaller Is Found (Less Recommended):

If you can’t find a dedicated uninstaller, you can try using Avast’s built-in uninstallation option within the application itself. This method is less reliable and might leave behind residual files.
Open Avast Security.
Navigate to Avast Security > Uninstall Avast Security (the exact wording might differ slightly depending on your version).
Follow the on-screen prompts, providing your administrator password when requested.
Restart your Mac after the uninstallation is complete.

4. Manually Remove Remaining Files (The Most Crucial Step):

Even after using the uninstaller, it’s essential to manually check for and remove any remaining Avast files. This is where the real cleanup happens. Be careful and precise when deleting files, as removing incorrect system files can cause problems.

Open Finder.
Go to Go > Go to Folder… (or press Shift + Command + G).
Enter each of the following paths one at a time, pressing Return after each:
- /Library/Application Support (Look for an “Avast” folder and delete it if it exists)
- /Library/LaunchAgents (Look for any files with “com.avast.” in the name and delete them)
- /Library/LaunchDaemons (Look for any files with “com.avast.” in the name and delete them)
- /Library/Caches (Look for an “Avast” folder and delete it if it exists)
- /Library/Logs (Look for an “Avast” folder and delete it if it exists)
- /Library/Preferences (Look for any files with “com.avast.” in the name and delete them)
- /Applications (Double-check this folder to ensure the “Avast Security” application is gone)
- ~/Library/Application Support (Repeat the check for an “Avast” folder here. Note the tilde ~ indicating your user library)
- ~/Library/Caches (Repeat the check for an “Avast” folder here)
- ~/Library/Preferences (Repeat the check for files with “com.avast.” in the name here)
Important: Be extra cautious when deleting files in these directories. Only delete files and folders directly related to Avast.

5. Empty the Trash:

After deleting all the Avast-related files and folders, empty the Trash. This permanently removes them from your system.
Control-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.”
Confirm the action when prompted.

6. Restart Your Mac (Again):

It’s always a good idea to restart your Mac one last time after a thorough uninstall to ensure all changes are properly applied.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Removing Avast

Here are some frequently asked questions about uninstalling Avast from your MacBook, covering common scenarios and potential issues:

1. Why can’t I just drag Avast to the Trash?

Dragging Avast to the Trash only removes the main application file. It doesn’t remove the associated files, system extensions, and launch daemons that Avast installs throughout your system. These residual files can consume disk space, affect system performance, and potentially cause conflicts with other software.

2. What are LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons?

LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons are macOS system services that allow applications to run automatically in the background. Avast uses them to perform scheduled scans, updates, and other background tasks. If you don’t remove these files, Avast-related processes might continue to run even after you’ve deleted the main application.

3. I can’t find the Avast uninstaller. What do I do?

If you can’t find the uninstaller in the Avast Security application folder, check Avast’s website for a dedicated uninstaller tool specific to your version of Avast. Some older versions require a separate download. If still no luck, proceed with Step 3 and especially Step 4 of the main guide, meticulously deleting all associated files manually.

4. I’m prompted for my administrator password. Is that normal?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for the Avast uninstaller to request your administrator password. This is because uninstalling software and removing system files requires administrative privileges to ensure the security of your system.

5. How do I know if the uninstall was successful?

After following all the steps, check your Applications folder to ensure that the Avast Security application is no longer there. Also, monitor your Mac’s performance. If you notice any improvements in speed or stability, it’s a good indication that the uninstall was successful. Use Activity Monitor to confirm no Avast processes are running.

6. Can I use a third-party uninstaller to remove Avast?

While you can use a third-party uninstaller, it’s generally recommended to use the official Avast uninstaller whenever possible. Official uninstallers are specifically designed to remove all components of the software, while third-party uninstallers might not be as thorough. If you do use a third-party uninstaller, be sure to still manually check for any remaining files as described in Step 4.

7. I accidentally deleted a file I shouldn’t have. What do I do?

If you accidentally deleted a file that’s not related to Avast, the best course of action is to restore it from a backup if you have one. If you don’t have a backup, you might be able to recover the file using data recovery software, but success is not guaranteed. In severe cases, you might need to reinstall macOS. This is why caution is crucial!

8. My Mac is running slow after uninstalling Avast. Why?

While uninstalling Avast should improve performance, there are a few reasons why your Mac might still be running slow. Other applications could be consuming resources, your hard drive might be nearly full, or your macOS installation might be corrupted. Run Disk Utility to check your disk for errors.

9. Do I need antivirus software on my Mac?

Whether or not you need antivirus software on your Mac is a matter of personal preference and risk tolerance. macOS has built-in security features, but they might not be sufficient for all users. If you frequently download files from untrusted sources or visit potentially malicious websites, using antivirus software might be a good idea. If you are very careful with your online activities, and avoid suspicious downloads or emails, the built-in macOS security may suffice.

10. Which antivirus software should I use instead of Avast?

If you decide to use antivirus software, there are many reputable options available. Popular choices include Intego Mac Internet Security, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, and Malwarebytes for Mac. Research and choose an option that best fits your needs and budget.

11. I keep getting pop-up ads after uninstalling Avast. Are they related?

If you’re still seeing pop-up ads after uninstalling Avast, they’re likely not directly related to Avast. They are more likely caused by adware or other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that were installed separately. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to detect and remove these threats.

12. What if I can’t find certain folders?

Some Library folders (like ~/Library) are hidden by default in macOS. To access them, hold down the Option key while clicking the Go menu in Finder. The Library folder will appear in the dropdown. You can also use the “Go to Folder…” command (Shift + Command + G) and type in the path directly, as described in the main guide.

By following these steps and answering these frequently asked questions, you can confidently and completely remove Avast from your MacBook, ensuring a clean and optimized system. Remember to always exercise caution when deleting files, and if in doubt, consult with a qualified technician.