If you use a Windows PC then you almost certainly know the Avast brand name. Avast started out as the maker of a truly excellent free anti-virus solution, one that should be on every PC, including yours. The Avast anti-virus suite is available in free and premium versions, with the paid version providing some bells-and-whistles functionality; the free version is sufficient for most users. Avast also makes VPN software, anti-tracking tools, cloud tools and other programs for home and business. There is no question that the brand is solid and they make quality products.
Also see our article Does My iPhone Need an Antivirus? Everything To Know About Securing Your iPhone
That said, how about their PC tuneup package, Avast Cleanup Premium?
Avast Cleanup Premium is a system tune-up suite that says it can speed up your PC, free up disk space and fix small issues with your computer. Within the Antivirus app and the Performance tab, it says Avast Cleanup Premium can fix Junk Files, Redundant Apps, Inefficient System Settings and Obsolete Registry Entries.
Registry cleaners and tune-up utilities deservedly have something of a bad rap. We have all seen adware and phishing emails trying to get us to download such apps and have all (hopefully) avoided them like the plague. However, Avast is the real deal. It is not adware or malware and other than hopefully persuading you to buy the product, Avast has no nefarious intentions that we know of.
Avast Cleanup Premium
Avast Cleanup Premium is exactly what it says on the tin. A premium app for cleaning up your PC. It costs $49.99 per user per year, $89.99 for two years or $129.99 for three. That’s not cheap, although you can download a free trial to try it out.
How To Delete Avast Safe Price
In return for your money, you get a fully-featured PC maintenance program that works well, integrates with any other Avast products you may use and keeps your PC running lean. Features include:
Junk file remover – The app removes old files, empties the recycle bin, orphaned files left behind by uninstalled programs and any other files that are not referenced by an installed program or are no longer used.
Registry cleaner – The Windows registry is a database of system settings used by Windows and any installed programs. As it gets used and you install and uninstall programs, the registry expands. Uninstallation does not always remove all registry entries which can cause a lot of bloat. In theory, this can slow down your computer.
Browser cleaner – Avast Cleanup Premium also offers to clean up your browser and remove old plugins, deletes cookies and a few other tricks.
Puts apps to sleep – The program puts open apps to sleep to help speed up your computer and prioritize the programs you’re using.
Disk cleaner – This cleans up your hard disk and frees up drive space if you’re running short.
Shortcut cleaner – Removes obsolete shortcuts from your desktop and applications to streamline the user experience.
That about sums it up for the features of Avast Cleanup Premium. Bottom line, it has a suite of tools that could help speed up your computer.
Is Avast Cleanup Premium worth it?
The jury is still out on whether registry cleaners actually deliver any performance benefit or not. If you have not maintained your PC for years and have been steadily installing and uninstalling apps during that time, you may get an initial performance boost. Otherwise, if you use Windows 10 and have half-decent computer hygiene habits, you may not see a boost at all.
There is a definite benefit to cleaning up old files, cleaning up your hard disks, removing old shortcuts, cleaning out old apps from your browser and deleting junk. Avast Cleanup Premium will do all those things for you. However, they are also all things you can do yourself in Windows, and for free.
- Right click a hard drive, select Properties and then Disk Clean-up to clean out the junk.
- Right click the Windows Task bar, select Task Manager, select the startup tab to prioritize programs that start with Windows.
- Use the Services tab in Task Manager to Open Services and put programs to sleep.
- Select Add-ons in your browser to disable and/or remove obsolete browser extensions.
- Drag and drop a desktop shortcut you no longer need into the recycle bin to remove it.
What’s more, you can use PowerShell or other scripting tools to easily automate these tasks for you.
The main benefit of Avast Cleanup Premium is the psychological advantage: your computer is being looked after (without you having to do anything) and having its performance boosted by a well known company with an excellent reputation. The actual physical performance benefits will be negligible at best if you maintain your system properly, but the psychological benefits could be important, depending on how you look at your computer.
So is it worth $50 a year? To experienced users, frankly, no. You can perform most of the functions from within Windows and the performance benefit of cleaning the registry is still unproven in all but the worst cases. There are also free alternatives should you want to use them such as CCleaner. Ironically, CCleaner is owned by Avast. The free version has everything you need and the premium version is only $14.99.
Avast is an excellent company that delivers superior security products but I cannot recommend paying so much for a program that duplicates what is already possible from within Windows.
Agree? Disagree? Share your opinion with us in the comments below!
We warned you at the beginning of the year that many of your browser extensions are spying on you, tracking what you are visiting, and even inserting ads into pages. These aren’t just no-name developers either: even Avast, one of the most trusted antivirus vendors was in on the game.
Update 2: We just want to point out that this happened in the past, and Avast has cleaned up their act. They have a decent product, and while you can read this for historical purposes, you should know that many of the other antivirus vendors are doing worse things.
Update: Avast has posted a response to our article on their forum. We stand by our article and our research with the exception of one very inconsequential technical detail that we have updated below. The purpose of writing these types of articles isn’t to be vindictive — we just honestly want to make the world a better place for PC users.
Before we go even one step further, it’s important to note that they recently disabled the spying “shopping” feature in their browser extension. So if you are running the latest Chrome with extensions updated, you are fine. For now.
