What Does Avast Hardened Mode Do
Avast Pro Antivirus Review. By Brian Nadel Jan 11, 2016. Avast Pro Antivirus has a Hardened Mode that can let it run only 'whitelisted' software, which is handy for older PCs still running.
- I have not had any problems until recently. This program does not want to run. I uninstalled and did a reinstall a few days ago and no deal.
- Hardened Mode is designed to make protection tougher without interfering with the computer usage much. By default checks suspicious files with DeepScreen within virtual environment to see how they behave. But if you use Hardened Mode, it starts to behave a bit differently. Hardened Mode: Moderate.
I have installed Avast after malware got onto my computer, and I had to do a full restart of Windows 10. I already have Mcafee, which costs money just to protect you from a virus.>:( I shouldn't have to pay just to be protected. If the company believes in the customer and wants to actively be there for the customer, not just to get money, they would make this aspect free. I understand the other aspects, but you should be protected from malware on your computer. I was going to originally install Norton, because I've used that Anti-virus protection before, and, I like Norton, but I also know they make you pay, for literally everything, so I decided to try a new Anti-Virus. I found Avast upon my search. It looked good from the logo and the website.
I installed it and immediately was impressed with the user-interface. When I got re-directed somehow to another website, it protected me immediately, and even buzzed letting me know. Not only that, it told me what drivers to update, (although I only have free version so I cannot install this), but I can install the drivers manually myself, now that I know what drivers to install. I also swear my computer was speedier since this app install! This protects me from what I need to be protected, without money-costing me, because they care about me, not just my money.
I just love this product so much! Everything is perfect with this! I am going to stick with this Anti-virus forever! I love this Anti-virus so much, that I decided I am going to upgrade so It'll install drivers for me and do lots more! This program has so many features versus Mcafee, (which I also have but won't do anything because not paid!), and so much more than what other virus-protection services have. It also has good Anti-virus tests to prove it! Thank you so much Avast, you have changed my life for the better. Definitely will recommend!!
View moreHi, Sophia:
Thanks for your feedback and for choosing Avast for your security needs!
-Avast Team
I have Avast Premier, Cleanup and SecureLine. SecureLine is working normally. Premier and Cleanup have both been completely out of service for 2 days, starting April 3, 2019. Cleanup simply will not open. Trying to open Premier gets a black square on-screen that says, 'UI failed to load. This is embarrassing. Your protection is running, but the UI is having a really bad day.' Well, this is the 3rd day. What's happening with Avast? Can't find any news stories related to problems at Avast. Is it just me?
Hi, Gloria:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd recommend running a repair to try to resolve the issue. Instructions for this can be found in our website.
If this does not resolve the issue, please contact us privately with your name, Avast account information, and your preferred contact email address so we can work with you directly.
-Avast Team
I'm using free Avast Protection. Recently, Avast has interfered with my computer by replacing Adobe Reader with its Avast Browser for reading PDF files. It has made it impossible to use any other programmes for reading PDF files, preventing me for installing Adobe Reader again and actually making Adobe disappear as an option for reading PDF files. I wonder if it is the company's policy?
Hi, Pawel:
Thank you for reaching out! Our software would not have replaced your existing product with our browser without your permission. There would have been a option when installing our browser to include PDF documents. Please check your default programs list in Windows for the option to switch it back. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact us privately for further assistance and we'll be happy to help!
-Avast Team
Since 2005 I have utilised Avast antivirus free version and later paid, and despite being free, it has protected my computer from virus, malware and recently stopped countless of ransomware attacks that have been going haywire on the Internet line in my area. Reading countless of the negative reviews of this program I can without a doubt say these people have no idea what they are doing, it surprises me they even know how to turn a computer on.
Avast unlike many other AV software I have tested, has successfully managed to isolate viruses and malware even in archived files surprisingly. Another astonishing feature with Avast subsequently missing from vast majority of other AV programs is customisation in the installer letting you decide exactly what you want included and what you want excluded.
