AVAST Browser (Chromium-based)
avastbrowser.exe is safe. It's AVAST's Chromium-based browser executable that runs multiple processes for tabs, extensions, and background tasks to improve security and stability.
avastbrowser.exe is the executable for AVAST Browser, a Chromium-based web browser built by AVAST Software. It uses a multi-process architecture where each tab, extension, and internal feature runs in its own process to improve isolation, security, and stability while you browse the web. This design helps contain crashes and limits malware impact by sandboxing activities.
AVAST Browser relies on the Chromium engine with sandboxed renderers and separate browser, extension, and utility processes. The avastbrowser.exe launcher coordinates components, updates, and safety features like shields and privacy protections.
Quick Fact: Avast Browser implements sandboxed multi‑process architecture to isolate tabs and extensions, enhancing security and crash resilience.
Yes, avastbrowser.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from AVAST Software downloaded from official sources (avast.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
The real avastbrowser.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast Browser\Application\avastbrowser.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast Browser\Application\avastbrowser.exe. Any avastbrowser.exe elsewhere is suspicious.Red Flags: If avastbrowser.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Avast Browser isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "avastbrowser32.exe" or "avastbrowser.exe" from untrusted sources.
avastbrowser.exe runs when you open AVAST Browser or when the browser is configured to run in the background for protection features and updates.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable avastbrowser.exe. It's safe to close Avast Browser when not in use, and you can uninstall Avast Browser if you prefer another browser.
If avastbrowser.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Press Shift+Esc to open Avast Browser Task Manager and identify high-usage tabs/extensions
2. Clear browsing data: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (select Cached images and files)
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in about:extensions
4. Update Avast Browser: Settings → Help → Check for updates
5. Enable Memory Saver: Settings → Performance → Memory Saver
No, the legitimate avastbrowser.exe from AVAST Software is not a virus. However, always verify the file is located in C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast Browser\Application\avastbrowser.exe and has a valid digital signature from AVAST Software s.r.o.
High CPU usage is usually caused by specific tabs running heavy JavaScript, auto-playing media, or extensions. Use Avast Browser Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify the culprit, close or disable it, update the browser, and check for malware.
Yes, you can uninstall Avast Browser through Windows Settings → Apps if you no longer need it. Your browsing data will be deleted unless you sync it with an Avast/Google account. You can reinstall Avast Browser later if desired.
Yes, you can close Avast Browser anytime. To prevent startup, disable it in Task Manager → Startup tab. To stop background processes, go to Avast Browser Settings → Privacy/Security and disable background running.
AVAST Browser may be set to launch at Windows startup for quick access and protection features. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup tab by selecting Avast Browser and clicking Disable.
Close unused tabs, disable unnecessary extensions, clear cache, enable Memory Saver (Settings → Performance → Memory Saver), and consider suspending inactive tabs or using tab management features.