So Avast has stopped integrating the spying extension, but this is about the principle: you should be able to trust your antivirus provider. Why are they adding a feature that spies on your browsing, inserts ads… and all without properly notifying you?
And why, at the same time, are they claiming to stop spyware, even uninstalling other shopping extensions from other vendors, while they were doing the same thing they are supposed to stop?
On our test system, the only spyware and crapware that Avast actually detected and removed were the ones that competed with their own shopping extension.
Avast Online Security Extension Added a “Shopping” Component
About a week ago, we were playing around with installing a lot of nonsense from crapware sites, so we loaded up trusty Avast antivirus to see how much of the malware it would actually catch during the process. We were shocked to find out that some of the adware wasn’t from a third-party, but from Avast itself.
The problem lies in the SafePrice component of their Online Security extension, which adds shopping recommendations (ads) as you are browsing around the web.
Here’s the thing: many people actually want shopping extensions that help them find better prices — in fact, one of the HTG staff writers recently asked me what was the best way to find better prices. As a standalone product, if you specifically and deliberately choose to install something like this, there’s nothing wrong with it.
The problem is that Avast snuck this component in to their browser extensions that have at least 10 million users for the Chrome version alone. And then they enabled it by default.
Note: as we were doing research for this article, they updated their extension to not include the shopping feature, but it was there since maybe around last December.
Spying, You Say?
You might remember earlier how we said that this extension is spying on you and, unlike many websites, we’re definitely not going to make some claim like that without proof of what is really going on. So we loaded up Fiddler to see what’s really going on behind the scenes and under the hood and behind the curtain.
As it turns out, every single URL that you visit was being sent to Avast servers — first there would be a check to /urlinfo on one of their servers, passing in a unique ID that represents you on every single request. In this way they can build a list of every single page you have ever visited. They claim on their web site that they remove all personally identifying information, but how, exactly, are they able to do that when they are tracking every single page you visit and sending back that URL with a unique ID to represent you?
Update: Avast contacted us to point out that the /urlinfo page that we showed in the screenshot is actually part of their security extension, which does make sense. The /offers page, however, is sending back data as well.
That unique tracking ID is the biggest problem here: while it might not identify you by name, it’s enough to tie your whole browsing history together, and that’s a scary thing.
And remember, you didn’t ask for this. You just wanted to keep yourself safe online with a trusted antivirus provider.
Tao hang loat ma qr code trong excel. Orca Scan is a Barcode Scanning app that was designed to make it as easy as possible to track assets and inventory using just your mobile phone, removing the. A completely free barcode scanner enabling you to save data to Excel. You can change your phone into a data collector without any limitations to the amount of.
The Bottom Line: Browser Extensions Have Wayyyy Too Much Power
RELATED:Warning: Your Browser Extensions Are Spying On You
This behavior, while ridiculous and sad from a company you should trust, isn’t new at all. Almost every product and service on the Internet and almost every browser extension, app, and website, are doing some form of tracking. Here on How-To Geek we use Google Analytics to see our site statistics, and our advertisers probably use a lot of other tracking that we can’t control. And it’s the same with every single web site.
Personal information and big data have become the standard; because after all: if a product is free, the real product is you. If you are browsing and reading a completely free web site, it’s not that big of a deal… after all, sites like ours need to pay our writers, and advertisements are the only way to do that. The problem is when it’s across everything you do.
The problem is that most browser extensions have access to everything you are seeing on the Internet, across every web site. And they aren’t properly disclosing this to you.
So the next time an extension says it can “Read and modify all your data on the websites you visit”, perhaps you should click that “Remove from Chrome” button instead.
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I have installed Avast after malware got onto my computer, and I had to do a full restart of Windows 10. I already have Mcafee, which costs money just to protect you from a virus.>:( I shouldn't have to pay just to be protected. If the company believes in the customer and wants to actively be there for the customer, not just to get money, they would make this aspect free. I understand the other aspects, but you should be protected from malware on your computer. I was going to originally install Norton, because I've used that Anti-virus protection before, and, I like Norton, but I also know they make you pay, for literally everything, so I decided to try a new Anti-Virus. I found Avast upon my search. It looked good from the logo and the website.
I installed it and immediately was impressed with the user-interface. When I got re-directed somehow to another website, it protected me immediately, and even buzzed letting me know. Not only that, it told me what drivers to update, (although I only have free version so I cannot install this), but I can install the drivers manually myself, now that I know what drivers to install. I also swear my computer was speedier since this app install! This protects me from what I need to be protected, without money-costing me, because they care about me, not just my money.
I just love this product so much! Everything is perfect with this! I am going to stick with this Anti-virus forever! I love this Anti-virus so much, that I decided I am going to upgrade so It'll install drivers for me and do lots more! This program has so many features versus Mcafee, (which I also have but won't do anything because not paid!), and so much more than what other virus-protection services have. It also has good Anti-virus tests to prove it! Thank you so much Avast, you have changed my life for the better. Definitely will recommend!!
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Sophia:
Thanks for your feedback and for choosing Avast for your security needs!
