Avast Behaviour Shield Keeps Turning Off Rating: 6,3/10 3408 reviews

How to Stop Avast From Blocking Websites. Avast, a security solution designed to protect your business data and computers from most types of cyberattacks, uses a set of modules to scan various parts of your system. One module, Web Shield, is designed to scan websites that you visit and block any malicious code detected. Have you noticed Avast behavior shield running under the processes tab in Task Manager? This process checks for programs behavior in the background and kill if it finds any with malicious code. Behavior shield uses less resources, but you can disable or turn it off, here is how that can be done.

Once in a while, you’ll probably need to turn off your Avast Antivirus, or just pause some of its shields. Usually, because you want to install some other party security software like a firewall, or because Avast is blocking your favorite website or application.

OUR TIP If you want to disable Avast because it’s blocking program or website you trust, we suggest using the Avast Exceptions/White-list instead.

Here’s the quick step-by-step guide on how to turn off/disable Avast 2019 – completely or temporarily. Steps are applicable to all Avast antivirus products (Free Antivirus, Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, or Avast Premier).

Quick Summary

  1. Right-click on the Avast orange icon in the Windows system tray
  2. Select Avast shields control and select for how long you want to disable it
  3. Confirm by clicking Yes on the dialog

Read more detailed steps and other options including screenshots below

1. Turn Off/Disable Avast Completely (All Shields)

Turning off all Avast shields basically means completely turning off the whole Avast Antivirus active protection. So be sure you know what you’re doing, although it’s actually quite simple.

Step #1 – Just navigate to the Windows taskbar and find the orange Avast icon. By default it is hidden in some Windows systems, so click on the top arrow if you don’t see it. Once you find the icon, perform a right-click on it, look for the option ‘Avast shields control‘, and select one of the options there – disable for a) 10 minutes; b) 1 hour; c) until computer restart; d) permanently.

Disabling Avast Antivirus 2019 Completely via Windows System Tray

Avast Behaviour Shield Keeps Turning Off

Step #2 – Whatever option you will choose, Avast will ask you for a confirmation, which you have to confirm by selecting ‘Yes‘. And that’s it, Avast and all its shields should be disabled/paused for whatever time period you have selected.

Behaviour

Disabling Avast Antivirus 2019 Completely – Action Confirmation

Step #3 – If you want to make sure Avast is really disabled, just open its main window. It should be red and saying ‘All antivirus shields are off‘. To re-enable it again, click on the green button ‘RESOLVE‘, and it should turn green with the message ‘You’re protected‘.

Disabling Avast Antivirus 2019 Completely – User Interface

2. Turn Off/Disable Avast Temporarily (Specific Shield(s))

Besides turning off all shields at once, Avast also offers an option to temporarily turn off/pause any specific shield. Again, be sure you know what and why you’re doing it.

Step #1 – If so, then open the main Avast user interface, and go to Protection » Core Shields. Alternatively, you can go to Settings (in the bottom left corner in the main Avast interface) » ‘Components’ (or ‘Active Protection‘ in the older version). There you will see all Avast shields (File System Shield, Behavior Shield, Mail Shield, Web Shield) listed.

Disabling Avast Antivirus 2019 Specific Shields – Shields Overview

Just find the one you want to disable and click on the switcher. Once you click on it, you will see four options – stop the shield for a) 10 minutes; b) 1 hour; c) until computer restart; d) permanently. Just select the period you want and click on it.

Step #2 – If the shield has been successfully disabled, you should see the switch change to ‘OFF‘ and the main window should be yellow with the message ‘File Shield is now off‘. To re-enable it again, simply click on the green ‘Turn on‘ button, and it should turn green with the message ‘You’re protected‘.

Avast Antivirus 2019 File Shield Turned Off

3. Uninstall Avast Antivirus Completely

If none of these steps solved your problem, then you can consider uninstalling Avast Antivirus completely. Although we strongly discourage it, as Avast is the best free Antivirus available.

If you’re sure you want to do it, follow our step-by-step guide ‘How to Uninstall/Remove Avast Antivirus 2019‘ or download the simple removal tool called Avast Uninstall Utility.

