How to Fix Can’t End Avast Process on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, when you try to close Avast on your Windows 11 computer, the process just won’t end. This can be frustrating if you want to stop the program quickly or troubleshoot other issues.

Avast is designed to protect your PC at all times, so it tries to stay running in the background. However, there are ways to safely stop it when needed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and detailed steps to fix the problem of not being able to end the Avast process on Windows 11.

By following these instructions, you can manage Avast processes without causing harm to your system.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure you have administrator rights on your Windows 11 PC. Some actions need admin access to work.
Check if Avast is actively scanning or updating. Ending the process during these tasks can cause issues.
Have a backup of important files, just in case you need to restart or reinstall software.
Remember that stopping Avast means your computer might be temporarily unprotected from threats.

Step 1: Use Task Manager to End Avast Process

The easiest way to stop any running program is through Task Manager. Here’s how:

Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together on your keyboard.
Find Avast Processes: In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab. Scroll down to find any processes named Avast or Avast Antivirus.
End the Process: Click on the Avast process to select it, then click the End task button at the bottom right.
Confirm: If a confirmation pops up, choose to end the process.

Why this step matters: Task Manager allows you to force-close programs that are not responding or stuck. However, Avast may restart automatically after this.

Step 2: Disable Avast from System Tray

Avast runs in the system tray (bottom right corner of your screen). You can try disabling it temporarily:

Locate Avast Icon: Click the up arrow (^) near the clock to see hidden icons.
Right-Click Avast Icon: Right-click on the Avast icon.
Choose Avast Shields Control: From the menu, select an option like Disable for 10 minutes or Disable until computer restart.
Confirm: A warning may appear about disabling protection; accept to proceed.

Why this step matters: Disabling Avast shields stops its active protection and related processes temporarily, which can help when you want to perform other tasks.

Step 3: Stop Avast Service via Services Panel

If Avast processes keep running despite your attempts, stopping the service manually can help:

Open Services: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter.
Find Avast Service: Scroll through the list and locate services named Avast Antivirus or similar.
Stop the Service: Right-click the Avast service and select Stop.
Set Startup Type: For temporary stopping, leave it as is. To prevent it from auto-starting, right-click, choose Properties, and set Startup type to Manual or Disabled.

Why this step matters: Avast runs as a Windows service to maintain protection. Stopping the service ensures all Avast-related processes end.

Step 4: Use Avast’s Built-In Uninstall Utility

If you want to remove Avast completely or fix corrupted files, using Avast’s uninstall utility is recommended:

Download Avast Uninstall Utility: Visit Avast’s official website and download the Avast Clear tool.
Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and boot into Safe Mode (press Shift + Restart from the power menu).
Run Avast Clear: Open the downloaded tool and follow on-screen instructions to remove Avast completely.
Restart: Once done, restart your PC normally.

Why this step matters: Sometimes Avast files become corrupted or stuck, and a clean uninstall can fix issues related to processes not ending.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

Use Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type taskkill /F /IM avastsvc.exe to force stop Avast service.
Check for Malware: Sometimes malware can mimic Avast processes. Use Windows Defender to scan your system.
Update Avast: Running an outdated version can cause bugs. Open Avast and update it to the latest version.

FAQs

Why can’t I end Avast process from Task Manager?

Avast runs as a protected service to keep your PC safe. Windows restricts ending some critical processes to prevent security risks.

Is it safe to disable Avast temporarily?

Disabling Avast temporarily is generally safe for short periods, but your computer becomes vulnerable to threats during that time.

What if Avast restarts after I end the process?

Avast has auto-restart features. To fully stop it, you need to disable the service or use Avast’s own settings to pause protection.

Can I uninstall Avast without losing my data?

Yes, uninstalling Avast only removes the antivirus software. Your personal data and files remain safe.

How do I reinstall Avast after uninstalling?

Download the latest Avast installer from the official website and follow the installation steps.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions work, you might be facing a deeper system issue or corrupted Avast installation. In such cases:

Contact Avast support via their official website for professional help.
Consider resetting Windows 11 settings or performing a system restore to a point before Avast issues began.
Check Windows Event Viewer for errors related to Avast to identify system conflicts.

Conclusion

Ending the Avast process on Windows 11 can seem tricky because of its protective design. Starting with simple methods like Task Manager and system tray options often solves the issue.

If Avast keeps running, stopping the service or using the uninstall utility provides more control. Always remember to re-enable protection or reinstall Avast to keep your PC secure.

By carefully following these steps, you can manage Avast processes safely without harming your computer’s security or stability.