New Beta version is live - 12.3.2277

[MartinZ]

Hi all,

new beta version is live: 12.3.2277
This release is about passive mode which will make it easier to run Avast with another antivirus. To try it you can go to Settings and turn it on. It basically disables all realtime protection, but still receving virus definition updates and program updates so it's ready for on demand scans. Please try also to install this beta version on system, where is already another AV running, in that case the passive mode should be activated automatically. Please note that the other AV must be registered in WSC. This feature works on Windows 7 and higher.

Fixed:
+ BSOD for Skylake processor running  Windows 10 Anniversary Update(RS1)
+ Randomly opening Avast UI bug
+ SafePrice browser extension component is no longer installed during update when Browser extension was not installed in the previous version

Download links as usual or just update your current beta.

Enjoy,
AVAST Team

[RejZoR]

So, passive mode works the same as Redstone's Windows Defender, where it still runs, but only for periodic on-demand scans without real-time.

[Lord_Ami]

Thanks for the update. Upgraded over previous beta without problems (custom - online install).

By the way. Passive mode is accessible via Settings - Troubleshooting.

[Gopher John]

When Avast is in Passive mode, I would think that it wouldn't be registered in WSC.  Am I correct?

[lukor]

correct.

[signuprepli]

Why would one want to run Avast in the passive mode? Is this to prevent interference with the new MS Defender in Win 10 Anniversary? If so, what real time protection would one have? Would it come from Defender? I just don't see the added value here for the average user. In summary, can the latest Avast provide real-time protection and co-exist peacefully with the new Defender in Anniversary v1607 14340.10?

http://www.windowscentral.com/whats-new-windows-defender-windows-10-anniversary-update

[Gopher John]

correct.

Thanks for reply.  This option must be to gain some exposure for Avast to users of other antivirus programs that aren't quite ready to make the change.  Smart move.

[SpeedyPC]

I'm trying to understand is Why? what's the point of having this when most users like myself running MBAM Premium and MBAE Premium when we don't really need MS Defender.

If I'm not mistaken MS hasn't improved their Windows Defender or MS Defender for many years, and this can be a major worried to have this side by side with Avast is bloody strange

[MartinZ]

It's not only about Defender. We see in data that lot of users is running 2 or more AVs at the same time. That's why we are introducing this mode. Also we don't want to create hassle on your PC if you install Avast over your current AV to make it slow etc. With Passive mode you can use both in peace.
Other AVs are usually doing the opposite, they even won't install until you uninstall the current AV. We don't want to be that harsh and strict.

Yes we all here now that running one AV + MBAM is probably the best solution, but not all people are like us ;-) Some think that more AVs = more protection. Some don't know how to uninstall AV completely etc...

[MartinZ]

When Avast is in Passive mode, I would think that it wouldn't be registered in WSC.  Am I correct?

Not exactly. We are still registered in WSC but reported as OFF.

[Gopher John]

When Avast is in Passive mode, I would think that it wouldn't be registered in WSC.  Am I correct?

Not exactly. We are still registered in WSC but reported as OFF.

If the primary antivirus is removed, will Avast automatically change from Passive mode to Active and report itself On in WSC.

[bob3160]

With Passive Mode, will Avast now not be the resident AV if installed on a Windows 10 System that
has Defender as it's resident AV

[NON]

Thanks for the beta

[bob3160]

With Passive Mode, will Avast now not be the resident AV if installed on a Windows 10 System that
has Defender as it's resident AV

Defender seems to be smart enough to disable itself when another AV is installed.
Why can't Avast be smart enough to disable other AV's when it gets installed
If that's not possible, why not give proper instructions as to how to remove the other AV

[DavidR]

With Passive Mode, will Avast now not be the resident AV if installed on a Windows 10 System that
has Defender as it's resident AV

<snip image>
Defender seems to be smart enough to disable itself when another AV is installed.
Why can't Avast be smart enough to disable other AV's when it gets installed
If that's not possible, why not give proper instructions as to how to remove the other AV

I don't believe it is so much that Defender is smart enough to switch itself off, that was all down to the operating system (and Window Security Center 'WSC' presumably) to disable it when a 3rd party AV is installed.

The problem being, frequently the OS/WSC failed to do this, hence in the latest avast versions changed to disable windows defender itself rather than rely on the WSC to do it.