Avast 2016: Reset forgotten or lost password in Avast Antivirus

Instructions to reset a forgotten or lost password in Avast Antivirus on systems running Windows.

How to regain access to Avast when the password was lost

Avast Antivirus allows you to set a password to protect access to your settings. If you lose or forget this password, you can regain access to your Avast Antivirus settings in two ways:

• Reinstall Avast
• Remove the aswResp.dat file

This article is not related to Avast Account passwords, or the Passwords manager feature in Avast Antivirus.

If you have lost or forgotten your password for your Avast Account, please read the following article:

• Avast Account: Reset the password for your Avast Account

For information about the Passwords manager feature in Avast Antivirus, please read the following article:

• Avast 2016: Passwords - FAQ

Reinstall Avast

If you lose or forget your password, you can regain access to Avast Antivirus settings by reinstalling Avast Antivirus in Safe Mode.

1. Uninstall your version of Avast Antivirus. For uninstallation instructions, please read the following article:
   • Avast 2016: Using the Uninstall Utility
2. Reinstall Avast Antivirus. For installation instructions, please read the articles below according to your version of Avast Antivirus:
   • Avast 2016 Installation
     Avast Free Antivirus | Avast Pro Antivirus | Avast Internet Security | Avast Premier
   When you reinstall Avast Antivirus, the new version will be password free.

Remove the aswResp.dat file

If you lose or forget your password, you can regain access to Avast Antivirus by removing the aswResp.dat file:

1. Please ensure that you are logged in with Administrator permissions before you begin.
2. Start Windows in Safe Mode according to the instructions on the Windows support page:
   • Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10
3. Simultaneously press the Win + X keys on your keyboard and select File Explorer from the menu.
   
4. Double-click on your Local Disk (usually C:) where Avast is installed by default.
   
5. Follow the path below to access Avast files:
   
   Local Disk C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast
   
   If you cannot find the ProgramData folder in your system, follow the instructions on the Windows support page to display hidden folders:

   • Find lost files after the update to Windows 10
6. In the Avast folder, locate the aswResp.dat file and delete it.
   
7. The confirmation window appears. Click Yes.
8. Restart your system. When the system restarts, Avast is accessible without a password.