Yep, true but it is possible to block auto-install. Problem really originates from default opt-out checkboxes. All such boxes should be opt-in only as you say.
You should try this application: https://unchecky.com/
I’ve not had issues like the ones you and others are describing since install. 
Chrome was installed for me with no option to uncheck.
I also have unchecky running !
very sneaky tactics
This topic is completely different there are however topics going back a very long time about people ending up with Chrome installer.
I have never had Chrome installed on this or any of my other systems.
Always do a Custom install and ensure you uncheck any options that you don’t need/want and always read what is on the various screens that are presented.
Just one point, are you talking about Google Chrome, rather than the Avast Secure Browser which is based on Chrome ?
Always do a custom install.
It was Google chrome.
also did it about 8 updates ago. >:(
There are screens outside of the installation before you select a Custom install that could have been checked by default. Either that or there can/had been another screen after the installation and boot that had chrome pre checked.
Eight updates ago is a relatively long time ago in terms of a program update, but we need to be alert and not click to move on.
I’m totally against pre-checking requiring the user to Opt Out and not pre checked to Opt In. So we really have to slow down and read what is presented and that applies to other program installations also.
This auto background install of Avast is just ridiculous. over the past year ish I have gotten uncommanded installs of Avast three times, this forum says there is a box to uncheck to avoid that, HOWEVER I have attempted to update CC Cleaner four times now and regardless of watching intently for that box FOUR times I have yet to find it. You have me so paranoid now I flat refuse to click on the install button for fear of getting that damned Avast again.
I love CC Cleaner but I will discourage everyone I know from now on not to go there as these people are NOT honest folks.
@ islandduo,
You can put this free PUP blocker on your system and your problems with unwanted installs are pretty much over, and not just only avast, but others too: https://unchecky.com/
I personally recommend the following, https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds
From there choose CCleaner - Portable Since it’s a standalone version, it doesn’t contain any add ons.
I feel I should not have to block anything, besides I have never seen the block to uncheck.
I created this account to complain.
avast installed itself sneakily by hiding in the updater to Partition Wizard by Minitool. The updater was launched through the software, so it attached itself to a legit program.
Why can’t I stop the service. why can’t I end the 700 avast programs it runs and launches on startup?
This is deliberately attempting to stop me removing it.
Wonderful software you guys have! I have to do a system restore to get this contamination off my hdd.
This page is SEO’d to show up when people search “avast installed itself” so I want to make it clear: Avast is a joke of a antivirus. You literally have to pay ppl to sneakily include it in their installers - that’s how big a joke avast antivirus is.
You’re entitled to your opinion. There are 430+ Million that disagree with you.
I’m just one of those 430+ Million.
IT tech here
Was preparing some screenshots to show “clean install of a nice utility” for my book on malwares, where I (wanted to) explain that you must not install anything without carefull verification.
CCleaner was the “good” exemple
Unlocker was the “bad” exemple
I have all the screen grabs that show NOT CHECKBOX or information on avast
But… avast STILL TRIED TO INSTALL ITSELF ??? (I have some protection, but still it got partially intalled, very bad garbage)
unlocker has a checkbox, allready checked, and I fought it was bad behavior. CCleaner, THAT IS VERY BAD BEHAVIOR !!!
Uninstalled CCleaner (and what of avast that got through).
Will never use it again
Preparing big information campain agaist you, on twitter, fb and so on.
You are bad.