Uninstalling AVG Antivirus can sometimes be tricky, especially if the standard removal process doesn’t work. If you’re facing issues where AVG won’t fully uninstall, follow these steps to completely remove it from your Windows or Mac system.
1. Use the Built-in Uninstaller
The first step to uninstalling AVG is to use the built-in uninstaller. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows:
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Open the Start Menu and go to Settings.
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Click on Apps (or Control Panel > Programs and Features).
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Find AVG Antivirus in the list of installed programs.
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Click on it and select Uninstall.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
For Mac:
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Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
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Find AVG Antivirus in the list of applications.
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Right-click and select Move to Trash.
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Empty the Trash to remove AVG.
If AVG doesn’t uninstall using these methods, proceed with the next steps.
2. Use the AVG Clear Tool
AVG provides a special tool called AVG Clear to help users remove the program completely, especially if the standard uninstaller fails. This tool is designed to clean up remnants of AVG that may be left behind after an incomplete uninstall.
How to Use AVG Clear Tool:
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Download the AVG Clear Tool from the official AVG website.
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Run the tool and follow the on-screen prompts.
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The tool will ask you to restart your computer in Safe Mode. Click Yes to proceed.
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Once in Safe Mode, the AVG Clear Tool will remove all AVG files and registry entries.
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Restart your computer after the process is complete.
3. Remove Leftover Files and Folders Manually
Sometimes, AVG leaves behind files and folders even after using the Clear Tool. To ensure a complete removal, you can manually check and delete leftover files.
Steps to Manually Remove Leftover Files:
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Open File Explorer and navigate to the following locations:
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C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86): Look for any AVG folders and delete them.
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C:\ProgramData: This is a hidden folder, so make sure to enable the Show Hidden Files option in File Explorer.
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Search for any AVG-related files in C:\Users\YourName\AppData (both Local and Roaming folders).
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Delete any leftover AVG-related files you find.
4. Clean Up the Windows Registry
AVG may leave registry entries that could interfere with a clean uninstallation. You can use a registry cleaner or manually remove the AVG registry entries. Be cautious when editing the registry to avoid any accidental system issues.
How to Clean Up the Registry:
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Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
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Navigate to the following locations:
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AVG
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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AVG
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Right-click and delete any AVG-related keys in these folders.
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After editing the registry, restart your computer.
5. Use Third-Party Uninstaller Software
If AVG is still refusing to uninstall, you can use third-party uninstaller software. Programs like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can remove stubborn programs and clean up leftover files and registry entries.
How to Use a Third-Party Uninstaller:
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Download and install a third-party uninstaller such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller.
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Launch the uninstaller and find AVG in the list of installed programs.
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Select AVG and click Uninstall.
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The uninstaller will scan for leftover files and registry entries. Make sure to delete any AVG-related leftovers.
6. Restart Your Computer
After following the above steps, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect. This will help clear up any files still in use and fully remove AVG from your system.
7. Contact AVG Support
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still cannot remove AVG, it may be time to contact AVG support for further assistance. They can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps and provide additional tools for a complete uninstallation.
How to Contact AVG Support:
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Visit the AVG Support page on their website.
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Use the Live Chat or Email support options to get help.
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Provide details about the issue and steps you’ve already taken.
Conclusion
Uninstalling AVG may seem challenging if the program won’t remove, but following these steps should help you completely get rid of it. Use the AVG Clear Tool, manually delete leftover files, and clean up your system’s registry to ensure a complete uninstallation. If you continue to face issues, contact AVG support for further assistance. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that AVG is fully removed from your system.