-Avast Team
2 people found this review helpful
Gloria of Coos Bay, OR Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: April 15, 2019I have Avast Premier, Cleanup and SecureLine. SecureLine is working normally. Premier and Cleanup have both been completely out of service for 2 days, starting April 3, 2019. Cleanup simply will not open. Trying to open Premier gets a black square on-screen that says, 'UI failed to load. This is embarrassing. Your protection is running, but the UI is having a really bad day.' Well, this is the 3rd day. What's happening with Avast? Can't find any news stories related to problems at Avast. Is it just me?
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Gloria:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd recommend running a repair to try to resolve the issue. Instructions for this can be found in our website.
If this does not resolve the issue, please contact us privately with your name, Avast account information, and your preferred contact email address so we can work with you directly.
-Avast Team
2 people found this review helpful
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We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.Paweł of Poland Verified Reviewer
Original review: Feb. 1, 2019I'm using free Avast Protection. Recently, Avast has interfered with my computer by replacing Adobe Reader with its Avast Browser for reading PDF files. It has made it impossible to use any other programmes for reading PDF files, preventing me for installing Adobe Reader again and actually making Adobe disappear as an option for reading PDF files. I wonder if it is the company's policy?
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Pawel:
Thank you for reaching out! Our software would not have replaced your existing product with our browser without your permission. There would have been a option when installing our browser to include PDF documents. Please check your default programs list in Windows for the option to switch it back. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact us privately for further assistance and we'll be happy to help!
-Avast Team
5 people found this review helpful
Original review: Nov. 24, 2018Since 2005 I have utilised Avast antivirus free version and later paid, and despite being free, it has protected my computer from virus, malware and recently stopped countless of ransomware attacks that have been going haywire on the Internet line in my area. Reading countless of the negative reviews of this program I can without a doubt say these people have no idea what they are doing, it surprises me they even know how to turn a computer on.
Avast unlike many other AV software I have tested, has successfully managed to isolate viruses and malware even in archived files surprisingly. Another astonishing feature with Avast subsequently missing from vast majority of other AV programs is customisation in the installer letting you decide exactly what you want included and what you want excluded.
Avast AV also gives you good control of settings, all the annoying features can be easily turned off, Avast has always had a good interface which really helps navigating through the various advanced features. Avast not only lets you quick scan but also do complete scans, Avast also includes a boot scan option which will scan your computer before Windows boots, extremely helpful in removing very dangerous threats.
Despite this, Avast will not compromise in safety even on the free version and will constantly give you offers on the paid variant, there no reason not to accept. Avast is also one of the extremely few that STILL supports Windows XP and Vista to this day letting you safely use older computers with Internet connection. As someone who still has to rely on old systems for crucial software support, this is a Godsent gift to not having to worry about ransomware attacking old systems thanks to Avast.
All my clients really like Avast except the annoying pop-up reminding them to buy the software but people having previously had their computers attacked by virus has never had issues after I installed Avast free Antivirus on their systems afterwards. It can without a doubt be said that Avast tops all charts in review sites for best protection, features, user friendliness, and excellent customer service willing to help. It is hard to understand why Avast themselves receive such harsh critique when they are just trying to help, but in reality there is no helping the helpless.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Johnnew:
Thanks for your feedback and for being an awesome Avast customer! We're thrilled to hear you've been pleased with our software!
-Avast Team
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Burr of Camarillo, CA Verified Reviewer
Original review: Aug. 14, 2018I have read all of the reviews for AVAST that were published this year. Although I found a few of them troubling, my experience with AVAST has been efficient and helpful. My observations are that the AVAST program works well for my WIN7-64 bit computer. I don't doubt that AVAST is a complex program, and there could be occasional problems, but I am very satisfied with AVAST.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Burr:
Thank you for your feedback and for choosing Avast for your security needs!
-Avast Team
3 people found this review helpful
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Lindsey of Bakersfield, CA Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 19, 2019
Continuing to charge me despite multiple requests from me, in writing, to cancel my service. Will confirm refund via email, intentionally not reference canceling future charges, and then we're back again with the same problem a few months later. It is not possible to cancel the auto-renew option through their customer portal and you'll be stuck contacting them directly each time to request a refund. Fraudulent practices. Have already spoken with representatives 'Vladimir' and 'Arvin **' and the issue is not resolved.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Lindsey:
Thanks for reaching out! Instructions for canceling your automatic renewal can be found on our website. We will contact you privately with a link to the instructions, but would also like to ensure this gets handled for you. Please forward your full name and contact email address to us (privately) and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
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Raf of Colchester, Other Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 12, 2019Let's start by saying that I have known this company since they first showed up. Used to be a great antivirus but now it's just another ad spreading resource hungry program. On the top of that the program will not let me uninstall it and just keeps on saying that the setup is running. Had to use uninstaller to get rid of it. DO NOT USE.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Raf:
Thank you for your feedback. We designed our software to be light on system resources, so we're concerned to hear you feel it was using more than expected. We'd like to get more details about what you saw and find out whether you tried running a repair, etc. Please contact us privately with more details and we'd be happy to help get it sorted out for you.
-Avast Team
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Customer increased Rating by 1 stars!Resolution In Progress
Kris of Naples, FL Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 11, 2019Updated on 06/12/2019: After completing Avast's survey, they apparently had a change of heart and decided to issue a refund. I appreciate that but still would caution anyone running a new version of Windows Defender to not install Avast.
