A Windows update can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of your applications, and AVG Antivirus is no exception. If AVG won’t start after a recent Windows update, it can be frustrating. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue and get AVG running again. In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons why AVG isn’t starting after the update and provide a step-by-step guide to fix the problem.
Why AVG Won’t Start After a Windows Update
Windows updates are designed to improve system performance and security, but sometimes, they can cause compatibility issues with installed applications like AVG. These updates may:
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Conflict with AVG’s components, causing it to crash or fail to open.
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Corrupt essential AVG files, preventing the program from launching.
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Disable AVG services due to compatibility issues with updated system drivers or settings.
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Change system settings, blocking AVG from starting up correctly.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The first and simplest step is to restart your computer. After a Windows update, a restart is often necessary to apply changes properly. It also helps refresh the system, which could fix temporary issues affecting AVG.
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Restart your computer: Click on the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose “Restart.”
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Check if AVG starts: Once your computer restarts, check if AVG opens properly.
Step 2: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter to help identify and fix common problems with apps. You can try running the Windows troubleshooter to fix AVG not starting after a Windows update.
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Open Settings: Press the “Windows + I” keys to open the Settings menu.
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Go to Troubleshoot: Navigate to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”
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Run the Troubleshooter: Select “Additional troubleshooters” and click on “Windows Store Apps” or any relevant option, and then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
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Follow the prompts: Let Windows diagnose and fix any issues related to AVG.
Step 3: Check for Conflicting Programs
Sometimes, other programs installed on your computer can conflict with AVG and prevent it from starting. This can include other security software, firewall settings, or VPNs. To check if other software is causing the issue:
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Disable other security programs: If you have another antivirus or firewall software installed, disable it temporarily and check if AVG starts.
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Disable VPN or network tools: If you’re using a VPN or network management tool, disable them and try launching AVG again.
Step 4: Repair AVG Installation
If AVG still isn’t working, the installation may have been corrupted during the Windows update. You can repair the installation using AVG’s built-in repair feature.
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Open Control Panel: Press “Windows + X” and select “Control Panel.”
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Go to Programs and Features: Click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
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Select AVG Antivirus: Find AVG in the list of installed programs, right-click on it, and select “Change.”
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Repair AVG: In the AVG setup window, choose the “Repair” option and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Update AVG and Windows
Outdated software may not be compatible with the latest Windows updates. Make sure both AVG and your system are up to date:
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Update AVG: Open AVG, go to “Menu” > “Settings” > “General” > “Update,” and click on “Check for updates.”
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Update Windows: Open “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update,” and click “Check for updates.”
Updating both will ensure that AVG is running the latest version and can be compatible with the recent changes in Windows.
Step 6: Reinstall AVG
If none of the above steps work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall AVG. Reinstalling AVG can fix any corrupted files or settings preventing it from starting.
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Uninstall AVG: Open “Control Panel,” go to “Programs” > “Programs and Features,” find AVG, and click “Uninstall.”
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Restart your computer: After uninstallation, restart your PC.
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Download and reinstall AVG: Visit the official AVG website and download the latest version of AVG. Follow the installation steps to reinstall it.
Step 7: Restore System to a Previous State
If the problem started after a specific Windows update, restoring your system to a previous state may help.
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Open System Restore: Type “System Restore” in the search bar and select “Create a restore point.”
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Go to System Restore: Click on the “System Restore” button, and follow the prompts to restore your system to a point before the Windows update.
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Check if AVG starts: Once the restoration process is complete, check if AVG now launches correctly.
Conclusion
If AVG won’t start after a Windows update, don’t panic. There are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and fix the issue, including restarting your computer, running the Windows troubleshooter, repairing the AVG installation, and updating both AVG and Windows. If all else fails, reinstalling AVG or restoring your system to a previous state should get you back on track. By following these steps, you can ensure that AVG Antivirus runs smoothly and continues to protect your computer from threats.