Additional Notes

Although we have used Avast Free Antivirus 2019 screenshots in this article, these steps are also applicable for all Avast Antivirus solutions (i.e. also for Avast Pro Antivirus, Avast Internet Security, or Avast Premier) running the latest version available.

Steps are relevant for all Windows versions – Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (including Anniversary Update).

Turning off Avast protection may leave your computer at risk.ShowAll Questionssorted byRecent Activity

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  • This Question
Božo Stojković
Randomly at startup of my computer, the AVG's behavior shield is turned off, and I have to turn it on manually. Repairing and reinstalling didn't work. What should I do?
  • April 27, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Thank you for the information.
AVG Clear tool is used to remove all the traces of latest version of AVG from your computer.
Click on this link https://share.avg.com/steam/PSP/AVG2017/AVG_Clear.exe to run AVG Clear tool.
NOTE: When you are prompted to restart in safe mode, please click on 'NO' and continue to uninstall AVG in normal mode.
If you face any difficulties, please let us know and we will assist you further.
  • April 28, 2018
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Ranjani Bakthavachalam(Avast)
Bozo,
Are you facing this issue on Windows device? Have you used AVG Clear tool to uninstall AVG? Let us know if you are using paid or free version of AVG.
  • April 27, 2018
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Božo Stojković
Yes, I'm on a Windows device. I am using the free version of AVG.
What is AVG Clear tool?
  • April 28, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Thank you for the information.
AVG Clear tool is used to remove all the traces of latest version of AVG from your computer.
Click on this link https://share.avg.com/steam/PSP/AVG2017/AVG_Clear.exe to run AVG Clear tool.
NOTE: When you are prompted to restart in safe mode, please click on 'NO' and continue to uninstall AVG in normal mode.
If you face any difficulties, please let us know and we will assist you further.
Božo Stojković
Thank you for your response! It works fine now, but it doesn't mean it is fixed. The problem was appearing randomly, so I will wait for a week to see if the problem reappears before marking your answer as best.
  • April 28, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
  • April 28, 2018
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Božo Stojković
  • May 13, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
I am sorry to hear that the issue reappeared.
Please send me the screenshot http://avgclick.me/getscreenshot of the error message. We will check the same and assist you further.
  • May 13, 2018
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Božo Stojković
There is no error message, read my original post again.
Here is the screenshot nonetheless..
  • May 13, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Thank you for the screenshot.
Do you have any other security program installed on your computer?
  • May 13, 2018
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Balasubramanian(Avast)
Thank you for the screenshot.
Perform (repair) of AVG antivirus free and restart your PC to check the status.
  • May 13, 2018
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Božo StojkovićAvast
I already performed a repair. I reinstalled AVG at least three times. I rebooted my PC countless times. The problem persists through reinstallations of Windows as well.
  • May 13, 2018
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Balasubramanian

Avast Behaviour Shield Keeps Turning Off Meaning

(Avast)
Thank you for the efforts that you have taken for this matter.
In this case, it is necessary for us to analyze the log files.
An email instruction has been sent which will help you to collect and send us the log files.
If the email is not found in inbox do check in spam and junk folders.
  • May 13, 2018
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Božo Stojković
Thank you for providing support. I have successfully uploaded the data.
  • May 13, 2018
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Balasubramanian