Original Review: I made the mistake of purchasing a one year subscription to Avast. I have a newer computer with a current version of Windows Defender. Defender has improved to the point where you do not need another antivirus. Once I downloaded the paid version, I started to have trouble with my computer. When waking it up, the hard drive would run continuously for three to five minutes and adware appeared that Avast could not remove. I had to take my machine to the repair shop to get it fixed and was told Avast was the problem. I contacted the company, explained the problem and asked for a refund. But, because it was a few day past my 30 money-back guarantee, they would not refund the money. Bottom line is I would not recommend Avast if you have Defender. I would also not recommend Avast to anyone based on how they blew off my issues. A good company would have been more responsive.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Kris:
Most antivirus products will conflict with each other, potentially leaving you unprotected or cause unusual behavior. If you'd like to still be able to use scanning or any of our other features, clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Enable Passive Mode will allow you to continue to use Defender without further conflicts. Similarly, you also have the option of placing Defender in Passive mode. If you'd prefer a refund, please contact us privately and we'll be happy to help.
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Caryn of Vancouver, WA Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 10, 2019I was wrongly charged for items that I didn't want to purchase. A customer service phone number has been impossible to find. I would like to cancel those charges to my credit card, and stop auto-renew.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Caryn:
We'd be happy to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, email address, the amount of the charges, and for which product(s) so we can get this resolved for you.
-Avast Team
2 people found this review helpful
Bella of Vancouver, BC Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 10, 2019Avast employs increasingly deceitful practices meant to lure users into installing additional or paid versions of Avast software, which results in a horrible service experience for users. Scan results from free antivirus are purposely mixed in with sneaky prompts for money. They have gotten so bad that I frequently receive calls from panicked acquaintances, using free Avast product, sure they got a virus and scared off all the popups (all from Avast antivirus, actually).
Delete Avast Safe Price Browser Extension
I recently installed a FREE DOWNLOAD VPN option. No mention of it being a paid add-on anywhere until after your install succeeds, not on a download page, not on a download instructions page or on setup instructions page. Avast conveniently omitted that it is in fact a paid product from all its marketing and product documentation prior to install. Simply no way of knowing. It is up to the duped user to later try to de-install the program (or try). Viruses behave like this. I am a former IT security officer and I no longer recommend Avast products due to Avast's increasingly deceitful business practices.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Bella:
We're sorry to hear you feel this way! You have the option of adding/removing components such as CleanUp by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Add/Remove Components and checking or unchecking the appropriate selections. While it's true we do notify our customers of our other great products and features, these can be adjusted in our upgraded products by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Personal Privacy and unchecking the corresponding boxes.
-AVG Team
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Arlo of Kingman, KS Verified Reviewer
Original review: June 5, 2019They'll sell you the product but don't tell you that it won't work with McAfee which was pre-installed. Then they want to charge you to uninstall McAfee. Of course, during the 60 day trial when you call 'em they'll make sure that it works but after the 60 day free trial the computer won't do basically anything and now your past the 30 day refund period.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Arlo:
Thanks for reaching out! Most antivirus products will conflict with each other, potentially leaving your system unprotected. McAfee offers instructions on removing their software on their website (they also have an uninstall tool if that process doesn't work for some reason). Once uninstalled, you should be able to successfully install and activate our software. If you have any additional questions, we'd be happy to help you privately.
-Avast Team
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Original review: June 2, 2019While Avast has good Internet security and malware detection, so do other popular free antivirus softwares. Avast has by far the highest false positive virus detection I've ever seen, constantly losing important files due to Avast shoving them into the virus chest and then throwing out errors when I try to restore files. Don't use this, or even worse buy it. It's garbage.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Filip:
Thanks for your feedback! We'd like to help understand what you're seeing so we can better assist you in getting this unusual behavior resolved. Please contact us privately with additional details as well as your full name and subscribed email address and we'll be happy to help!
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 29, 2019I was billed for something I didn’t purchase nor subscribe to. It just showed up on my credit card bill. I have renewed my subscription this year for the VPN and the internet security, but Avast billed me for a 3rd product, which I am even unaware of what that product is.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Isabella:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and a copy of the billing receipt and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
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Customer increased Rating by 3 stars!
Leon of Zagreb, Other Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: May 26, 2019I signed up for the free 30-days trial version of it. I've since uninstalled it and forgot about it. Email came to me about the automatic purchase but I never saw it because it went in spam. 44 days later, I've been wondering why are there 63$ missing on my bank account until I accidentally found the Avast email with the bill. I filed for refund - but their policy is 30 days (unlucky me). I tried to cancel the subscription using the link in the email, but check this. THERE IS NO WAY TO CANCEL THE AUTO RENEWAL IN THE LINK PROVIDED.
You have to search for 20 minutes by trial-and-error to stumble upon help/customer support/subscription/'please cancel auto renewal' to stop it. So no, going to the tab 'my subscriptions' will not help, it's there to fool you, to make you give up. All in all, it's a SHAME that a very big corporate name like Avast is handling their business on such a scammy model, fishing for accidental auto renewals and trying their best to deter people from actually canceling it.
