Seeing the “Avast Update Host Unreachable” error can startle you, but it’s actually not a deeply serious problem.
In fact, you can try troubleshooting it from your end!
In this fix guide, we’ll be unearthing the complete reasons why you’re seeing this error, as well as the complete solution to this problem.
If you see this error on your screen, first, power cycle your internet connection. Then, repair your Avast program. Next download the Avast Uninstall Utility. When done, proceed to uninstall Avast via Control Panel or Apps & Programs, and then use the uninstall utility.
You might think that it’s easy, but it’s actually a bit more complex and comprehensive than that.
Before we go to that, though, let us first enumerate some of the reasons why you’re seeing the “host unreachable” prompt.
What Causes the Host Unreachable Error When Updating Avast?
There’s actually not an exact cause of the unreachable error. It could be caused by one (1) or more factors.
We investigated and found that there are a few instances that happen more often than the others, resulting in the unreachable prompt:
- Bad or Unstable Internet Connection
- Incorrect/Unconfigured Firewall
- Outdated Avast Version/Setup
- Corrupted Avast Files
These are the common reasons for the prompt of host unreachable in Avast update. So, how do you remedy it? What steps do you need to do to fix and resolve this problem comprehensively?
Avast Update Host Unreachable – Complete Fix
In this guide, we will be going over the complete step-by-step instructions on what you need to do to fix and resolve this problem.
We’ll scrape off everything from top to bottom, so we don’t leave out even the tiniest of detail!
Step #1: Ensure That You Have a Good and Stable Internet Connection
There are a lot of problems caused by a bad internet connection and updating your Avast can be one of those.
So, you want to make sure that your internet connection is stable before you start the process.
To achieve this, you need to perform a reboot or a power cycle of your modem/router.
- Power your modem/router off by unplugging it from the outlet.
- Wait up to 45 seconds to one (1) full minute.
- Plug it back in again to power.
QUICK NOTE: You have to wait for the connection to reinitialize; it usually takes about three (3) full minutes.
Step #2: Repair the Avast Version
Then, what you need to do is to repair your Avast program. To do this, go to Apps & Features (Windows 10 and above) or Control Panel > Applications (Windows 7 & 8).
Locate your Avast program from the list of apps and programs. When you find it, select Uninstall.
If the program has additional products, you just need to confirm the uninstallation.
A window will appear, you just need to select Repair on the right-hand side. From there, the repair process will be done, you just have to wait for it to finish. Then, restart your system.
Step #3: Download and Install the Avast Uninstall Utility and Product of Your Choice
When your system’s rebooted, what you want to do next is to download the Avast program of your choice:
- Avast Free Antivirus
- Avast Premier Antivirus
- Pro Antivirus
- Avast Internet Security
When that’s done, don’t run it. Just exit out of the prompt. What you want to do next is download the Avast Removal Tool.
QUICK NOTE: Make sure that you save these two (2) files in a folder or location where you can easily find them.
What we recommend you do is to create a new folder on the desktop and label it as “Avast Files” move the files there when they’re done downloading.
Step #4: Disconnect From the Internet
When you’re done with the download of these two (2) files, disconnect from the internet. If you’re using a wired connection, remove the Ethernet cable from your device.
On the other hand, if you’re using WiFi, you simply have to turn WiFi off.
Disable Your PC’s Firewall
Before going on with the next step, you want to disable the Firewall first because it could be meddling with how the Antivirus’s firewall works.
So, go to Windows Security/System Preferences > Firewall. Choose Disable.
Step #5: Uninstall Your Current Antivirus Software
When you’ve disconnected your system from the internet, and disabled the firewall, the next step is to uninstall the current Avast program you have.
The process would just be like the steps of repairing, but instead of selecting repair, select Uninstall.
- Go to Apps & Features or Control Panel > Applications.
- Select Avast Antivirus > Uninstall.
- When you see the setup screen, select Uninstall.
- After that, wait for the system to remove Avast completely.
Step #6: Power Cycle or Reboot Your System
When it does, the next thing you want to do is power cycle or restart your computer. Power cycle it to lock all the changes in. Wait for your system to reboot.
Step #7: Run the Avast Uninstall Tool
When your system boots back up, the next thing you want to do is run the Avast Uninstall or Removal Utility.
This step is done because there are instances where the entire Avast system isn’t removed when you uninstall it in the traditional way.
So, what you want to do is run the Avast Clear Utility, which you’ve already downloaded on your desktop.
When that’s done, follow these steps:
- Start and boot Windows up in Safe Mode.
- Execute Avast’s Uninstall Utility.
- Path the current Avast Folder (if it’s still there).
- Select Remove.
- Wait for the changes to take place.
- Restart or reboot your computer.
Step #8: Install the Avast Program You Downloaded
By now, your system should be clear of the Avast program. So, what you want to do now is install the Avast program you downloaded in Step 3.
Wait for the installation to complete and follow this up by registering your Avast product by accessing Avast website.
Moving forward, your Avast program wouldn’t give you the host unreachable prompt any longer. The Avast updating should now be fast, seamless, and smooth!
Avast Update Host Unreachable Prompt is Persistent, What Should I Do?
In the event that the Avast Update Host Unreachable prompt is still bothering you, your next best bet is to contact Avast’s customer support team to see what’s happening.
Inform them of the problem, as well as the troubleshooting steps you’ve already accomplished. They’ll help you with a tailored resolution of your problems.
Thus to fix the Avast Update Host Unreachable problem, check your internet connection. Then, download the new and updated Avast program of your choice and the uninstall utility, uninstall the current one from your system, and then install the new one.
Read Next: Why is Avast Blocking Wireless Printer?
Final Verdict
The Avast Update Host Unreachable prompt could be such a headache but doing these steps will help get you going.
Save this, bookmark it, or keep it on a tab so that the next time you experience this issue, you know where to go!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.