Unlike most other antiviruses, removing the Avira package from the computer so that it does not leave a trace is not so simple. This is mainly due to the specifics of the software itself, since it integrates a huge number of additional modules into the system. So, in the problem of how to remove the Avira antivirus from the computer completely, you don’t have to rely on the system’s own funds. However, you can use them, although it seems very impractical.
How to remove Avira antivirus from a computer completely if it is not deleted?
Although the standard uninstallation looks rather complicated and long, it still needs to be considered. Such knowledge may come in handy when uninstalling other similar software products.
First, we use the standard section of programs and components, which can be found in the usual "Control Panel". It would seem that you just need to select the application and click the delete button. But not so simple. The fact is that the free version additionally installs several more modules in the system: Launcher, Browser Safety and System SpeedUp (depending on the product modification, other components may be present).
In such a situation, the question of how to completely remove Avira from the computer, at the first stage comes down to uninstalling the antivirus itself. There should not be any difficulties.
The second action will be the removal of add-ons. The first to uninstall System SpeedUp. In the uninstallation window, it is necessary to check the boxes opposite the lines for deleting backup copies, program settings and license data. It is important! Otherwise, getting rid of the package will not work completely.
In the same way, we get rid of the Browser Safety add-on and all other modules (if any), and only then proceed to the Launcher removal. He is the last to be deleted! It is imperative to use just this removal order. If the above components are not removed before, when you try to uninstall the latter, you will receive a message that Launcher is busy with other Avira software.
Removing residual files and directories
But this is only half the battle. Now the problem of how to completely remove Avira from the computer, as an intermediate solution involves the removal of residual elements.
First you need to boot the computer in Safe Mode, go to the Program Files (x86) directory for 32-bit systems or Program Files for 64-bit systems in the system partition and find the program directory there. It is usually called Avira.
You need to rename it (you can just add a few digits to the main name). Then the system needs to be rebooted again, again, in Safe Mode. Only then can the renamed directory be deleted.
Further, in the question of how to remove the Avira antivirus from the computer completely, the next step is to enable the display of hidden directories and files through the view menu, then find the ProgramData folder and get rid of the antivirus directory. After removal, you can reboot and clean the registry.
How to remove Avira antivirus from a computer completely (Windows 7)?
Of course, at this stage, you can manually clean the registry by specifying the name of the remote antivirus in the search, followed by getting rid of all the keys found. However, it is better to download a proprietary utility called Avira RegistryCleaner from the official website of the developer.
In it, you need to click the Scan button (Scan for keys), at the end of the process in the confirmation window, click the OK button, check the box next to the Select all line and click the Delete key.
If we talk about manual search, the question of how to completely remove Avira from the computer in terms of getting rid of the test key is to go to the Classes folder in the registry through the HKLM branch and the SOFTWARE section, in which you need to find the entry shown in the image above and remove it, followed by a restart of the system.
Using uninstallers
However, as practice shows, the use of special programs will be a much simpler solution to the problem of how to completely remove Avira from a computer. Of these, two of the most powerful can be distinguished: iObit Uninstaller and Revo Uninstaller.
Consider the second utility. After starting the program, select the antivirus icon and press the delete button, followed by a standard uninstall. Then we return to the application window and select the advanced scan for the presence of residual components. All found objects are subject to deletion (you need to select them and press the corresponding clear button).
Upon completion of the procedure, the system should be completely rebooted, after which it is advisable to “clean it up,” for example, using the CCleaner package or any other optimizer. As you can see, the problem of how to remove the Avira antivirus from the computer (Windows 7) is completely solved, it is difficult to solve, so you will have to show patience and perseverance.