View more 3 people found this review helpful
Original review: May 19, 2019I can't speak for its ability to protect you from viruses. I can only attest to what it's like trying to uninstall it. I never tried to download Avast (free trial), yet somehow it ended up on my desktop (I'm guessing it was downloaded by mistake). I thought it was weird, so I went to delete it, which I didn't have permission to do even though I have admin rights. Tech support was remarkably unhelpful. The software is harder to uninstall than the worst malware I've had to deal with.
I tried changing ownership of the files, ending the processes, deleting from command line, all to no avail. You shouldn't have to force your users to download a separate uninstall tool and boot in safe mode in order to remove your app. It's insane. And the fact that I did all that and still have Avast files on my computer I can't get rid of is infuriating. As a programmer, this whole app is very much not user friendly and has several features I would consider highly invasive. Download at your own risk.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Dan:
Thanks for reaching out! Normally our software can be uninstalled through your Apps and Features menu. Our uninstaller is for the rare instances when this cannot be performed for some reason. We're concerned to hear both methods were unsuccessful and would like to investigate what occurred. Please contact us directly with more details including any error messages, troubleshooting steps, support ticket info, OS firmware version, your full name, and contact email address.
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 17, 2019Well in short I liked Avast despite the insane prices for every aspect of it and of course if you dare miss or forget about the renewal they sign you up for and you quit using them prepare to be robbed out of the blue. Since it takes a year or two it'll come out of nowhere and in your busy life will make you forget about it. Good luck getting a refund and trying to remember your login to stop the renewal. Otherwise they work pretty good about protecting you unless something gets past their software in which case too bad. Figure out how to remove it yourself.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Justin:
Thank you for being an Avast customer in the past. We're glad you were generally pleased with our software's performance, but we're concerned to hear you've had issues with cancelling your automatic renewal and we'd like to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and purchase receipt and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
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Barbara of Winnipeg, MB Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 16, 2019I had a free trial of Avast Premium. I had had the free antivirus from them for some time and had no specific complaints. When I ran the complete scan and cleanup as suggested, IT WIPED MY ENTIRE COMPUTER. Their support line was not helpful in the least. There was no warning during the process that this might happen; it was only supposed to clean up unused stuff on the computer. It took me an entire morning with system restore to get back. Be warned!
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Barbara:
We're sorry to hear you had this experience and can assure you our software wouldn't remove anything other than what was marked in the settings for removal. We would still like to get more information about what happened, though, so we can better assist you. Please contact us directly with additional details.
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 15, 2019I installed Avast because having router problems with a leak through it. I paid for the program but to what you need to use is extra 2.99 here, 2.39, there, 2.99 for other things. And I have had my computer slowed down to almost a standstill. Every time I sign off I have to restart the program. It has a lot of flaws and people are still getting through to my computer. So what do I get for what I paid for if nothing works.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Wanda:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to get more information about the issue you're experiencing and which of our software products you purchased so we can better address your concerns. Please contact us privately with additional details.
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 10, 2019After scanning my computer, I have to click on 'resolve' to fix all computer 'trash' (registry error, junk files, etc.). But when I click on it, it requires an purchase-need upgrade to fix it. So it seem to be very, very useless to download Avast for free, I have to pay for 'full version and fix'. I hope you'll know this and try to find a solution for this.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Leanhewitt:
Thank you for reaching out! We'd like to help clear up any confusion. Our antivirus software comes with a free trial of our system optimization software, Cleanup; upgrading is entirely optional. If preferred, you can safely remove it by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Add/Remove Components. We assure you our powerful core antivirus engine will continue to protect you for free for as long as our software is installed on your system.
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 9, 2019I brought Avast antivirus and installed it for free and then after 60 days Avast charged me according to the conditions. Yet I decided to resign and get a refund and now the problems started, I seemingly don't exist in the database, Avast keeps sending me the same mail with the request of more data which won't help as it wasn't given during the purchase. I'm disappointed and neglected, if that's how they treat customers then I'm sure I don't want your products.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Przemyslaw:
While we're sorry to see you go, we'd like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your full name, email address, purchase receipt, and any support ticket reference numbers you may have received so we can better assist you.
-Avast Team
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Original review: May 7, 2019Factual? Oh yes! I accidentally ordered two cleaners from Avast for my new tablet. I saw on my card that I was doubled billed. On Avast site they have an option for refunds and accidentally ordering two, I checked that option. A day went by, I requested it again. 2 days, then the weekend went by. I started an email requesting a refund but by now I'm ticked because they don't have the decency to say A WORD, so I now want BOTH refunded.
And I told them previously I hadn't yet activated anything, still haven't! My last correspondence to AVAST was telling them I hadn't found a page yet to view my HORRIBLE experience with them but that I would KEEP LOOKING.. AND WAA LAAA, I FOUND ONE. It has been 4 business days and NOTHING from them. Phones don't exist for AVAST, just AVAST suppliers and if I HAVE TO I will BUG everyone of THEM.
ASUS loads AVAST on their products so THEY ARE next on my list. It's sad to think that these types of people are ALLOWED to rip people off.. No one is WATCHING THEM, they WATCH US though. Big brother crap. Sick big brother on them. Well, I'm here to say that I'm like a Pitbull NIPPING at their heels and WON'T STOP until I get a chunk of their backside and GET MY MONEY $$$$.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Christina:
Unfortunately, each contact request would have been linked to the previous ones to avoid duplicates in our system, and subsequently would have moved you to the end of the queue again. We apologize for the inconvenience and would like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your email address, full name, and purchase information and we'll be happy to help.
