I run the free version of Avast. Are my only options to stop the pop-ups to either uninstall Avast completely or upgrade to a paid version? Is there no way to put Avast on an inactive state where it is still installed, where protection can be toggled on and off, with ads only popping up while Avast is active?
You have the option of upgrading to a paid version or enable “Silent/Gaming” mode, protection will be active with caveat (see following post).
Refer to this topic: Re: Offer pop-ups currently on page 17 of the board starting and reading on at the post below.
The only way to get rid of them in the Free version is to select Silent/Gaming Mode in General Settings. The problem with that is you will not get important alerts about malware or virus infections/attempts.
Keep in mind that avast is a commercial company and have to make money in order to continue existing.
As lakrsrool said, getting a paid version or setting avast to silent/gaming mode will help.
A other option you have is using the avast cloud scanner (free)
Once a user starts using “game/silent mode” they will not be notified if they click
on or go to an infectious website. The user must make a choice of security or adopt
a daredevil attitude.
No pop-ups also means no warnings.