Avast AV also gives you good control of settings, all the annoying features can be easily turned off, Avast has always had a good interface which really helps navigating through the various advanced features. Avast not only lets you quick scan but also do complete scans, Avast also includes a boot scan option which will scan your computer before Windows boots, extremely helpful in removing very dangerous threats.
Despite this, Avast will not compromise in safety even on the free version and will constantly give you offers on the paid variant, there no reason not to accept. Avast is also one of the extremely few that STILL supports Windows XP and Vista to this day letting you safely use older computers with Internet connection. As someone who still has to rely on old systems for crucial software support, this is a Godsent gift to not having to worry about ransomware attacking old systems thanks to Avast.
All my clients really like Avast except the annoying pop-up reminding them to buy the software but people having previously had their computers attacked by virus has never had issues after I installed Avast free Antivirus on their systems afterwards. It can without a doubt be said that Avast tops all charts in review sites for best protection, features, user friendliness, and excellent customer service willing to help. It is hard to understand why Avast themselves receive such harsh critique when they are just trying to help, but in reality there is no helping the helpless.
View moreHi, Johnnew:
Thanks for your feedback and for being an awesome Avast customer! We're thrilled to hear you've been pleased with our software!
-Avast Team
I have read all of the reviews for AVAST that were published this year. Although I found a few of them troubling, my experience with AVAST has been efficient and helpful. My observations are that the AVAST program works well for my WIN7-64 bit computer. I don't doubt that AVAST is a complex program, and there could be occasional problems, but I am very satisfied with AVAST.
Hi, Burr:
Thank you for your feedback and for choosing Avast for your security needs!
-Avast Team
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I purchased the internet protection but decided to terminate the service and go with another internet protection company. Upon calling to cancel the service I had expected to not be refunded but I did not expect to be charged a renewal for the next 2 years after contacting to cancel the service. I contacted them asking why were they deducting money from my account when I called and cancelled the service.
The person said there are no records of the call and that I was on an automatic renewal. I told them to give me my money back and terminate this service immediately. He said he would only issue a refund for the most recent deduction but after getting off the phone with them I received an email saying I no longer want to be on the automatic renewal not that I wanted the service cancelled or that I would be refunded. So there is still no record of me trying to terminate the service. I will have to change my banking information given to them to ensure they are not continually fraudulently stealing money from me. This company is a scam. DO NOT GIVE THEM ACCESS TO YOUR BANKING INFORMATION.
View moreTeam, Have purchased Avast Antivirus for 2 years 1999 rupees subscription and payment also completed. But still did not receive the licence in to my email ID and amount is detected from my account. Please help on this issue. Thanks.
I’ve been getting double billed every year for the internet security package even though I own only one laptop. I am also being charged for a Premier package which I thought covered everything the internet security package covered but it’s an additional $70. Would have never signed up. Emailed 3-4 weeks ago and got no response. Good luck finding a phone number to call Avast. Emailed again today. After countless hours spent in the last year, I believe I have FINALLY turned off auto-renewal! Avast instructions don't match what what you actually see on the screen. Beyond frustrated with this company! I want my money back.
Hi, Colette:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd love to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your full name, email address, and any information you have about the charges.
-Avast Team
My laptop was working slowly. So, I decided to uninstall programs to see whether that would speed it up. One of the programs I uninstalled was Avast Free Antivirus. The problem was that many of the program files stayed on my computer. There are 25 folders with hundreds of files each. I used the Avast Uninstall Utility but the files still did not delete. I even tried going into my computer in Safe Mode using the uninstall program. Still no luck even when I tried to specifically choose which files to delete which the uninstall utility allows you to do. I tried contacting Avast but they never got back to me. I don't know whether these files are detrimental to my computer or not but I resent having to leave them on my computer.
Hi, Diana:
Thanks for reaching out! We're sorry for the inconvenience and want to help! Please contact us privately with more details including your full name and contact email address so we can better assist you in removing the files.