-Avast Team
2 people found this review helpful
Original review: May 2, 2019I was charged for two products this morning from Avast due to the auto-renewal. I have submitted refund requests for the two orders and I got a request ref no. for both. However, in the acknowledgment notification, it says 'you can expect to get in touch shortly via the e-mail you provided'. After that, I haven't received any e-mail from them. Also, there is no one you can reach or a webpage where you can check the progress of the refund request. Any help in this regard will be appreciated.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Hani:
Refunds can take up to 10-14 days once approved and issued. If you'd like us to reach out to our escalation team to help get additional information for you, we would be happy to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, both request reference numbers, the amounts charged, and for which products.
-Avast Team
Be the first one to find this review helpful
Original review: May 1, 2019They took two payments for the Avast cleanup program, they refunded one payment but in doing so they also cancelled my account so after numerous emails trying to explain I'm still waiting for for the second payment to be refunded, they say it's been refunded nowhere to be seen on my credit card statements, if anyone qualified from Avast customer service can investigate that would be ok but do not ask me to send anymore emails. I'm done with Avast.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Fred:
Thanks for reaching out! Please send us your full name and contact email address privately and we'll be happy to look into this for you.
-Avast Team
Be the first one to find this review helpful
Original review: April 29, 2019I did not renew my subscription for the Avast products on my computer. The anti virus software stopped working and could not get it to work so I removed the software from my computer. After deleting the software and rebooting the computer as required the several programs I have been using years would not. Glary Utilities for example now cannot be launched. Also took most of a day to get the computer to run after removing Avast. I don't recommend this software.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Darrel:
Removing our software should not have affected any of your other programs. It's possible whatever was preventing ours from working may have also had a negative impact on your other software. To ensure our software has been completely removed please visit our website for instructions.
We would still like to look into the issues you experienced so we can better assist you. Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and additional details.
-Avast Teams
2 people found this review helpful
Marcella of Sun Valley, CA Verified Reviewer
Original review: April 26, 2019Updated on 06/28/2019: I am still waiting for Avast Antivirus to refund the money they wrongfully took from my bank account on 4/10/19. I specified not to do automatic payment withdrawals, and they did it anyway setting me back more than $59.99. I have since cancelled services from them. I wrote a review here weeks ago. They contacted me and said they would put a rush on resolving this issue. I am still waiting. They insist upon paying me back with PayPal, who isn't accepting their payments for my account even though they did a direct withdrawal when they took this money from my bank account. It seems that they may be stalling in the hopes that I will give up and go away. I cannot believe the unprofessionalism of this company over $59.99, which they owe me and how they treat their customers.
Original Review: I had instructed them not to automatically charge my account for renewals. They charged PayPal, without my consent, which then went through to my bank. I did not expect the debit, as there was no prior billing information sent to me from Avast about the transaction. Both PayPal and my bank denied the reversal of the transaction.
When I finally reached someone in customer service at Avast, by email, they said they would not give me a refund until I presented proof that PayPal had cancelled my dispute with them. I presented that proof to them by email, and have not heard anything from them. A similar incident happened to me before with them. I finally got it resolved, and gave them a benefit of the doubt. I feel that they are mainly interested in taking money from my account. I understand that they are based in the Czech Republic.. Interesting!
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Marcella:
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Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to help! The default option to ensure our customers don't see a break in service is for automatic renewal. This box must be unchecked during your initial installation. Instructions for canceling your subscription can be found on our website.
Please contact us directly with your full name and contact email address so we can ensure this gets resolved for you.
-Avast Team
2 people found this review helpful
E of Sherwood Park, AB Verified Reviewer
Original review: April 17, 2019At&t internet security mcafee download. I received an email telling me I had been given a free upgrade to Cleanup Premium. When I went to use it I was asked to pay 29.99$ (not free). I contacted customer service and here is their reply.. 'We understand that the email is poorly worded, and are working on improving it.” Here is the poorly worded email - 'I’m Martin **, product expert for Avast Cleanup Premium. You’ve been given a free upgrade to the all-new, most powerful PC optimization tool from Avast, and I’m very pleased to introduce you to your new product.' Seems pretty well worded to me.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, E:
We would like to investigate as this is not our standard practice. Please contact us privately with the phone number you called or website you visited when you contacted customer service, your full name, and a contact email address.
-Avast Team
3 people found this review helpful
Original review: April 16, 2019Avast makes it extremely difficult to cancel my annual subscriptions. I never had this happen with any other software subscriptions that I have used. Who the heck need to call tech support just to cancel their subscription? There is no button to cancel subscriptions in your subscriptions console. Extremely poor user experience. Stick to free Avast if you must use Avast, but do NOT pay for any of the licenses or they won't let you off.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, S:
We're sorry to see you go, but are happy to help get this resolved for you. Cancelling your subscription can be performed following the instructions listed on our website.
If you have any additional questions, please let us know!