Avast Behaviour Shield Keeps Turning Off Mac

(Avast)
Thank you for submitting the log files.
I have forwarded it to senior team for analysis.
Keep checking your email to know about the status.
Your patience is much appreciated.
  • May 13, 2018
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Božo Stojković
Do you have any insight on status of analysis? The issue is pretty annoying.
  • May 25, 2018
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Avinash(Avast)
Božo, it is indeed disappointing when you have to contact us multiple times about the same issue. We would like to update you again that your logs is being analyzed and you may have your reply anytime. Appreciate your patience.
  • May 25, 2018
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Edhart Jones
Hello, Customer Support. I have this exact problem as the topic poster. But my Behavior Shield has been randomly disabling itself on startup for many months. I would like to submit my log files for analysis. Please instruct me on how to do this.
  • July 8, 2018
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Balasubramanian(Avast)
Hello Edhart,
Sure, we can help you in submitting the log files.
Before that, may I know whether you have reinstalled the program using AVG remover and clear tools?
  • July 8, 2018
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Edhart Jones
Hello Balasubramanian. I have not done those 2 things. I assume these tools will fail as solutions like for the topic poster.
  • July 8, 2018
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Balasubramanian(Avast)
Edhart, it shouldn't fail for all system.
It is necessary to check the status after reinstalling using our remover tools.
We look forward to your response.
  • July 8, 2018
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Edhart Jones
I just used the Clear tool provided from the post marked as best solution. Then I downloaded the AVG FREE and installed it. This doesn't mean it is fixed. The problem was appearing randomly and sometimes without skipping the next day. I will wait up to 1 week to see if the problem reappears and then I'll post another response.
  • July 12, 2018
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Sure, Edhart. You can wait for few days and let us know the status.
We appreciate your time and co-operation.
  • July 12, 2018
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Edhart Jones
Customer Support, this problem has not been resolved. The problem has occurred again. I await your next solution.
  • July 14, 2018
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Ranjani Bakthavachalam(Avast)
Okay, Edhart.
Let's escalate this case to our senior team to determine the exact cause. We have sent you an email requesting the diagnostic information to analyze the issue and provide you with a resolution. Please check your inbox and spam box as well and send the requested data to assist you further.
  • July 14, 2018
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Chris Cant
Hi,
I am now also experiencing the issue described above. It does not happen every time I start windows but is becoming more regular.
  • July 14, 2018
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Avinash(Avast)
Chris, we'd request you to post your own query or contact our technical support team (http://avgclick.me/AVGtechnical) so we can send you instructions to collect necessary logs to analyze the issue.
  • July 14, 2018
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Bob Jackson
Why has this issue been marked as 'Solved' when clearly others have this same problem and no actual solution has been publicly posted here. I've never had AVG on my system and now that I do, I also have the same problem as Božo Stojković and Edhart Jones with the exact same screen shots. If there is an actual solution being shared only by private email, please send me that same email. Thanks
  • March 14, 2019
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Bob, this issue was reported to be fixed in other posts.
If you still face this problem, please let me know the version of AVG installed on your computer.
To check the version, open AVG AntiVirus free/Internet Security, click on 'Menu->About'.
  • March 14, 2019
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Bob Jackson
Thanks Karthikeyan, that's great but please direct me to these 'other posts'. I've looked over many other posts and did searches of 'Behavior Shield is off on startup' and 'Behavior Shield'.
So far this is the only posted topic I've found that is relevent. I was still searching when your email arrived to let me know that you had responded. Very fast response, thanks.
The AVG Antivirus Free I have is Software version: 18.8.3071 (build 18.8.4084.409) UI version 1.0.149
  • March 14, 2019
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Ranjani Bakthavachalam(Avast)
Bob,
We came across few posts where customers mentioned that the issue has been fixed.
Is it possible for you reach us via your own posts so that we will be able to locate your account and draft you an email if needed.
Regarding the version of AVG you mentioned, do you use Windows XP SP3 device?
  • March 14, 2019
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Bob Jackson
I use Xp Pro 64.
I don't understand your question:
'Is it possible for you reach us via your own posts so that we will be able to locate your account and draft you an email if needed.' I thought that was what I was doing by posting here.
You already have my user name (Bob Jackson) and my account is following this conversation so I get an email each time I get an answer to my post. You should have everything you need to access my account and get my email address. I also used https://support.avg.com/support_contact_form?l=en and filled out the form where I gave my name and also include my account email address.
