aswUpdSvrs.exe

What is aswUpdSvrs.exe?

aswUpdSvrs.exe is Avast Antivirus’ updater service. It runs in the background to check for, download, and apply virus definition updates and program component updates. This allows Avast to stay current without interrupting your work, and it may start briefly during update cycles or Windows startup.

This updater coordinates update checks, handles download and installation of definitions, and triggers program updates. It runs as a background process to minimize user disruption while maintaining protection.

Types of Avast Update Processes

• Updater Service: Core Avast updater that coordinates checks for virus definitions and program updates
• Definition Fetcher: Downloads latest virus definitions and applies them
• Program Update Agent: Updates Avast components and modules
• Background Scheduler: Schedules recurring update checks and maintenance tasks

Is aswUpdSvrs.exe Safe?

Yes, aswUpdSvrs.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Avast updater located in the installed Avast directory (AVAST Software) signed by Avast Software s.r.o.

Is aswUpdSvrs.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real aswUpdSvrs.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may impersonate updater names to mislead users.

How to Tell if aswUpdSvrs.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\aswUpdSvrs.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast\aswUpdSvrs.exe. Any aswUpdSvrs.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "AVAST Software s.r.o."
3. Resource Usage:: Normal updater activity uses modest CPU (1-5%) during checks and 30-120 MB memory; sustained high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior:: Should run during Avast update cycles or Windows startup for updates; persistent background activity without updates may indicate a problem.

Why Is aswUpdSvrs.exe Running on My PC?

aswUpdSvrs.exe runs to check for and apply Avast updates, including virus definitions and program components. It helps ensure protection stays current without requiring manual intervention.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Update Checks: Avast periodically checks for new virus definitions and program updates and launches aswUpdSvrs.exe to perform the updates.
• Background Protection Synchronization: Keeps threat data and settings synchronized with the latest definitions and server configurations.
• Startup Update Service: May start automatically at Windows startup to ensure updates occur promptly after boot.
• Manual Update Initiation: If you opened Avast UI and clicked Update, the updater runs to download and install updates.
• Maintenance and Scheduling: Scheduled maintenance tasks run in the updater to keep components current and reduce the chance of stale definitions.

Can I Disable or Remove aswUpdSvrs.exe?

Yes, you can disable the Avast updater. It will stop automatic updates and may reduce protection until re-enabled or updates are performed manually.

How to Stop aswUpdSvrs.exe

• Stop Avast Update Service: Open Windows Services (services.msc) and stop the service named "Avast Update Service" or similar.
• Set Startup Type to Manual/Disabled: In the Services snap-in, set the Avast Update Service Startup Type to Manual or Disabled.
• Disable Update Checks in Avast UI: Open Avast, go to Settings > Update and turn off automatic update checks if available.
• Prevent Startup: In Task Manager > Startup, disable Avast updater-related entries if present.
• Restart: Restart the computer to apply the changes.

How to Uninstall Avast (and aswUpdSvrs.exe)

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Avast Antivirus → Uninstall
• ✔ During uninstallation, choose to remove Avast Security Suite or keep core components if offered
• ✔ If you only want to remove updater features, use Avast’s custom uninstall options (if provided) or Repair then modify components

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If aswUpdSvrs.exe is consuming excessive resources or failing to update:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Frequent update scheduling: Limit or adjust Avast update settings to reduce overly aggressive check intervals, ensuring updates occur at reasonable times
• Multiple Avast components updating: Ensure only necessary Avast components are set to update and consider disabling non-critical components
• Corrupted updater cache: Clear updater cache via Avast settings or reinstall Avast to repair cache
• Background scanning conflicts: Temporarily disable or adjust real-time scanning during heavy update periods
• Outdated Avast version: Update Avast to the latest version to fix updater inefficiencies
• Network throttling or blocked updates: Ensure Windows Firewall allows Avast update traffic and that no proxy blocks updater endpoints

Related Processes