AVG not opening or crashing on startup can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to protect your system. Although AVG is known for its reliability, it can sometimes fail to launch or unexpectedly shut down. Fortunately, you can fix most of these issues by following a few simple steps. Let’s go through them one by one.
Restart Your Computer First
Before anything else, restart your computer. While it might seem basic, rebooting often clears temporary glitches that prevent programs from working properly. After restarting, try to open AVG again. If it still doesn’t launch, move on to the next step.
Update AVG to the Latest Version
Outdated software often causes performance problems. If AVG keeps crashing, check if you’re using the latest version. Open the AVG interface—if possible—and look for an update option. If AVG won’t open at all, download the latest installer from AVG’s official website and run it. Updating may fix bugs and compatibility issues with your system.
Run AVG Repair Tool
Thankfully, AVG includes a built-in repair tool. To use it, go to your computer’s Control Panel, then open “Programs and Features.” Locate AVG in the list, right-click it, and select “Uninstall/Change.” From there, choose “Repair.” The tool will scan for problems and attempt to fix them. This process doesn’t remove your settings or data, so it’s safe to try.
Disable Conflicting Programs Temporarily
Sometimes, other programs interfere with AVG. In particular, other antivirus tools or firewall software can conflict with AVG’s startup process. To test this, temporarily disable any other security software on your system. Then, try launching AVG again. If it works, you may need to uninstall or adjust the settings of the conflicting program.
Check Windows Services
AVG depends on certain background services to run smoothly. If these services are disabled or corrupted, AVG may fail to open. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Look for services like “AVG Antivirus” or “AVG Service.” Make sure their status is set to “Running” and their startup type is set to “Automatic.” Restart any that aren’t active.
Scan for Malware
Ironically, malware can block or crash antivirus programs. If you suspect this, use Windows Defender or another reliable tool to run a full scan. Remove any threats that show up. Afterward, reboot your PC and try to open AVG again. This step is essential, especially if the problem started suddenly.
Perform a Clean Reinstallation
If none of the above methods work, perform a clean reinstall. First, uninstall AVG using the Control Panel. Next, visit the AVG website and download the AVG Clear tool. This removes leftover files and settings. After that, reinstall the latest version of AVG from scratch. A clean install often fixes stubborn startup issues.
Contact AVG Support
If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, contact AVG Support. Their technical team can guide you through advanced solutions. You might need to provide log files or error messages to get specific help. Reaching out can save time, especially if the issue is linked to your hardware or system configuration.
Conclusion
When AVG doesn’t open or crashes on startup, don’t panic. Restart your system, update the software, and use the built-in repair tool. If needed, disable conflicting apps or do a clean reinstall. With a little patience, you can get AVG working smoothly again. Most importantly, regular maintenance and updates will help prevent future problems.