-Avast Team
Continuing to charge me despite multiple requests from me, in writing, to cancel my service. Will confirm refund via email, intentionally not reference canceling future charges, and then we're back again with the same problem a few months later. It is not possible to cancel the auto-renew option through their customer portal and you'll be stuck contacting them directly each time to request a refund. Fraudulent practices. Have already spoken with representatives 'Vladimir' and 'Arvin **' and the issue is not resolved.
Hi, Lindsey:
Thanks for reaching out! Instructions for canceling your automatic renewal can be found on our website. We will contact you privately with a link to the instructions, but would also like to ensure this gets handled for you. Please forward your full name and contact email address to us (privately) and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
Let's start by saying that I have known this company since they first showed up. Used to be a great antivirus but now it's just another ad spreading resource hungry program. On the top of that the program will not let me uninstall it and just keeps on saying that the setup is running. Had to use uninstaller to get rid of it. DO NOT USE.
Hi, Raf:
Thank you for your feedback. We designed our software to be light on system resources, so we're concerned to hear you feel it was using more than expected. We'd like to get more details about what you saw and find out whether you tried running a repair, etc. Please contact us privately with more details and we'd be happy to help get it sorted out for you.
-Avast Team
Updated on 06/12/2019: After completing Avast's survey, they apparently had a change of heart and decided to issue a refund. I appreciate that but still would caution anyone running a new version of Windows Defender to not install Avast.
Original Review: I made the mistake of purchasing a one year subscription to Avast. I have a newer computer with a current version of Windows Defender. Defender has improved to the point where you do not need another antivirus. Once I downloaded the paid version, I started to have trouble with my computer. When waking it up, the hard drive would run continuously for three to five minutes and adware appeared that Avast could not remove. I had to take my machine to the repair shop to get it fixed and was told Avast was the problem. I contacted the company, explained the problem and asked for a refund. But, because it was a few day past my 30 money-back guarantee, they would not refund the money. Bottom line is I would not recommend Avast if you have Defender. I would also not recommend Avast to anyone based on how they blew off my issues. A good company would have been more responsive.
View moreHi, Kris:
Most antivirus products will conflict with each other, potentially leaving you unprotected or cause unusual behavior. If you'd like to still be able to use scanning or any of our other features, clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Enable Passive Mode will allow you to continue to use Defender without further conflicts. Similarly, you also have the option of placing Defender in Passive mode. If you'd prefer a refund, please contact us privately and we'll be happy to help.
I was wrongly charged for items that I didn't want to purchase. A customer service phone number has been impossible to find. I would like to cancel those charges to my credit card, and stop auto-renew.
Hi, Caryn:
We'd be happy to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, email address, the amount of the charges, and for which product(s) so we can get this resolved for you.
-Avast Team
Avast employs increasingly deceitful practices meant to lure users into installing additional or paid versions of Avast software, which results in a horrible service experience for users. Scan results from free antivirus are purposely mixed in with sneaky prompts for money. They have gotten so bad that I frequently receive calls from panicked acquaintances, using free Avast product, sure they got a virus and scared off all the popups (all from Avast antivirus, actually).
I recently installed a FREE DOWNLOAD VPN option. No mention of it being a paid add-on anywhere until after your install succeeds, not on a download page, not on a download instructions page or on setup instructions page. Avast conveniently omitted that it is in fact a paid product from all its marketing and product documentation prior to install. Simply no way of knowing. It is up to the duped user to later try to de-install the program (or try). Viruses behave like this. I am a former IT security officer and I no longer recommend Avast products due to Avast's increasingly deceitful business practices.
View moreHi, Bella:
We're sorry to hear you feel this way! You have the option of adding/removing components such as CleanUp by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Add/Remove Components and checking or unchecking the appropriate selections. While it's true we do notify our customers of our other great products and features, these can be adjusted in our upgraded products by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Personal Privacy and unchecking the corresponding boxes.
