Why did Avast install Chrome on my computer?

[tjbach]

I just installed Avast on my new computer, and was greeted with a dialog box afterwards asking me to make Chrome my default browser. I never installed Chrome on this computer. Why would you install something that I don't want? Why do you do this underhanded stuff?

[bob3160]

Can't argue with you but, I don't represent Avast.
When you do an install, you need to use custom not default and look before selecting next.

[tjbach]

Can't argue with you but, I don't represent Avast.
When you do an install, you need to use custom not default and look before selecting next.

I get it. I've learned that I need to uncheck several boxes before every Adobe Flash update. But it just seems backwards to the goal here, of an antivirus/anti-malware program to install something behind your back in a very sneaky manner. Ah well, time to find something else for virus protection.

[schmidthouse]

Just add, if I remember correctly ( as I recently installed the Stable Version) I believe there is a small box in the bottom left-hand corner of one of the stages when installing that asks if you want to install Chrome and you have to "Uncheck it" so Chrome isn't installed.

[mchain]

The real issue is not that Avast is offering to install Chrome for you, but that that install is pre-checked, (default opt-in) rather than you opt-in as you would if the install box was not pre-checked (Avast offers the box and if you want it, you must check the box to have it installed).

In other words, all default installs by Avast are pre-checked to install where you must uncheck anything you don't want.  All default opt-in, to defeat, you must opt-out.  Use custom install.

A good program to prevent auto-installs commonly found on free programs:  https://unchecky.com/

[schmidthouse]

The real issue is not that Avast is offering to install Chrome for you, but that that install is pre-checked, (default opt-in) rather than you opt-in as you would if the install box was not pre-checked (Avast offers the box and if you want it, you must check the box to have it installed).

In other words, all default installs by Avast are pre-checked to install where you must uncheck anything you don't want.  All default opt-in, to defeat, you must opt-out.  Use custom install.

A good program to prevent auto-installs commonly found on free programs:  https://unchecky.com/

That is true and that practice has always concerned me from the start.