How to Fix Avast Service not running in Windows 10? Avast Troubleshooting Guide for Windows 10 & 11

Last Updated:Feb 15, 2024

Despite everything the internet offers, security threats are just waiting for you to stumble upon them, and that is why you need protection. When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no better option than Avast Antivirus. Available on every device out there, Avast can protect you and your device from online threats, but there can be times when it is not running properly.

If you use this antivirus, you might have to go through the “Avast service not running” problem. That’s why you need to understand this issue so that when it happens, you can apply the correct methods and solve your problem. 

Working as the perfect guide, this article contains everything you need to know about the troubleshooting methods to fix Avast not running in background error. Read till the end, and you’ll have better knowledge of how Avast works, and any future issues will be easily dealt with.

Does Avast Cause Problems With Windows 10 & 11?

When it comes to high-end software like Avast, compatibility plays a big part, and it may not work properly on some devices. A lot of people believe that Avast is unsuitable for Windows 10 & 11 devices. There is another belief that frequent updates to Windows 10 and 11 lead to problems with Avast Antivirus.

No need to panic, as this is only a rumor. Avast does not have any compatibility issues with Windows 10 & 11 devices. It has actually been reported that Avast is faster than some of Windows 10’s default services. 

Still, Avast can have problems working properly and doing its job. Depending on your device’s health, it is even possible that Avast won’t start on your Windows 10. When it comes to problems like these, there are multiple causes that can lead to the issue, and we have mentioned them below. 

Why is Avast Not Running Properly?

Avast is one of the most advanced and powerful cybersecurity software in the market, so it is highly unlikely that its users would have to go through any issues or errors. 

Unless the whole user base of Avast is not able to use the Antivirus, the problem is from your side. It is possible that some minor error on your computer is why the Avast Antivirus background service is not running.

Even for an Antivirus as good as Avast, there can be issues time after time, like Avast not scanning the files error or not being able to detect dangers.

Before we get to the solution, we need to know the problem. That’s why it is crucial to know why the Avast service is not running. 

Why am I Getting the “Avast Background Service is Not Running” Error?

Because the technology is so complicated, there is no way to know why Avast Antivirus is not working properly on your device, but we can still tell you about the solutions you can apply.

Applying the troubleshooting methods mentioned below, you can make sure that Avast is properly set up on your device and eliminate any errors that might be causing problems. 

How to Fix “Avast Antivirus Not Running” in Windows 10 & 11?

We have mentioned more than one method, apply these solutions to troubleshoot Avast Antivirus on your device:

  • Restart Avast Antivirus

You can restart Avast Antivirus and start it with automatic startup settings; doing this will reinstate Avast to its previous settings on your device. 

Here is the full step-by-step process:

  1. Press Windows + R to run the Dialog Box on your device.
press windows r
  1. Now Type services.msc
services
  1. Windows Services will open.
windows service
  1. Go to Avast Antivirus.
avast antivirus
  1. Double-Click to edit.
  2. Now scroll to Startup Type.
automatic
  1. Select Automatic.
select automatic
  1. Save your Changes.
save your changes
  1. Now Restart Avast Antivirus & your Device.

This is the right solution to the “Avast not running on startup” problem.

  • Disable Avast Shields Control

Core shields are the primary protection components of Avast Antivirus. Disabling Avast shield control can resolve the issue you’re having. Here is how to do it:

  1. Go to the Taskbar Corner Overflow Area.
taskbar corner overflow area
  1. Right-click on Avast.
  2. Select Disable until the computer is restarted.
disable until the computer is restarted
  1. Click Ok to confirm.
  2. Restart your Device.

This will hopefully solve the issue, if not, then apply the next method.

  • Repair & Reinstall Avast Antivirus

Doing this has the highest chance of solving the “Avast service is not running” error:

  1. Activate Avast Antivirus.
  2. Click on the Action Menu.
  3. Go to Settings.
  4. Go to General Tab.
  5. Select Troubleshooting.
  6. Now scroll to the “Still having problems” section.
  7. Select Repair App.
  8. Wait for the Scan to complete.
  9. Click on Resolve All to complete the process.
  10. Restart your device.

Apply this method only as a last resort.

  • Do a Smart Scan

The Smart scan is a feature by Avast, this feature allows you to scan your device for malware and viruses. 