-AVG Team
They'll sell you the product but don't tell you that it won't work with McAfee which was pre-installed. Then they want to charge you to uninstall McAfee. Of course, during the 60 day trial when you call 'em they'll make sure that it works but after the 60 day free trial the computer won't do basically anything and now your past the 30 day refund period.
Hi, Arlo:
Thanks for reaching out! Most antivirus products will conflict with each other, potentially leaving your system unprotected. McAfee offers instructions on removing their software on their website (they also have an uninstall tool if that process doesn't work for some reason). Once uninstalled, you should be able to successfully install and activate our software. If you have any additional questions, we'd be happy to help you privately.
-Avast Team
While Avast has good Internet security and malware detection, so do other popular free antivirus softwares. Avast has by far the highest false positive virus detection I've ever seen, constantly losing important files due to Avast shoving them into the virus chest and then throwing out errors when I try to restore files. Don't use this, or even worse buy it. It's garbage.
Hi, Filip:
Thanks for your feedback! We'd like to help understand what you're seeing so we can better assist you in getting this unusual behavior resolved. Please contact us privately with additional details as well as your full name and subscribed email address and we'll be happy to help!
-Avast Team
I was billed for something I didn’t purchase nor subscribe to. It just showed up on my credit card bill. I have renewed my subscription this year for the VPN and the internet security, but Avast billed me for a 3rd product, which I am even unaware of what that product is.
Hi, Isabella:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and a copy of the billing receipt and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
I signed up for the free 30-days trial version of it. I've since uninstalled it and forgot about it. Email came to me about the automatic purchase but I never saw it because it went in spam. 44 days later, I've been wondering why are there 63$ missing on my bank account until I accidentally found the Avast email with the bill. I filed for refund - but their policy is 30 days (unlucky me). I tried to cancel the subscription using the link in the email, but check this. THERE IS NO WAY TO CANCEL THE AUTO RENEWAL IN THE LINK PROVIDED.
You have to search for 20 minutes by trial-and-error to stumble upon help/customer support/subscription/'please cancel auto renewal' to stop it. So no, going to the tab 'my subscriptions' will not help, it's there to fool you, to make you give up. All in all, it's a SHAME that a very big corporate name like Avast is handling their business on such a scammy model, fishing for accidental auto renewals and trying their best to deter people from actually canceling it.
View moreI can't speak for its ability to protect you from viruses. I can only attest to what it's like trying to uninstall it. I never tried to download Avast (free trial), yet somehow it ended up on my desktop (I'm guessing it was downloaded by mistake). I thought it was weird, so I went to delete it, which I didn't have permission to do even though I have admin rights. Tech support was remarkably unhelpful. The software is harder to uninstall than the worst malware I've had to deal with.
I tried changing ownership of the files, ending the processes, deleting from command line, all to no avail. You shouldn't have to force your users to download a separate uninstall tool and boot in safe mode in order to remove your app. It's insane. And the fact that I did all that and still have Avast files on my computer I can't get rid of is infuriating. As a programmer, this whole app is very much not user friendly and has several features I would consider highly invasive. Download at your own risk.
View moreHi, Dan:
Thanks for reaching out! Normally our software can be uninstalled through your Apps and Features menu. Our uninstaller is for the rare instances when this cannot be performed for some reason. We're concerned to hear both methods were unsuccessful and would like to investigate what occurred. Please contact us directly with more details including any error messages, troubleshooting steps, support ticket info, OS firmware version, your full name, and contact email address.
-Avast Team
Well in short I liked Avast despite the insane prices for every aspect of it and of course if you dare miss or forget about the renewal they sign you up for and you quit using them prepare to be robbed out of the blue. Since it takes a year or two it'll come out of nowhere and in your busy life will make you forget about it. Good luck getting a refund and trying to remember your login to stop the renewal. Otherwise they work pretty good about protecting you unless something gets past their software in which case too bad. Figure out how to remove it yourself.
Hi, Justin:
Thank you for being an Avast customer in the past. We're glad you were generally pleased with our software's performance, but we're concerned to hear you've had issues with cancelling your automatic renewal and we'd like to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and purchase receipt and we'll be happy to assist!
