5 Solutions to “Avast Setup Is Already Running” Error

What Causes the Error?

You want to know what causes the “Avast setup is already running” error. There may be many possible reasons. But the most common reason is related to a file called the instup.exe, which basically runs in the background of Windows to update the virus definitions and download them.

This file runs in the background of the Task Manager. If you try to end the task, the file may display message “The Operation could not be completed”.

How to Solve “Avast Setup Is Already Running” Error

To solve the “Avast setup is already running” error, you can try the following methods.

Fix 1. Disable Avast Self-Defense Module

The Avast Self-Defence Module in the Avast antivirus provides protection to the antivirus application itself. Disabling this module may help you solve the problem. Here is the guide:

• Launch the Avast Application.
• From the Avast interface, click on the Settings
• From the list of options, navigate to Troubleshooting and click on it.
• Find Enable Avast Self Defence Module and unmark the box next to this option.
• Click on the OK button and exit the box.
• Restart the system and try updating Avast software to check whether the error is removed.

A Guide on How to Fix Avast Virus Definitions Won’t Update

Fix 2. End Process Instup.exe in Task Manager

• Right-click on the Taskbar and open Task Manger.
• Find exe process and right-click on it.
• Choose End Task. After that, a window will pop-up and ask you to update the antivirus.

If this method also fails, please try the following one.

Fix 3. Remove Avast Utility

Some users have reported that uninstalling Avast Utility has resolved the error. Here is the guide:

• Open your browser and head to this website: avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utility.
• Find “exe” file and download it.
• Open the setup file and click on the Avastclear
• Click on Yes button and then the system will restart and go into Safe Mode.
• Choose the suitable version of the antivirus and then choose the Uninstall
• Restart the system to see whether the problem is solved.

How to Add an Exception to Avast (Software or Website)

Fix 4. Run CHKDSK Command

If the above methods don’t work, you should check if there are any corrupted files in the system. Here is the guide:

• Press “Windows + R” keys to open Run
• In the dialog, type “cmd” and then press Enter
• Once the Command Prompt window opens, type “c: cd\chkdsk testing line” command and hit Enter. If the system has no corrupted files, then you will see the following line “Windows has scanned the file and found no problems”. But if it does have problems, then you’d have to fix it.

Fix 5. Repair or Uninstall Avast Under Control Panel

• Open the Control Panel.
• Change the option View by Category.
• Navigate to Uninstall a Program under Program and Features.
• Locate the Avast application and right-click on it.
• Choose Repair or Uninstall.

If you choose uninstalling this software, you should reinstall it later.

Full Fixes to the “Avast Update Stuck” Issue on Windows 7/10