Yesterday few users reported in Avast and in another forum that Avast 7.0.1456 program update installed Chrome without user permission, we’ve covered how to set Avast program update to automatic yesterday it self while the default behavior is to ask user to update when its available and we’ve updated the program from 7.0.1451 to 7.0.1456 but since we’d already Chrome installed and the program update set to ask we’re not sure about this.
To test this again we’ve uninstalled Avast and Chrome from my Computer and ran Avast setup- in the first step Avast setup screen showed “Yes, also install Google Chrome browser” option selected with Express Install option being selected, and its pretty clearly visible on the screen, user need to pay attention in this step where you can avoid Chrome installation and continue to Avast installation by unchecking installation of chrome option at the bottom. Then Avast will be installed and Chrome will not installed. We’ve found that Avast had not tried to install Chrome with Clean install when you opt-out Chrome installation during the setup.
We uninstalled Avast again, this time installed “Avast 7 .0.1442” old version and we’ve set the program update to automatic but we’d to click the Update button in Avast UI after waiting several hours for pop up notification about program update, after installing the update we’ve restarted our Computer and on startup Avast presented on screen with option to install Chrome we unchecked it and clicked the finish button. Everything fine no chrome installed when updated from old version. From the above cases we’ve learned that Avast never tried to install Chrome without user permission, should be the same for other users also.
We even suggest users to try “Custom install” method which I always use for any program (if installer provides) gives more control and you can know which features and services of the program are installed you can uncheck some of them say for eg.Avast gadget , remote Assistance, so that you’re only installing features you need.
| SHARE |
|
|
|
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
” …user need to pay attention in this step where you can avoid Chrome installation and continue to Avast installation by unchecking installation of chrome option at the bottom.”
No. Companies like Avast need to stop trying to trick their customers into screwing themselves. It’s the same thing with the Ask Toolbar malware which seems to be so common these days. The “opt out” model is unethical under ANY circumstances, as is Avast’s tendency to run unrelated programs on our computers without our permission, and I refuse to do business with unethical companies. After all, who in their right mind would trust a security company who tries to trick you into installing random junk?
I am going to try and then RETRY your advice with regards to installation, but I am pretty much PUSHING this product for many people I have used AVAST for years and recommended it to anyone I have worked on their computer. However tonight when I installed it on my daughters laptop, I really didnt see the same menu I was expecting. I didnt see a message to install it at all – just a CUSTOM button in the middle and no reference to Chrome. Maybe it was just due to the clean load, etc…I dont know. But having installed this on many machines, I am pretty sure I have seen a lot of the setups.
Tonight…Last straw. I use chrome, and I use avast, but I install what I want, I do not want other programs installing software without letting me know. This IS free and I AM getting what I paid for, but still common practices should indicate VERY Clearly when a program installation is planning to install a third party app.
So Avast doesn’t install Chrome without user permission, huh? ! Today, when I logged onto my my computer and went to get my coffee, I saw a window saying that Avast was updating. When I came back, the update was complete and Chrome was installed, along with the Chrome toolbar for Explorer. I haven’t clicked on anything, Avast has installed them without leaving me the time to uncheck and launch. I have been using Avast for years, I’ve pushed it onto my family and friends with many of them buying the professional version for their enterprises because I was feeling safe with Avast, now I’m If this ever reappear, I’ll delete Avast from my computer and inform my surrounding of that lack of ethics Avast is showing. If I want a new browser, I’ll download it myself. All I want from Avast is security for my computer against viruses, period.
Read the third paragraph in the article, set Avast to prompt when update is available, automatic update for program you’ve chosen not good, better leave it to default.
Open Avast UI>Settings>Updates>under Program select Ask when update is available.
Hope this helps.