-Avast Team
3 people found this review helpful
Robert of Boca Raton, FL Verified Reviewer
Original review: April 9, 2019I knew that my renewal period was coming up in 24 hours. I couldn't remember my password, when I tried to reset it using the email that they spam almost daily, it told me there was a problem with my account. I then explicitly un-installed the trial version on internet security and installed the free version. This morning I got an email -to the email account that they said yesterday had a problem - that told me they 'upgraded my free version, installed the pay version and that I had been billed $59.99!!!! I immediately sent them an email telling them to cancel and refund my money. They refused.
I have been using Avast on 15-20 PC's in business as well as my laptop (in this instance, it was for my laptop) and home desktop. Long story short, I've already cancelled the card they had on file and filed a dispute on these charges. These scammers will NEVER see another $.01 from my business or home. The fact that they 'upgraded' the free version ON MY PC without my authorization or consent is criminal. Idiots. I'll post again as the dispute progresses.
View more Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Robert:
Thanks for reaching out! As our customers may need to uninstall our software for a variety of reasons, subscriptions must be manually cancelled here: https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/Cancel-Digital-River-auto-renewal
Please contact us privately with your full name, purchase information, and contact email address and we would be happy to help get this resolved for you.
-Avast Team
3 people found this review helpful
Original review: April 8, 2019I just received an email about being charged $50 for my virus scanner. They give me some so-called order information with the option to cancel, but when I get to it there is NOTHING there to change any account information. I don't even remember ordering this damn subscription. I only wanted a free version. Avast's business practices is very dishonest. Not sure if it would be considered fraudulent, but it sure seems very borderline.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Paul:
If you elected for a free trial of our upgraded software, it needs to be cancelled prior to the end of the trial period to avoid being charged. Instructions for this can be found here: https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/Cancel-Digital-River-auto-renewal
If you have any additional questions, we'd be happy to help! Contact us privately with your full name and contact email address and a description of the issue.
-Avast Team
4 people found this review helpful
Original review: April 7, 2019I subscribed to several Avast products in April, 2018. By July I had enough of the weird problems; freezes, slowness, etc. I de-installed all except the advanced cleaner, and asked for a refund, but was outside the refund window, so was stuck. I cancelled my renewal of the one product left on March 23, 2019. Today, April 7, I got hit with TWO auto renewals, one for $65.03 and one for $86.71 - wow! No warning either. Disputing with CC company and dropped a complaint to their tech support with Cancellation confirmation attached. I'm done with Avast as soon as this is resolved.
Avast Antivirus response
Hi, Michael:
Thanks for reaching out! As our customers have a variety of reasons they need to uninstall our software, this process needs to be done manually. To cancel your subscriptions, please visit us at: https://support.avast.com/en-us/article/Cancel-Digital-River-auto-renewal
If you require further assistance, please reach out to us privately with your full name, contact email address, and purchase/cancellation information and we would be happy to help!
3 people found this review helpful
Have you recently noticed an Avast SafePrice extension on your PC? Once installed, it can interrupt your browsing experience and may become difficult to remove completely from your computer and browser.
This article will teach you how to get rid of this plugin so that it doesn’t leave any traces behind.
Contents
- How do you get rid of this browser add-on? Complete removal guide for Avast SafePrice
What is the Avast SafePrice plugin?
The Avast SafePrice browser add-on offers best prices, coupons, and deals for online shoppers. The plugin is powered by Avast and it’s absolutely free to use.
Some of the reasons you may want to use this plugin are below.
1. It gives you the best prices for the item you want to buy
2. You can see various coupons that you can use while shopping online
3. It gives you access to amazing online shopping deals
4. You save money while shopping online
5. It installs in your browser to make it easy for you to access Avast SafePrice without leaving your browser
6. It’s unintrusive, which means it will disappear when you are not shopping online
How do you use the Avast SafePrice plugin?
To use the Avast SafePrice plugin, simply follow the easy steps below.
1. This plugin installs automatically in your Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome browsers when you install Avast Antivirus as part of a security package
2. If you have installed SafeZone Browser from Avast, this plugin is installed in the browser by default
3. You can also install it manually by going to this link (Google Chrome) and this link (Firefox)
4. Now go to your favorite online store
5. Search for the item you want to buy
6. It will automatically give you the best prices, deals, and coupons for the item you searched for
7. Click on a coupon or deal that you like
8. It will direct you to the page where you can finish your purchase at the discounted price
9. Complete the purchase
That’s it. Using this browser plugin is that simple.
What kind of coverage does it provide?
Avast SafePrice is a relatively new plugin. As a result, it only provides prices and deals from a few selected online shops.
This plugin is continually working to increase the number of supported shops. If the plugin doesn’t provide a price comparison or deals for a particular product, it could be due to the following reasons.
1. You are already seeing the lowest price for the product
2. The product has an extended delivery period
3. The item is currently out of stock
4. The plugin couldn’t identify the item you are trying to buy
5. The online store you are visiting isn’t part of the SafePrice catalogue
In the future, you can expect this plugin to include more online stores, making it a very good option for online shoppers.
How do you get it on your computer?
You can get this add-on two different ways.
1. As part of the Avast Antivirus app
2. With freeware you downloaded from the Internet
When you install Avast Antivirus or update the app, it includes this plugin for your browser. Although you can choose not to install it, many users don’t notice it. They just keep clicking the Next button during installation and give Avast the permission to install this add-on in their browsers.
