Windows 10: If your Windows PC freezes, Avira security software may be the culprit

A recent update for Avira antivirus software for Windows seems to have a negative impact on system stabilization for some users. For a couple of days, Avira users have reported issues with the antivirus software on their Windows machines.

Most users report freezes on startup. One user, who reported the issue on the Avira forum on Reddit described the issue in the following way: "Today, my PC suddenly started to freeze on startup. I tried disabling all background apps until only Avira was left. 2 other people I know had the same issue (both have Avira). Fixed it by going into safe startup and uninstalling Avira."

Other users chimed in and reported similar issues with Avira. German publisher Heise suggests that the Friday update for Avira products has caused the issue on Windows. The issue affects Windows 10 and Windows 11 according to Heise's report. For some users, windows PCs are usable for about two to three minutes before they lock up completely and can't be used anymore. Other users mention freezes during startup so that they can't log on at all on the system.

Affected users resolved the issue by uninstalling Avira from their PCs. It is unclear if this is the only solution to the issue, or if there is a less drastic option. Deactivation of a single component might also lead to restoration of system stability, but this has not been confirmed up until now.

Windows users who can log on may uninstall Avira by selecting Start > Settings > Apps. There, you need to search for Avira, activate the three-dots menu next to the entry and select the uninstall option. A restart is required to complete the operation.

Both affected Windows operating systems will enable Microsoft Defender automatically if no other antivirus solution is found on the system.

Users who can't log on anymore because of the freezes may need to access the advanced options of Windows during boot. If the login screen loads, one option to access it is to click shutdown, hold down the Shift-key on the keyboard and select Restart. Another option is to use Windows Recovery Media, if available, or hope that Windows' own detection kicks in and displays the advanced boot options.

Avira security software is not the only software that has caused stability issues on Windows in recent time. Not all cause Windows stability issues, as some may affect certain applications. Mozilla addressed an Avast Bug in late 2022 that caused Firefox to crash.

Avira has not yet responded with a public statement regarding the reported issue. Affected users may also keep an eye on Avira's website to find out if updates are released that address the issue.

Now You: which security software do you use.

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Avira Antivirus

Windows cannot send updates due to Avira Antivirus (not Aviva) - they suggest uninstalling Avira but it is not listed and I am not aware that I ever downloaded it. Presume its some sort of malware - any suggestions please if anyone has had the same problem
- thank you

Kath Oliver

 

Disabling Avira

Muchomurka - your Windows Defender suggestion sounded promising to me. I found three AVIRA entries listed in Inbound Rules in Advanced Security, whose ENABLED status I could change to DISABLED. I can but hope that that does the job.

Incidentally it has alerted me to the possibility of disabling the numerous other entries that are irrelevant to me, but presumably consuming resources.

 

Windows 10 Pro., Updates will not download because; "Avira AntiVir", can not be Uninstalled; Why? How can I Uninstall this software: Avira AntiVir

Windows 10 Pro Updates, will not completely download because; I can not Uninstall: "Avira AntiVir".

It does not show up in the Programs & Features, or the list of Programs, in Uninstall a Program. I even requested help form the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk, and they could not help. There only suggestion was to do a Clean Download of the Updates, which
would delete all my Files and Downloads, currently saved on my PC. Is there any one out there who can give me instructions as to how to Uninstall the Software Program: "Avira AntiVir" ? Thank You; JC