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Microsoft Update installed Avast Antivirus without my consent

My Windows 10x64 PC rebooted this morning when I started it up with a new security update  (KB4053579). When I got logged on I noticed a desktop icon for Avast Antivirus had appeared and was running in background.  I have never used Avast software, and I certainly never volunteered to try it out, so I assume this was piggybacked on to the MS Update, as it wasn't there yesterday - this is totally unacceptable behaviour. How has this been allowed?

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That is certainly not the case. It likely slipped in on your system from a drive by downloading when browsing a website. You might have clicked an ad banner and didn't realize it.

Windows 10 already includes its own Antivirus called Windows Defender Security Center. 

Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

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It wouldn't be MS. Do you use Malwarebytes, they are now part of the Avast "family" and it could have come from there.

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No, I don't use any 3rd party antivirus except Windows Defender. I am the only person with Admin rights on this PC, and I know exactly what is and isn't meant to be installed.

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Malwarebytes isn't an antivirus program, but if you've not installed it then it's not that. My only other thought would be a program that had Avast bundled as part of the install process. (if you installed anything recently)

MS would not use Avast as their AV is Defender.

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Have you recently upgraded CCleaner software?  Avast is slipping in this way.

CCleaner is sneaking in Avast software with their own upgrades unless you uncheck the box for Avast. 

Very easy to not notice this...the box is checked by default to install Avast.  You must manually uncheck it when upgrading CCleaner software.

CCleaner upgrades occur monthly...I suspect many people are overlooking this Avast infiltration onto their system when running CCleaner (Free) updates.

Regards,

Wayne

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My apologies. Avast acquired Piriform, makers of CCleaner. So as posted by WayneRupp your problem could be due to CCleaner.

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As others already have stated: it's quite possible that it came bundled with CCleaner....

In case you haven't done so: suggestion to use the Avast Uninstall Utility and reboot, see: https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

May 4, 2018: I won't participate anymore in MC. Enough is enough.

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Ah, that could be it.  Did update CCleaner a few days ago.

Thanks for help, and apologies to Microsoft.

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FWIW...

These recent threads in the CCleaner forum hint at more and more sneaky methods of Piriform:

Examples:

May 4, 2018: I won't participate anymore in MC. Enough is enough.

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Hi Julia,

Thanks for your cited references about CCleaner at the Piriform Forum.  Most interesting!!

These threads are shocking.

Thanks also for providing the utility to remove Avast software for readers.  

https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

Happy Holidays,

Wayne

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Last updated January 16, 2024 Views 16,541 Applies to: