How to Uninstall/ Turn Off Avast Password Manager
Many antivirus and internet security programs, like Avast, offer built-in protection to prevent unauthorized changes to settings.
This feature is especially useful for families or less experienced users, as it stops accidental alterations that could weaken security.
However, issues can arise if there’s a problem with the stored password, blocking access to certain program areas. Avast, for example, uses a password protection feature to safeguard its settings, and while this is beneficial, it can become frustrating if you forget the password or can’t access the software.
Here’s how to get around this issue effectively.
Removing the Password Lock: What You Need to Know
To remove the password from Avast or AVG, it’s crucial to know where it’s stored. The password is encrypted and saved in a file called aswResp.dat. Deleting this file will eliminate the password lock, but there’s a catch—this file cannot be deleted through the usual methods, as it’s protected by the antivirus.
Even using file unlockers like Unlocker or IObit Unlocker won’t work because Avast and AVG’s self-protection prevents any changes to their files.
Method 1: Using PowerTool to Remove the Password
Here’s the most reliable way to remove the password lock on Avast and AVG, working on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, and 10. This method works for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
- Download PowerTool v2 – PowerTool is an advanced tool designed to detect and remove stubborn files, including those protected by antivirus software.
- Extract and Launch PowerTool – Once downloaded, extract the zip file and run the appropriate version based on your Windows architecture. You’ll need administrator privileges.
- Navigate to the Antivirus Folder
- For Avast:
C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Avast - For AVG:
C:\ProgramData\AVG\Antivirus
- For Avast:
- Delete the aswResp.dat File
Right-click on aswResp.dat, then select Force Delete File. Confirm when prompted.
This will immediately remove the file, and the password lock will be gone. You can now open Avast or AVG and access previously restricted areas.
Method 2: Delete the aswResp.dat File in Safe Mode
If the above method doesn’t work for you, try deleting the file in Safe Mode, as antivirus software doesn’t run in this mode, meaning the file isn’t protected.
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer and press F8 to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Select Safe Mode and hit Enter.
- Hold Shift while clicking Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- On reboot, press 4, 5, or 6 for the desired Safe Mode option.
- Navigate to the Antivirus Folder
- For Avast:
C:\ProgramData\Avast Software\Avast - For AVG:
C:\ProgramData\AVG\Antivirus
- For Avast:
- Delete the aswResp.dat File
Once in Safe Mode, locate aswResp.dat, and delete it.
This method allows you to bypass Avast and AVG’s protections since the antivirus is inactive in Safe Mode.
Important Notes:
- PowerTool is a powerful tool, and using it incorrectly could cause issues with your system. Only follow the steps above to avoid unnecessary changes.
- Always make sure to back up your system before making any changes to critical files.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to regain access to your Avast or AVG software without needing the password.
For more tips on managing your antivirus software, check out these related articles:
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Uninstall Programs Packaged with Windows Installer (MSI) in Safe Mode
Backdoor Windows 7 Password to Create a New User
Hi,i used the first method to delete the avast password file but it keeps telling me to enter the password :|
can anyone get back to me plz.
I deleted the file but still it asks the authorization password. What to do?????
Plz reply.
I hope this thread is still active …
This did not work for me!! I cannot locate the aswResp.dat File. It is NOT in the location shown in the instructions. I tried BOTH the Power Tool and manually in Safe Mode but could NOT find this file.
How can I get this uninstalled without a password if there is no aswResp.dat file???
Thanks, DT
Thanks, brother, it was because of you that the software was uninstalled.
Worked great would like to have a full version of it with full instructions.
This works as indicated. Powertool is NOT infected and it DOES remove the avast password .dat in about 1 minute. Avast did NOT ask for the password, I could just click PROCEED and get it off my PC.
I spent hours and hours trying to uninstall Avast. The safemode crashed my PC for days because I could not log into Windows10 with my PIN because Windows10 would not connect to internet in safemode!! I had to reinstall my entire c: drive again from a backup and lost days of work and days of my time. I wanted to avoid safemode again and get Avast off my machine to upgrade to a subscription antivirus service.
Used the Powertool v2 and deleted the file. Avast still wanted a password. I restarted the PC and finally was able to enter the settings area of Avast, password had been taken off.
Thank you for this simple solution.
I used the Safe Mode solution on my Windows 10 computer and it worked perfectly. It fixes the problem and is simple enough so that unexperienced users will also feel comfortable with it. Thanks very much for your help!
There is no aswResp.dat file showing in the Avast folder what do I do now?
How are you trying to delete the file?
Brilliant and worked a treat, exactly as your YouTube clip showed. I am delighted after spending so long & had almost given up on ever getting back into my anti virus programme settings. I have windows 10 64bit and your urladdress worked fine.
Great….thanks a lot…helped me a lot….
thx very much …. i real appreciate your lesson
Thank you!! Very much appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Don’t bother, PowerTool download is infected, blocked by Avast running.
Avast appear to be actively monitoring this post…;)
Please try the link again.