-Avast Team
I had a free trial of Avast Premium. I had had the free antivirus from them for some time and had no specific complaints. When I ran the complete scan and cleanup as suggested, IT WIPED MY ENTIRE COMPUTER. Their support line was not helpful in the least. There was no warning during the process that this might happen; it was only supposed to clean up unused stuff on the computer. It took me an entire morning with system restore to get back. Be warned!
Hi, Barbara:
We're sorry to hear you had this experience and can assure you our software wouldn't remove anything other than what was marked in the settings for removal. We would still like to get more information about what happened, though, so we can better assist you. Please contact us directly with additional details.
-Avast Team
I installed Avast because having router problems with a leak through it. I paid for the program but to what you need to use is extra 2.99 here, 2.39, there, 2.99 for other things. And I have had my computer slowed down to almost a standstill. Every time I sign off I have to restart the program. It has a lot of flaws and people are still getting through to my computer. So what do I get for what I paid for if nothing works.
Hi, Wanda:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to get more information about the issue you're experiencing and which of our software products you purchased so we can better address your concerns. Please contact us privately with additional details.
-Avast Team
After scanning my computer, I have to click on 'resolve' to fix all computer 'trash' (registry error, junk files, etc.). But when I click on it, it requires an purchase-need upgrade to fix it. So it seem to be very, very useless to download Avast for free, I have to pay for 'full version and fix'. I hope you'll know this and try to find a solution for this.
Hi, Leanhewitt:
Thank you for reaching out! We'd like to help clear up any confusion. Our antivirus software comes with a free trial of our system optimization software, Cleanup; upgrading is entirely optional. If preferred, you can safely remove it by clicking Menu>Settings>General>Troubleshooting>Add/Remove Components. We assure you our powerful core antivirus engine will continue to protect you for free for as long as our software is installed on your system.
-Avast Team
I brought Avast antivirus and installed it for free and then after 60 days Avast charged me according to the conditions. Yet I decided to resign and get a refund and now the problems started, I seemingly don't exist in the database, Avast keeps sending me the same mail with the request of more data which won't help as it wasn't given during the purchase. I'm disappointed and neglected, if that's how they treat customers then I'm sure I don't want your products.
Hi, Przemyslaw:
While we're sorry to see you go, we'd like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your full name, email address, purchase receipt, and any support ticket reference numbers you may have received so we can better assist you.
-Avast Team
Factual? Oh yes! I accidentally ordered two cleaners from Avast for my new tablet. I saw on my card that I was doubled billed. On Avast site they have an option for refunds and accidentally ordering two, I checked that option. A day went by, I requested it again. 2 days, then the weekend went by. I started an email requesting a refund but by now I'm ticked because they don't have the decency to say A WORD, so I now want BOTH refunded.
And I told them previously I hadn't yet activated anything, still haven't! My last correspondence to AVAST was telling them I hadn't found a page yet to view my HORRIBLE experience with them but that I would KEEP LOOKING... AND WAA LAAA, I FOUND ONE. It has been 4 business days and NOTHING from them. Phones don't exist for AVAST, just AVAST suppliers and if I HAVE TO I will BUG everyone of THEM.
ASUS loads AVAST on their products so THEY ARE next on my list. It's sad to think that these types of people are ALLOWED to rip people off... No one is WATCHING THEM, they WATCH US though. Big brother crap. Sick big brother on them. Well, I'm here to say that I'm like a Pitbull NIPPING at their heels and WON'T STOP until I get a chunk of their backside and GET MY MONEY $$$$.
View moreHi, Christina:
Unfortunately, each contact request would have been linked to the previous ones to avoid duplicates in our system, and subsequently would have moved you to the end of the queue again. We apologize for the inconvenience and would like to help get this resolved for you. Please contact us privately with your email address, full name, and purchase information and we'll be happy to help.
