How to Fix Avast Not Working on Windows 7: Step-by-Step Solutions

Avast antivirus is a popular choice for protecting Windows 7 computers from malware and viruses. However, sometimes Avast may stop working properly or fail to open. This can leave your system vulnerable and cause frustration.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix Avast not working on Windows 7. These solutions range from basic troubleshooting to more advanced fixes.

This guide will walk you through each step clearly and in detail, so you can get Avast running smoothly again. No complicated jargon, just easy-to-follow instructions.

Let’s start by making sure you have everything ready before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before you begin troubleshooting, take a moment to confirm these basic points. They can save you time and help identify the problem quickly.

Check your internet connection. Avast often requires online access to update virus definitions and function correctly.
Make sure your Windows 7 is up to date. Some Avast features depend on system updates.
Verify that Avast is installed properly. Partial or corrupted installations can cause issues.
Close conflicting programs. Other antivirus or firewall software might interfere with Avast.
Restart your computer. A simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.

Step 1: Restart Avast Antivirus Service

Avast runs as a background service on your Windows 7 system. Sometimes, this service can stop working or crash, causing Avast to become unresponsive.

Restarting the Avast service often resolves this issue:

Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Avast Antivirus or Avast Service.
Right-click on it and select Restart. If the option is greyed out, choose Start instead.
Close the Services window and check if Avast opens and works properly.

Why this helps: Restarting the service refreshes Avast’s background processes and can clear minor errors.

Step 2: Update Avast to the Latest Version

Outdated versions of Avast may not work correctly, especially on older Windows 7 systems. Updates include bug fixes and improvements.

To update Avast:

Open Avast (if possible).
Click on Menu (top-right corner) and select Settings.
Go to the Update tab.
You will see two update options: one for the virus definitions and one for the program itself.
Click Check for updates for both sections and allow Avast to download and install updates.
Restart your computer after updating.

Why this helps: Updates fix known bugs and improve Avast’s compatibility with Windows 7.

Step 3: Run Avast Repair from Control Panel

If Avast still isn’t working, its installation might be corrupted. Repairing the installation can fix missing or damaged files.

Here’s how to do it:

Click on the Start menu and open Control Panel.
Select Programs and Features (or Add or Remove Programs).
Find Avast Antivirus in the list.
Right-click on Avast and choose Change or Repair.
In the Avast setup window, select Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the repair is complete, restart your computer.

Why this helps: Repairing restores essential files and registry entries needed for Avast to function properly.

Step 4: Check for Conflicting Software

Running multiple antivirus programs at the same time can cause conflicts that stop Avast from working.

To check and resolve conflicts:

Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
Look for any other antivirus or security software installed, such as Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton, etc.
If you find any, uninstall them one by one.
After uninstalling, restart your computer and try opening Avast again.

Why this helps: Antivirus programs can interfere with each other, causing Avast to malfunction.

Step 5: Perform a Clean Reinstallation of Avast

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Avast from scratch may be necessary.

Follow these detailed instructions:

Download the Avast Uninstall Utility from Avast’s official site.
Run the utility in Safe Mode to completely remove Avast:

Restart your computer.
Before Windows loads, press F8 repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
Run the Avast Uninstall Utility and follow prompts to remove Avast.

After removal, restart your computer normally.
Download the latest Avast installer from the official website: https://www.avast.com.
Install Avast and follow the setup instructions carefully.
Restart your computer once installation is complete.

Why this helps: A clean reinstall removes corrupted files and resets Avast to a fresh state.

Advanced Option: Check Windows 7 System Files

Sometimes Avast issues can be caused by corrupted Windows system files.

To check and repair system files:

Click Start and type cmd in the search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the black command window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the system file checker to scan and repair any corrupted files. This may take several minutes.
Restart your computer after the process finishes.

Why this helps: Fixing corrupted system files can improve overall stability and allow Avast to work properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t Avast open on my Windows 7 computer?

This can happen due to a frozen Avast service, outdated software, or conflicts with other antivirus programs. Restarting the service or updating Avast usually fixes this.

Is Avast compatible with Windows 7?

Yes, Avast still supports Windows 7, but it’s important to keep both the antivirus and Windows updated for best performance.

Can I run Avast alongside Windows Defender?

It is not recommended to run multiple antivirus programs simultaneously. Windows Defender should be disabled when Avast is installed to avoid conflicts.

How do I know if Avast is working properly?

Avast’s icon should appear in the system tray, and the main program window should open without errors. You can also run a quick scan to test functionality.

What if Avast shows error messages during update?

Try restarting your computer, checking your internet connection, and running Avast as administrator. If errors persist, repairing or reinstalling Avast may help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Avast still does not work on your Windows 7 system, consider these final options:

Contact Avast Support: Visit the official Avast support page for personalized help: https://support.avast.com.
Check for Malware: Use another trusted malware removal tool to scan your system for infections that might block Avast.
Upgrade Your Operating System: Windows 7 is outdated and no longer receives security updates. Upgrading to Windows 10 or later can improve antivirus compatibility.
Try Alternative Antivirus Software: If Avast continues to fail, consider using other reputable antivirus programs compatible with Windows 7.

Conclusion

Avast not working on Windows 7 can be frustrating but is usually fixable with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by restarting the Avast service and updating the software. If problems persist, repairing the installation or performing a clean reinstall often resolves deeper issues.

Checking for conflicts and repairing system files can also help. Always keep your antivirus and Windows updated for the best security.

If all else fails, reaching out to Avast support or considering an OS upgrade might be necessary. Following these steps carefully will help you restore Avast’s protection and keep your computer safe.