I was using older Avast version for a year and so (with program updates disabled) and just recently updated to the newest one and have program updates enabled now. So, firstly i was negatively surprised by SafeZone browser push to all users (which seems to be addressed now, but i worry about them “re-thinking the strategy”). And a few days ago a new program update was automatically installed and after a reboot i saw a Avast window talking about new features and asking to press Continue (with checkboxes preselected to install Chrome browser). Why does a program update can’t be truly silent like it is with defs updates? Why do i have to say to Avast that i don’t want Chrome again (i have already made a decision while installing Avast)? What’s up with Avast lately making such blatant decisions to push something on their users?
The offering of Google Chrome is nothing new, it has been there for some considerable time.
When you restart the system after a program update you get the offer (pre-checked is bad). Before, when installing a program update, it used to be in the initial installation screen. And could even make an appearance after the installation, having already unchecked the options.
Both screens allow for the option to be unchecked.
My main question is why program update is not silent like it is in some other software (av included) or why there is no setting for that? Or should i disable program updates like i had before, so i won’t be bothered with a useless screen and most importantly i won’t have to consult my non tech-savvy relatives/friends who use Avast about that window jumping in front…
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=185199.0
Avast program updates are now automatic and silent by default - can be changed via Settings->Update
I already had it on Automatic Updates and my version is 2261. Does this mean that next time it updates i won’t see such screen? Actually, the installation itself was already silent. This screen is shown after the reboot after the silent installation.
My guess is if you get a silent update because your program updates were set at automatic. Then this screen after the reboot (where you can uncheck the option) is the only way to avoid getting Chrome also installed.
Interesting. So in that case when program updates itself it actually launches the full installer. But it only presents one screen. You don’t have to select which modules to install, etc. So it is not like the full installer launching again. This is more like an acknowledge window to inform that update was successful (with a shameless try to push Chrome install through). Also, if this is true, then the only option to avoid that is to set program updates to manual and leave it like this.
I don’t believe it is launching the full installer as such, but files, especially those digitally signed would have to be replaced requiring a reboot.
That gives to opportunity to display that screen on restart so users can remove the pre-checked options. Otherwise Chrome could be installed if there was no opportunity to remove the option. And we all know how much that gets under the users skin, getting something on a silent install.
Well, after the update i still have only File shield installed, just as i have selected during the initial install. And it didn’t ask me what modules to install after the update. So the installer is able to check what my selections were. Just not for that one thing.
If you already had Chrome installed this would not have come up. I didn’t get any popups but I used Chrome as my default browser.
Dear,
I paid for another 3 years Internet Security for 3 pc’s.
I even couldn’t close the window.
There only ware three possibilities :
- Install Chrome.
- Upgrade (from IS) to Premium.
- Shut down the pc and reboot (wich I did).
My conclusion : Not so client-minded from avast!.
Grts, André.
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Why would you want to do that if you are happy with what you have. That really isn’t an option if you don’t want it.
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I don’t believe this would change even with the Premier version installed.
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I can’t recall if my screen showed an X in the top right corner to close the window - if not - it would usually mean it requires acknowledgement.
A method in windows to close an open screen is to press the Alt+F4 keys together, that should close it without needing a reboot.
Note: I’m not sure if this might apply in this case, when using a paid version you have the option not to be bugged by ads for other avast products. AvastUI > Settings > General - Popups section, uncheck the ‘Show popup offers for other avast products’ option.
Hi DavidR,
Thank you for your reply and your advice.
Grts, André.
You’re welcome.
Happened again when updating to 11.2.2262. Disabling automatic program update from now on.
Changing Program updates to ‘Ask when an update is available’ was honoured for me. I got notified in the UI (Popup) of 2261 that an Update was available and that was for 11.2.2262. That at least lets you know an update is available were a Manual update setting wouldn’t.
After installation/update you should get a screen on restart about chrome, unchecking the chrome options worked fine for me.
I don’t want to do manual updates nor do i want to see this screen when it automatically updates (and i don’t want my non tech savvy parents or friends to get it and ask me or just press Continue on anything jumping on them). I don’t like pushing Chrome on me. So i decide not to update.
If you don’t get this screen then you would get Chrome installed as the option is pre-checked.
Surely at some point you are going to update the program having a security based application that you don’t update king of defeats the whole point of having it.
Your system your choice, but I’m done.
Definitions are still updating. Yeah, i will probably update it once a year or something 
That’s my choice indeed. Not the Avast deciding for me. And is still believe there should be a way avoiding this during the upgrade.
New article relating to not updating avast, or keeping up with security updates in general: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=186168.msg1311198#msg1311198