PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Computers
Computer Viruses
Computer Virus Protection
How to Disable Avast Antivirus Download Article Written by Travis Boylls
Last Updated: November 16, 2025
Download Article
Using the System Tray Icon
|
Using Avast Settings
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 162,359 times. Learn more...
If you don't want to completely uninstall Avast, you can disable its features temporarily or permanently using the icon in the System Tray or using the Avast app itself. This wikiHow teaches you how to disable Avast Antivirus.
Things You Should Know
You can disable Avast Antivirus if you don't want to uninstall it.
Right-click the Avast icon in your system tray to disable "shields control".
When using Avast settings, you'll need to navigate to "Protection" to disable "Core Shields".
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using the System Tray Icon
Download Article
1 Right-click on the Avast icon in the System Tray. It's in the lower-right corner by default. It resembles an orange splat with an "a" in the middle. Right-click this icon to display a pop-up menu.
If you don't see the Avast icon in the System Tray, click the icon that resembles a bracket pointing up in the lower-right corner to display more System Tray icons.
2 Hover over "Avast Shields Control." It's the second option in the pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the Avast Antivirus icon in the System Tray. Advertisement
3 Choose how long you want Avast to be disabled: You have four options you can choose from. They are as follows:
Disable for 10 minutes.
Disable for 1 hour.
Disable until computer is restarted.
Disable permanently.
4 Click Ok, Stop. It's the green button in the pop-up alert. This disables Avast Antivirus.
To enable Avast Antivirus again, right-click the Avast icon in the System Tray. Then hover over "Avast Shields Control" and click Enable all shields.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Using Avast Settings
Download Article
1 Open Avast. It has an icon that resembles an orange splat with a lower-case "a" in the middle. You can either double-click the Avast icon on your desktop or Start menu or double-click the Avast icon in the System Tray.
2 Click ☰ Menu. It's the icon with three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner of the Avast main window. This displays the menu.
3 Click Settings. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear. This displays the Settings menu.
4 Click Protection. It's the second option in the panel to the left. It has an icon that resembles a lock. This displays the Protection menu.
5 Click Core Shields. It's the second option in the panel to the left. This displays the settings menu for the shields that block viruses and malware in real-time.
6 Click the toggle switch next to "Core Shields." It's at the top of the page. This disables all shields that provide Avast virus protection.
Alternatively, you can disable individual shields. To do so, scroll down and click the File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, or Mail Shield tab. Then uncheck the checkbox at the top of the menu below the tab to disable the shield.
7 Choose how long you want to disable Avast Antivirus. You have four options you can choose from. They are as follows:
Disable for 10 minutes.
Disable for 1 hour.
Disable until computer is restarted.
Disable permanently.
8 Click Ok, Stop. It's the green button in the pop-up alert. This disables Avast Antivirus.
To enable Avast again, follow these steps to return to the "Core Shields" in the Avast app. Then click the toggle switch at the top to reenable Avast Antivirus.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do I reenable it? Bhoimus Top Answerer To enable Avast again, follow these above steps to get to the "Core Shields" in the Avast app. Then click the toggle switch at the top to reenable the antivirus. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Do not turn off shields or disable Avast if you do not know, what you are doing. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
Never confirm disabling Avast shields if you are not doing it intentionally because some malware can ask you to disable Avast. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
7 Ways to Disable Virus Protection on Your ComputerHow toDisable AVG2 Easy Ways to Disable Norton Antivirus on Your ComputerQuick & Easy Guide to Turn Off McAfee (PC, Mac, Mobile App, & Extensions)How toDownload and Install Avast! Free AntivirusHow to Disable Firewall ProtectionHow toTurn Off Mcafee Endpoint SecurityTurn Off Microsoft Defender in Windows 10: Temporarily or Permanently6 Simple Ways to Uninstall AVG on Your ComputerHow to Disable Your Ad BlockerHow toDisable Norton Safe Web5 Easy Ways to Turn Off AdBlock on Browsers and DevicesHow toDisable Windows 7 FirewallHow to Block Ads - Choices for Browsers, iPhone, Android Advertisement
About This Article
Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 162,359 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 10Updated: November 16, 2025 Views: 162,359 Categories: Computer Virus ProtectionArticle SummaryX
1. Right-click the Avast icon in the System Tray. 2. Hover over "Avast shields control." 3. Click one of the options for how long you want to disable Avast for. 4. Click Ok, Stop. Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languagesJapanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,359 times.
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: November 16, 2025 Views: 162,359
Quizzes & Games
Guess the Valorant Agent QuizTake QuizWhich Valorant Agent Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizHow You Can Discover HappinessTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
7 Ways to Disable Virus Protection on Your ComputerHow toDisable AVG2 Easy Ways to Disable Norton Antivirus on Your ComputerQuick & Easy Guide to Turn Off McAfee (PC, Mac, Mobile App, & Extensions)
Featured Articles
How toMake a Paper AirplaneHow toLearn Morse CodeHow toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller
Trending Articles
Do I Have Main Character Energy?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics Quiz
Featured Articles
What Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz
Featured Articles
160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family MembersHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument
Watch Articles
How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?How to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursThe Ultimate Guide to Fingerprint Patterns & How to Analyze ThemDo I Belong In Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?
Quizzes & Games
What's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizWhat Genshin Character Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's My Homestuck Classpect QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Computers
Computer Viruses
Computer Virus Protection
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help:
Tech troubles got you down? We've got the tips you need
Download Article Written by Travis Boylls 
Advertisement 
Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 162,359 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 10 Updated: November 16, 2025 Views: 162,359 Categories: Computer Virus Protection Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
634 
1 Right-click on the Avast icon in the System Tray. It's in the lower-right corner by default. It resembles an orange splat with an "a" in the middle. Right-click this icon to display a pop-up menu. 
2 Hover over "Avast Shields Control." It's the second option in the pop-up menu that appears when you right-click the Avast Antivirus icon in the System Tray. Advertisement 
3 Choose how long you want Avast to be disabled: You have four options you can choose from. They are as follows: 
4 Click Ok, Stop. It's the green button in the pop-up alert. This disables Avast Antivirus. 
1 Open Avast. It has an icon that resembles an orange splat with a lower-case "a" in the middle. You can either double-click the Avast icon on your desktop or Start menu or double-click the Avast icon in the System Tray. 
2 Click ☰ Menu. It's the icon with three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner of the Avast main window. This displays the menu. 
3 Click Settings. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear. This displays the Settings menu. 
4 Click Protection. It's the second option in the panel to the left. It has an icon that resembles a lock. This displays the Protection menu. 
5 Click Core Shields. It's the second option in the panel to the left. This displays the settings menu for the shields that block viruses and malware in real-time. 
6 Click the toggle switch next to "Core Shields." It's at the top of the page. This disables all shields that provide Avast virus protection. 
7 Choose how long you want to disable Avast Antivirus. You have four options you can choose from. They are as follows: 
8 Click Ok, Stop. It's the green button in the pop-up alert. This disables Avast Antivirus. 
Bhoimus Top Answerer To enable Avast again, follow these above steps to get to the "Core Shields" in the Avast app. Then click the toggle switch at the top to reenable the antivirus. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.