There is no way I'm going to publicly expose my account email address on this public forum.
Why can't you simply give me the links to the posts where you said 'We came across few posts where customers mentioned that the issue has been fixed'
  • March 15, 2019
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Thank you for the information.
Unfortunately, we are unable to locate your account with your name. You do not have to provide your email address in public forum. However, we request you to create a new post from your account.
So, we will be able to help you with the necessary information.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
  • March 15, 2019
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Richard Knauer
I am having the same issue as reported above. I have laptop with Windows 10 Home V1809 (latest updates) and AVG 19.3.3084 (build 19.3.4241.445). Behavior Shield shuts off after PC startup (same as above screenshot) . This has been happening for a 3-4 weeks. It may have begun after updating from Windows 10 V1803 to V1809 in early March. Normal Repair and normal uninstall/reinstall do not correct the issue. I have not yet run the Clean tool as others above have tried it unsuccessfully for this problem resolution. I hate wasting my time restarting this B.S. every reboot. The issue also seems to have slowed down my Windows startup. Please advise. Thank you.
  • April 5, 2019
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Hello Richard,
We will work together to sort this issue.
Do you have any other security software installed on your computer?
Have you waited for few minutes after your computer reboot and checked if the 'Behavior Shield' gets turned on automatically?
If not, we suggest you to wait for few minutes after system restart and check if everything works fine.
  • April 5, 2019
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Richard Knauer
On the laptop, I connect via home WiFi. I have MalwareBytes Premium installed (latest version 3.7.1).
I have waited for more than a few minutes after reboot and Behavior Shield does not get turned on.
I have run deep scans on the machine using AVG as well as MalwareBytes, also ran Windows Defender scans. None show any issues.
I have a PC which is Ethernet connected to the net with similar software that does not show this behavior.
  • April 11, 2019
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Karthikeyan(Avast)
Richard, thank you for the information.
The Malwarebyte installed on your computer might have caused this issue with AVG.
Did you try disabling Malwarebytes temporarily on your computer and checked if that fix the issue with AVG.?
It is also not recommended to have more than one security software on your computer. This will conflict with each other and slow down your computer performance.
  • April 11, 2019
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Richard Knauer
I will try that but be aware that I have had both products on this and other Windows machines for years. The problem is a recent one. Even if disabling MWB does prevent this issue, it had not been problematic for a long time and should be addressed by your team. I will make the same note to MWB (if MWB does create the issue.)
  • April 12, 2019
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Richard Knauer
I have tried your suggestion. I disabled MWB from starting on reboot. I verified its MBAM service was off after startup (service set to manual). I even turned off WiFi to be sure no external issue was causing the problem. I rebooted twice with the same results each time.
AVG (AV Free) Behavior Shield consistently gets disabled after about 5-7 minutes (after startup and subsequent Windows login).
I can turn it back on manually using Fix Now button.It then seems to stay enabled until the next reboot. However I and the fellow sufferers need a long term solution.
Thank you for your suggestions/assistance in advance.
  • April 12, 2019
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Richard Knauer
I have tried your suggestion. I disabled MWB from starting on reboot. I verified its MBAM service was off after startup (service set to manual). I even turned off WiFi to be sure no external issue was causing the problem. I rebooted twice with the same results each time.
AVG (AV Free) Behavior Shield consistently gets disabled after about 5-7 minutes (after startup and subsequent Windows login).
I can turn it back on manually using Fix Now button.It then seems to stay enabled until the next reboot. However I and the fellow sufferers need a long term solution.
Thank you for your suggestions/assistance in advance.
  • April 12, 2019
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Ranjani Bakthavachalam(Avast)
Richard,
We appreciate your efforts and patience.
Please try to update your AVG Antivirus Free product to 19.4 and check the status.
We have made many changes to the settings page so make sure that you have latest version of AVG.
  • April 13, 2019
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Richard Knauer
I already have this version and still have this issue.
19.4.3089 (build 19.4.4318.451)
  • April 13, 2019
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Ranjani Bakthavachalam(Avast)
Thank you for the info, Richard.
We would like to collect logs and escalate the case to our senior team to determine the exact cause.
Please use the following link:
https://support.avg.com/support_authorization_required?startUrl=/support_ask and reach us via separate (own) post to assist you further.
  • April 13, 2019
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