Thanks very much i am very happy now ……………..thnkssss very very very……..much
thanks,it worked
Thank you sooooooooo much it really worked I wish I can pay u…
thank you
Thanx to you i managed to uninstall it…A big Thanx bro…
Thanks bra,i dont have password on my avast now…
Been trying to uninstall this avast for like 2 years… Within 5 minutes, it is gone. Thanks to you bro. Kip up the good work
Omg I have been emailing avast about this issue for 2 years now. I’ve been furious that they don’t reply their customers! I couldn’t uninstall or access a lot of stuff bc of avast blocking it and i couldn’t turn it off. Thank you so much. Works like a charm!
First suggestion worked like a charm! Good on ya, Mate! Thank you!
Thanks Raymond! I forgot my password for close to a year now. I thought of uninstall and reinstall to get my access to the settings back. I searched online and found your solution instead, and it worked for me. I booted to safe mode, renamed the aswResp.dat file, and bingo, it’s done!
Yes thank you.
I have win 10 and i uploaded Avast on new system and locked it up. My friend came over and had 3 devices he needed me to look at. Well an hour later i forgot how i spelled the password… lol i tried to delete it but nothing happen. on the next reboot i do i will go threw the steps to delete it. If this tool is how you explain it I will try it on some Windows 10 apps. I hate them apps, if i had know win 10 was going to be like this i would have stay’ed in win 7. I’m just not the Sharing type.
Once again Thank You!
AKA Michael.
Thank you. I did the Safe Mode renaming of that file then rebooted. Went to programs and selected Avast to Uninstall.
Thanx a lot Raymond dude, you’re the best…
Oh man, I’m in hell because of this!!! LOL!!! OK, luckily, I am somewhat PC Savvy, well, let’s hope so… I do think that this is a ridiculous feature of theirs!!! My God, I’m trying to get into My Own Software I bought From Them and They’re saying I have to bye $120.00 for their Technical Support to resolve this issue… That, to me sounds like they “hacked” my system (I’m NO Hacker BTW!!!)… At first I was patient, but after finally calling their number they claim is for total support (Ummm, ya, OK, what is “Total Support…” mean to them???), I didn’t get the “total support”. What is going on with Avast? I mean, I know they’re trying to stay as safe as I want to be, but this is going to far. Many do not have much of a clue about their PC and they’ll be charged (As I was…) money, then discover this problem and may be as dismayed as I was trying to figure out why they can’t install the Avast Product as I am… More when I figure out how to open my Avast Product I bought… This is a ridiculous process from Avast in my very strong opinion!!!
Thanks for this post. I have been frustrated by Avast in the last week coz I didn’t have the password. Now my browsers are back to full function.
Hal9000, thanks for the tip, and thanks for sharing the brilliant tool. Finally I can see what is under the hood of windows and then control it. I have added your site as a link from my site. And will be coming back to read other stuff Raymond.cc is up to.
Thanks heaps.
I finally DID it. Thank you very much for sharing this trick. Thank you again.
I used the PCHunter then went for Program Data, Avast Software, Avast. and there I found the AswResp.Dat file. The reason I failed in the initial tries was because I was in the Program files instead of the Program Data.
Thank you. It definitely works without any hustling around.
tnx. raymond your my idol .really worked!
IT’S REALLY WORKED VERY NICELY & EASILY :-)
you have to log in using a different account on your computer (the administrator account) once you do this, then follow the directions provided. write them down step by step if you have to. it might be a tad difficult to remember them all. trust me, if i can do it anyone can. good luck.
it worked like a charm! it was a little convoluted but if you follow the correct procedure you will eventually get rid of this bugger of a problem. there was only one thing that was not quite as stated. the `aswResp.dat` file, was actually only `aswResp` thanks a bunch!
it works 100% sure……thank u
great thanks !
hey,,….thanks thanks a lot
you are great thanks
thank this is work 100% this is very good way
Thankyou a lot Raymond .cc,, your software actualy worked
thank you!
worked great for me.
thank s 2 u,…. u are a good man /…. mr. raymond cc. i salute u…
Sweet thanks you are good.
Thank You so much i almost lost it.. but because of you i got back into avast.
Thanks dear friend , fantastic job .
If you use the unlocker utility mentioned above, you can actually use that. Firstly, open the start menu and type in msconfig. Secondly, click on ‘Startup’, locate and uncheck “avast! Anti-virus” (or similar). Next, click ‘OK’ and reboot the computer then delete the password file.
Cheers bruv! Been driving me crazy for months when I knew I hadn’t set a password ;-)
Thanks Raymond! you did a great job man.
Found this with a google search. Worked like a champ even on a Windows 2012 file server. Thanks!
Excellent Job Raymond. Effortless. This Avast free version was causing very convenient clashes with my purchased anti virus software and also caused a virus detected state every 30mins. So relieved that I have now finally got rid of AVAST for good. You’re a genius!
Thanks a lot Raymond, works like magic :)
Thanks Dude its working very well…
thanks, dude you safe my life,, ^_^
Thank you very much bro!!
thanks a lot……
thanks dude
Thank you i found my way through it thank you
thanks nice share…. it works’s
Raymond, you are the one!!!
Thanks
yes, I always move that file to other folder Ray.
Thank you Raymond, for very useful information.
An useful hacking tip…
A very useful information. Thanks.
Thanks a lot, Ray! I was waiting for this. I’m going to try right now…
Cheers.