Here’s how to do a smart scan and fix “Avast not running in the background”:

  1. Open Avast’s Interface.
  2. Click on Protection.
click on protection
  1. Select Scans.
select scans
  1. Click Run Smart Scan.
run smart scan
  1. Review the Scan results.
security found
  1. Select Resolve All.
Fix Avast Antivirus Not Running Issue in Windows 10 & 11  -3
  1. Click on Done to finish the process.
  2. Restart your device.

A Smart scan might take some time, so you need to be patient and wait for it to gather results.

  • Run an SFC Scan

An SFC scan is similar to a smart scan, but it is done through your device, and it scans the system for corrupted files. Follow the process below for an SFC Scan:

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Select Command Prompt.
command promot
  1. Click Yes.
  2. Go to Command Prompt Windows.
  3. Type SFC/Scannow and hit Enter.
sfc scannow
  1. Wait for the scan to complete.
  2. Repairs will be made Automatically.
  3. Make sure the process is completed.

This will scan your whole device for problems, so this method has a wider reach when it comes to detecting issues.

  • Do a Clean Install of Avast Antivirus.

Doing a clean install has the highest chance of solving the “Avast service is not running” issue. It replaces the previous version of the software with an updated one, clears all the cache, and reinstalls any important files that may have gone corrupt before.

Here is how to do a clean install of Avast:

  1. Download the latest version of Avast Antivirus.
  2. Download Avast Uninstall Utility.
  3. Activate Safe Mode.
  4. Run Avast Uninstall Utility.
  5. Navigate to the folder where you have installed Avast.
navigate to the folder where you have installed Avast
  1. Select Uninstall.
select uninstall
  1. Now Restart your device and see if the problem still exists.

If none of the methods have worked for you, then we would recommend contacting tech support and letting them know about your issue. 

How to Stop Avast from Running in the Background?

Though there is no need for doing this, there can be times when it is better to disable Avast from running in the background. Mostly, the “Avast Antivirus background service is not running” problem is solved by disabling Avast and then restarting it.

Knowing how to stop Avast from running in the background will make it easy for you to apply solutions and detect any issues.

Here is the easiest way to stop Avast from running in the background:

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Locate Avast Antivirus.
  3. Double-click on Avast.
  4. Select Disable.
  5. Click on Apply and then on Stop.

This will restart any background operating of Avast, including the “Avast not running in the background” error, and then you can restart the Antivirus. Doing this will reinstate the Antivirus to its previous setting.

How to Get Assistance from Avast Antivirus?

Any problem or issue you have can be solved through Avast Care. The customer assistance program is available 24/7, and all you need to do is contact them, and your problem will be solved.

Fix Avast Antivirus Not Running Issue in Windows 10 & 11  -2

Avast Care has a subscription price of $39.99 for a year, and it will assist you with any problem that you might have with Avast Antivirus.

Here is how to get Avast Care:

  1. Go to https://www.avast.com/en-us/care#compare-table.
get avast care
  1. Scroll to Avast Care Specs.
get avast cares
  1. Click on GET IT NOW.
Fix Avast Antivirus Not Running Issue in Windows 10 & 11  -1
  1. Select your Payment Method.
select payment method

Alt tag: select payment method

  1. Insert the Payment Details.
insert payment details
  1. Finish the Process

Avast Care is the official support service for Avast products and customers. By subscribing to it, you can easily solve any future problems that might arise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix an Avast error?

This guide offers all the troubleshooting methods you need to fix an Avast error. Apart from this, you can contact Avast Care for one-on-one assistance.

Is it OK to disable Avast?

Yes, it is OK to disable Avast from your device, but only temporarily, as this is needed during the troubleshooting process.

Can Avast slow down my computer?

The answer depends fully on your computer’s health. Devices with low-end specs are not fully equipped to handle Avast Antivirus, so it is possible that Avast will not work properly on some devices.

Is Avast Free as good as McAfee?

Both Avast and McAfee are top contenders for the best Antivirus in the market. Comparing the two, you’ll find that both are equally good, but McAfee is slightly better than Avast when it comes to performance.

How long is Avast Free for?

Avast Antivirus has a free version that is completely free, and users can use it for as long as they want.

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