How To Fix ‘Avast Won’t Update Virus Definitions’ Issue?

Avast is one of the most popular free antivirus software worldwide. It offers maximum protection against virus, malware, and spyware. It also has some other popular features like web protection etc., but sometimes it can be annoying if the virus definitions don’t update automatically. Rather it shows an error depending on how the error occurs.

Why You May Be Seeing This Error?

Before solving an issue, it is imperative that you know what is causing the error, so that you can prevent getting that error again. Here is why you may be getting the error ‘‘Avast won’t Update Virus Definitions’’

The major reason for Avast not updating the virus definitions is incompatibility issues. Your Avast version may not be compatible with the Windows version installed on your system. This can pose a problem if you don’t regularly update your Windows and other software.

You can also face this error if you have Avast installed incorrectly. This can occur if an update failed or was canceled during installation.

Fix ‘Avast Won’t Update Virus Definitions’ Issue

Depending on why the error is being displayed, this issue is very easy to solve. You can follow this guide in the order of precedence written.

# Solution 1 (Update And Repair)

The easiest solution is to solve the incompatibility issues that may be causing the error.

Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.

Update your Avast client software. Outdated software can also increase the CPU load.

To update the software and definitions:

1. Open the Avast GUI from the notification tray icon.
2. Under the Update tab, you will find the current versions of the antivirus program and the virus definitions as well.

3. Check if there are any pending updates and click the Update

If there are no updates available, you need to repair your Avast installation files. To do so, follow these steps

i. Open Control Panel. Select Programs and features.

(Alternatively, press Win + X to open the WinX menu and look for Apps and features at the top)

ii. In the list of installed applications, locate Avast, and click on Uninstall/change.
iii. Click on Change.

iv. Select Repair.
v. Wait till Avast repairs the client software by making the necessary changes to the data files.

vi. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

# Solution 2 (Reinstall Avast)

If updating and repairing do not solve your issue, you need to reinstall the Avast client software.

However, a normal uninstall from Windows Add or Remove won’t solve your issue. You need a power uninstaller like IObit uninstaller (Uninstaller) that can remove the registry and residual files as well.

(Also read: Check out other powerful uninstallers and batch installers )

Alternatively, you can also do a clean uninstall by booting into safe mode and uninstalling from there.

First, download the Avast Uninstall Utility from their website. Save the file on the desktop.

To boot into safe mode, here are the steps:

• Open the Run dialogue by pressing Win + R and type msconfig. Press Enter.
• Under the Boot tab, you will find the Safe boot under the Boot options
• Check the box next to Safe boot.
• Click Apply and then click OK.
• Restart your PC to boot into Safe mode automatically.

Note: If you follow this method, you need to uncheck this box to boot into Normal mode.

(Also read: How to enable F8 in Windows 10 .)

• Once in safe mode, run avastclear.exe that you downloaded on your desktop earlier. This will clear all the residual files as well.
• Boot in normal mode next and download and install the latest version of Avast from their website.
• The clean install must remove all the corrupted files and solve the ‘Avast won’t Update Virus Definitions’ issue.

# Solution 3 (Customer Support)

If performing a clean install also does not solve your issue, there must lie a deep-seated problem. You need to personally contact the Avast customer care and ask them to provide solutions.

Visit the site https://support.avast.com/en-in to contact the customer support.

Free vs Paid Antivirus Software: Which is Better?

If you’re just looking for basic anti-malware protection, Avast Free Antivirus is a really solid option.

However, if you’re looking for advanced anti-malware security and a slew of additional security-enhancing features and utilities, such as a file shredder, a VPN, and parental controls, premium antivirus software is the way to go. There are a lot of excellent premium antivirus options out there, like McAfee, Bitdefender, Norton, and Kaspersky.

Here is a detailed comparison between Bitdefender and Kaspersky — two top contenders for the best antivirus software in 2020. Here is another video review of the best antivirus antivirus that you’ll find really useful.

Wrapping Up

Avast customer portal is very responsive to their customers, and they can provide the best solutions to your problems regarding Avast products. If the virus definitions are not updating on your system, now you know how to solve the  ‘Avast won’t Update Virus Definitions’ error using the guide above.

Follow the solutions in the order given, and your Avast software should work normally again. Do tell us in the comments how your problem was solved.