Stop Avast's "Hidden Install"

[JimmyJoeBob1944]

When I update CCleaner, I get "Avast Free" whether I want it or not.  So, I have another step to do each time now.  I have to "Uninstall Avast Free" each time.  Stop giving me what I did not request.

[Gamma Cephei]

I'll second that. I accidentally installed Avast onto my Windows 10 system because it was piggy-backed on the latest version of CCleaner. Once installed, Avast is difficult to uninstall, and requires a reboot to get it fully off your system (if it's really uninstalled; I'm not sure). S**tty move by Piriform.

[Andavari]

You'd likely also need to run the Avast Uninstall Utility to make sure "as much as possible of it is removed" from the system.

Edit:
Also see this topic about it not wanting to uninstall:
https://forum.piriform.com/topic/52852-avast-uninstall-does-not-work-after-unrequested-install-by-ccleaner/

The way to avoid it is to start using the Slim Build or Portable ZIP both of which are available at:
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds

[JeffG]

The problem is the underhand way Piriform hides the option not to install Avast after the first time you install Ccleaner.

Avoid the problem in the first place by opening the Registry Editor (type regedit in the search box), then go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software. You will see a key 'AvastAdSDK'. Right click on this, click Delete then confirm the deletion.

The next time you install a Ccleaner update, you will see a check box (already ticked) to install Avast. Uncheck the box, do the install, and hey presto! no Avast.

As soon as the install completes, go to the Registry Editor and delete that key which Ccleaner has created again, ready for next time.

[Andavari]

You could also make CCleaner delete that key for you via 'Options>Include' or via making a winapp2.ini cleaner, or even by making a .reg file that can remove it.

Like I've stated before a few posts up you can avoid the Avast install when using the Slim Build or Portable ZIP, as long as Avast/Piriform keep them available:
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds

[JeffG]

That Options>Include sounds like the most straightforward way to go. What precisely should I type in the box to delete that key?

Of course, the honest solution would be for Piriform to stop hiding the option box in the first place. It really is an underhand practice. I used to use Avast and recommended it to my friends, until it became so bloated with extra unneeded features. Anyway, with the improvements to Defender with Windows 10, there is no need for a third-party anti-virus program in any case.

[jnzfkbzqkf]

Pretty sure it's not okay with GDPR.

I'm really upset about that. Just installed CCleaner, checking multiple times "personalize install" and stuff and no mention about Avast... and then it's here. I NEVER ASKED FOR IT.

Contacting CNIL right now.

[JeffG]

Please reread my post from 21 November about deleting that key in the registry. Then you wouldn't have had that problem in the first place. But you need to do it each time. I agree it's a pain, but we know how to avoid the Avast install.

(By the way, I never got a response to my 22 Nov post, so I still don't know what to type in the box. I am still having to delete the key manually.)