Went to tools and shut off VPN (not sure it even works since I have free Avast). 5 minutes later Avast window tells me it wants to restart. Looked at updates and just before the restart message a definition update downloaded. So why am I being asked to restart Avast? I’ve never seen this behavior before.
Thanks.
avast vpn (securline) is a separate application.
Since you changed things it is normal that a reboot is needed.
Many changes can only be applied if you reboot.
That is how Windows works.
a VPS update can also containe minor program fixes (usually for the scan engine) and some may require a restart
Thanks. But if I’m a free user and VPN doesn’t apply to my Avast so why would I need to reboot? Turning it to off really isn’t turning it off because it’s not on, right?
Maybe it’s a VPS thing but I’ve never seen this before so I doubt it.
There was a trial version of SecureLine.
It could be you are not using the latest avast version and/or that it is a leftover from a old(er) version.
Do you have any problems with the system ?
No problems really. I upgraded to 11 through the GUI. Since the upgrade I’ve been disconnected from the internet three times in three nights which hasn’t happened before so I thought 11 may be the problem but I called my ISP and now I’m not sure what’s going on really because I don’t think those techs know what’s really going on.
Hi NVF 
What Eddy says makes sense : Maybe you had activated the SecureLine trial ?
And maybe your “internet disconnection problems” were just connection problems with the Avast SecureLine VPN server during that trail.
As you don’t ( continue to ) use SecureLine, you can remove it like this :
Greetz, Red.
The so called techs are only getting paid to pick up the phone and annoy you ;D
Anyway, since you don’t have problems with the system I would say don’t worry about the reboot.
As I said, it is Windows and a reboot is sometimes needed.
I don’t see how I activated a free trial but I can’t rule it absolutely out I suppose. If I have to I’ll do a clean install and see if things look the same. Along those lines, should the free version of 11 have Secureline VPN in Gears → Tools as on which I turned off yesterday? If not then something went wrong, no? Thanks.
Hi NVF
There is really no need to do a clean install.
Yes, also in Avast Free, SecureLine is offered in that Menu.
But it can only be activated by starting the free trail, or by a license you have payed for.
So I am sure you somehow started the free trial, and there is nothing to worry about.
Just follow the directions from my previous post
Greetz, Red.
I don’t think I did. I touched nothing until I saw the tray icon. When I looked at things the menu asked about a trial which I left alone. So I’m not sure what is really what but VPN is off in the gear → tool menu which probably does nothing since I don’t have it but we’ll see.
Have to thank you for your attentiveness and replies. Really appreciate it.