-Avast Team
I was charged for two products this morning from Avast due to the auto-renewal. I have submitted refund requests for the two orders and I got a request ref no. for both. However, in the acknowledgment notification, it says 'you can expect to get in touch shortly via the e-mail you provided'. After that, I haven't received any e-mail from them. Also, there is no one you can reach or a webpage where you can check the progress of the refund request. Any help in this regard will be appreciated.
Hi, Hani:
Refunds can take up to 10-14 days once approved and issued. If you'd like us to reach out to our escalation team to help get additional information for you, we would be happy to help! Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, both request reference numbers, the amounts charged, and for which products.
-Avast Team
They took two payments for the Avast cleanup program, they refunded one payment but in doing so they also cancelled my account so after numerous emails trying to explain I'm still waiting for for the second payment to be refunded, they say it's been refunded nowhere to be seen on my credit card statements, if anyone qualified from Avast customer service can investigate that would be ok but do not ask me to send anymore emails. I'm done with Avast.
Hi, Fred:
Thanks for reaching out! Please send us your full name and contact email address privately and we'll be happy to look into this for you.
-Avast Team
I did not renew my subscription for the Avast products on my computer. The anti virus software stopped working and could not get it to work so I removed the software from my computer. After deleting the software and rebooting the computer as required the several programs I have been using years would not. Glary Utilities for example now cannot be launched. Also took most of a day to get the computer to run after removing Avast. I don't recommend this software.
Hi, Darrel:
Removing our software should not have affected any of your other programs. It's possible whatever was preventing ours from working may have also had a negative impact on your other software. To ensure our software has been completely removed please visit our website for instructions.
We would still like to look into the issues you experienced so we can better assist you. Please contact us privately with your full name, contact email address, and additional details.
-Avast Teams
Updated on 06/28/2019: I am still waiting for Avast Antivirus to refund the money they wrongfully took from my bank account on 4/10/19. I specified not to do automatic payment withdrawals, and they did it anyway setting me back more than $59.99. I have since cancelled services from them. I wrote a review here weeks ago. They contacted me and said they would put a rush on resolving this issue. I am still waiting. They insist upon paying me back with PayPal, who isn't accepting their payments for my account even though they did a direct withdrawal when they took this money from my bank account. It seems that they may be stalling in the hopes that I will give up and go away. I cannot believe the unprofessionalism of this company over $59.99, which they owe me and how they treat their customers.
Original Review: I had instructed them not to automatically charge my account for renewals. They charged PayPal, without my consent, which then went through to my bank. I did not expect the debit, as there was no prior billing information sent to me from Avast about the transaction. Both PayPal and my bank denied the reversal of the transaction.
When I finally reached someone in customer service at Avast, by email, they said they would not give me a refund until I presented proof that PayPal had cancelled my dispute with them. I presented that proof to them by email, and have not heard anything from them. A similar incident happened to me before with them. I finally got it resolved, and gave them a benefit of the doubt. I feel that they are mainly interested in taking money from my account. I understand that they are based in the Czech Republic... Interesting!
View moreHi, Marcella:
Thanks for reaching out! We'd like to help! The default option to ensure our customers don't see a break in service is for automatic renewal. This box must be unchecked during your initial installation. Instructions for canceling your subscription can be found on our website.
Please contact us directly with your full name and contact email address so we can ensure this gets resolved for you.
-Avast Team
What Does Avast Hardened Mode Do Iphone
Original review: April 17, 2019I received an email telling me I had been given a free upgrade to Cleanup Premium. When I went to use it I was asked to pay 29.99$ (not free). I contacted customer service and here is their reply... 'We understand that the email is poorly worded, and are working on improving it.” Here is the poorly worded email - 'I’m Martin **, product expert for Avast Cleanup Premium. You’ve been given a free upgrade to the all-new, most powerful PC optimization tool from Avast, and I’m very pleased to introduce you to your new product.' Seems pretty well worded to me.
Hi, E:
We would like to investigate as this is not our standard practice. Please contact us privately with the phone number you called or website you visited when you contacted customer service, your full name, and a contact email address.
-Avast Team