Avast background service is not running [Fix]

If you have Avast security software installed on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, and you see the warning YOU ARE UNPROTECTED; Avast background service is not running from within the program user interface, then this post is intended to help you with the most applicable solutions to the issue to ensure your PC stays protected!

Avast background service is not running

If you notice Avast background service is not running for your Avast security software installation on your Windows 11/10 PC, you can try our recommended solutions presented below in no particular order and see if your problem is resolved on your device.

1. Initial checklist
2. Restart and set Avast Antivirus service to Automatic Startup
3. Temporarily disable Avast Shields Control
4. Repair/Reinstall Avast

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Initial checklist

Before you try the solutions below, you can do the following, and after each task see if the Avast background service is now running without issues:

• Restart PC. If your PC completes boot but fails to load all essential services and processes, you can encounter temporary issues which can be resolved by simply restarting your device. Also, you can run Avast with admin privilege to make sure the program has sufficient permissions to run the critical-mission Avast background service.
• Use the Resolve all button. Click the Resolve all button in the user interface and see if the issue is resolved automatically. In addition, initiate a Smart Scan (open Avast and click the Protection tab, select Scans > Run Smart Scan) and click the RESOLVE ALL button after the scan completes and restart PC.
• Run SFC scan. You might be dealing with corrupted system files that are essential for Avast and its background service. So, you can run SFC scan and see if you get a clean bill of health for your PC system files.
• Troubleshoot in Clean Boot state. Third-party software or other services can interfere with the Avast process or service. So, you can troubleshoot in Clean Boot state and see if that helps. If Avast runs smoothly in Clean Boot state, then you may need to manually enable one process after the other and see which is the offender that creates problems for you. Once you have identified it, you need to disable it or uninstall the software that uses this culprit process. In addition, you can uninstall the XNA framework if the component is present on your system.
• Update Avast and Windows. If Avast is outdated, you’re bound to face all sorts of issues. So, make sure Avast is updated via the program taskbar icon right-click menu or via the Update tab within the security software, or alternatively, you can initiate the updating process by running the executable file located in C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\AvastEmUpdate.exe – and make sure you restart your computer after the update. Similarly, make sure to update Windows accordingly.

2] Restart and set Avast Antivirus service to Automatic Startup

If after you have run through the initial checklist but the Avast background service is not running issue on your Windows 11/10 PC isn’t resolved, you can restart Avast Antivirus service and make sure the service is set to Automatic Startup. To perform this task, do the following:

• Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
• In the Services window, scroll and locate the Avast Antivirus service.
• Double-click on the entry to edit its properties.
• In the properties window, click the drop-down on the Startup type and select Automatic.
• Next, make sure the service is started. If already started, restart the service.
• Click Apply > OK to save changes.
• Restart PC.

If the issue in focus persists, try the next solution.

3] Temporarily disable Avast Shields Control

Some affected users reported they were able to resolve the issue in hand by temporarily disabling the Avast Shields Control. To perform this task, do the following:

• Right-click on the Avast icon on the Taskbar Corner Overflow area.
• Click Avast shields control on the context menu.
• Click on Disable until computer is restarted option.
• Click OK on the pop up dialog to confirm the selected option.
• Restart PC.

Current issue not resolved? Try the next solution.

4] Repair/Reinstall Avast

We recommend this task as a last resort if you have exhausted all the options presented in this post but the issue you’re currently facing is still unresolved. To repair Avast on your Windows 11/10 PC:

• Launch the Avast application.
• Click on Action Menu at the top right corner.
• Select Settings.
• Navigate to the General tab.
• Click on Troubleshooting from the list of sub-menu items.
• On the right pane, scroll down to the Still having problems section.
• Click on the REPAIR APP button.
• Click on Yes at the confirmation prompt and wait for the initial scan to complete.
• Finally, click on Resolve all on the next screen to fix all the identified potential issues related to Avast.
• Restart the computer when done.

Alternatively, you can repair Avast via the Settings app.

In the unlikely event reinstall didn’t resolve the issue, to ensure your PC is protected and your antivirus software is working properly, you can try an alternative AV solution or use Windows Security for the best protection.

Hope this helps!

Related post: Windows Firewall service does not start

Should I let Avast run in background?

Avast uses very little RAM and disk space but delivers high scanning speed and detects malware instantly. However, if you are somehow dealing with an Avast service high CPU problem, then you may want to stop Avast completely from running at startup or in the background.

How do I stop Avast from running in the background Mac?

To stop Avast from running in the background on a Mac computer, do the following:

• Click the Avast menu in the application.
• Select Preferences.
• Now, uncheck the Launch at Startup as a Persistent Application option.
• Click Quit & Remove Persistence. Avast shuts down automatically after the application is quit.

What is Avast Hardened Mode?

Hardened Mode is recommended for inexperienced computer users who want to further secure their PC. Hardened Mode uses information based on reputation services to determine which executable files are safe to open.