Is Avast SafePrice a virus?
Many users panic when they see this plug-in installed in their browser without them ever installing it manually. But it’s a part of Avast so it’s not a virus.
Unfortunately, this add-on falls under the category of adware and malware and you might want to remove it from your browser.
It interrupts your browsing experience, displays ads and steals your information in order to provide relevant ads and price comparisons. If you are concerned about your privacy, you don’t want this add-on to be running in your browser.
Here is what it can do to your browser and computer when it’s installed and enabled.
1. Change your default search engine
2. Change your default homepage
3. Alter the browser’s new tab settings
4. Automatically update the Avast software package
5. Allow publisher cookies to be stored on your computer
6. Change default error pages in your browser
7. Display pop-up ads
How do you get rid of this browser add-on? Complete removal guide for Avast SafePrice
As discussed earlier, this extension falls into ‘gray’ area. If you are concerned about your privacy, you should remove it. Here is the complete removal guide for the Avast SafePrice browser extension.
1. Remove Avast SafePrice from Windows using your Control Panel
When you have installed Avast SafePrice on your computer, willingly or accidently, you have to remove it from the Control Panel. If you have ever removed any program from your computer using Apps & Features, you know what to do. If this is your first time, follow the simple instructions below.
a) Click the Start button on your Taskbar
b) Now locate the Control Panel and open it
c) Alternatively, you can right-click on the Start button and choose ‘Control Panel’ from the context-menu
d) Once you have opened Control Panel, locate Apps & Features
e) For Windows 10 users, go to Start > Settings > System to find Apps & Features
f) In Apps & Features, click on the program you want to uninstall (Avast SafePrice in this case)
g) When you click the app, you will see the option to uninstall it
h) Click Uninstall to remove Avast SafePrice from your computer
Simply follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
2. Remove it from Mozilla FireFox browser
After you have removed this malicious app from your Windows, it’s time to remove its attachments from your browsers as well. Let’s start with Mozilla Firefox.
a) Open Menu>Add-on in Firefox
b) Find the Avast SafePrice extension in the list of add-ons
c) Click on Remove next to the name of the extension
d) Wait a second while Firefox removes this add-on from your browser
e) Restart your browser
3. Remove it from Google Chrome
For Chrome users, the steps to remove this extension are below. Follow them to get rid of any remaining traces of this malicious shopping add-on from Avast Security.
a) Click the Customize option in the upper right-hand corner of Google Chrome (represented by three horizontal lines)
b) Now take your mouse to More Tools to expand additional options
c) You should be able to see Extensions here
d) Click it to open the Chrome Extensions page in your browser
e) Alternatively, you can open the Extensions page in Google Chrome by simply typing the following address into your browser:
Chrome://extensions
Chrome://extensions
f) Search for this extension
g) Click the extension when found
h) Click the delete icon (trashcan) to remove this plugin from your browser
i) Restart your Chrome browser
4. Remove it from Internet Explorer
If you are an Internet Explorer user, here is how to easily get rid of this extension.
a) Click on the Tools icon in the upper right-hand corner of your browser
b) You should see an option to Manage add-ons
c) Click this option
d) Search or manually locate the malicious add-on
e) Click the add-on and select Disable from the menu
f) Wait a few seconds while your browser removes this extension
g) Restart the browser
Now you have removed the extension and its files from all your browsers. However, you still have some work to do as this add-on modified some settings in your browser at the time of installation. You want to reverse these settings to their default state in order to fully restore your computer back to normal.
5. Reset your browser to fix the Homepage and other hacks
This is the final step. Once you have reset your browser, you will not see any traces of this extension.
Here’s how to do it for different browsers.
Here’s how to do it for different browsers.
Google Chrome
a) Go to the Chrome Menu by clicking the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of your browser
b) Select Settings
c) Once you are on the Settings page, scroll to the bottom and locate Advanced Settings
d) Click on Advanced Settings to expand more options
e) At the bottom, you will see the Reset Settings option
f) Click it
g) Now wait for your browser to do some background work before it resets itself and restarts
Mozilla Firefox
a) Click on the Menu in the upper right-hand corner of the Firefox browser
b) Go to Help from the Menu
c) Click on Troubleshooting Information
d) Alternatively, type the following into your address bar and press the Enter key to get to the Troubleshooting page
about:support
about:support
e) You will see an option to refresh Firefox here
f) Click this option and wait for your browser to refresh and reset
Internet Explorer
a) Open your browser and go to Options by clicking the ‘gear’ icon from in the upper right-hand corner
b) Now click on Internet Options
c) A dialogue box will appear
d) Now click on the Advanced tab
e) Under the Advanced tab, find the Reset button and click it
f) Now you will see a dialogue box asking you to select further options before you reset your browser
g) Select “Delete Personal Settings” and then hit the Reset button
h) Close your browser
When you open your browser again, everything will be back to normal as it was when you first used your Internet browser.
Avast SafePrice invades your privacy and interrupts your browsing experience. I hope you were able to remove this malicious plug-in from Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer using this removal guide.
When you update Avast next time, be sure to carefully read everything and remember to uncheck the option to install any extensions.