I have Avast free anti-virus which came with the computer.  The messages kept getting more and more threatening; then they were going to stop my (free) subscription.  I downloaded the professional version but can't get it to work (I need a key?)  I am doing it because Avast tells me I have NINE outdated drivers.  If I erase Avast is there another (simple) way of updating drivers?  I am 82 and a bit simple in the IT world.

The key should have been sent to you in an e mail , have you checked your main and spam / junk folders to see if it was delivered there ?

5 minutes ago, NE1 said:

The key should have been sent to you in an e mail , have you checked your main and spam / junk folders to see if it was delivered there ?

Thank you.  I have checked in vain.  Avast has verified my email but would they send a key if they detect me using a Pirated version?

Why do you think you have a pirated version , Is it because it was pre installed ?

 

Go on here , there is a support button , hit that and get in contact and explain your predicament.
https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#mac

I don't think I explained myself very well.  Avast is threatening to cut off my protection - the free level which came with the computer.  Every message got more dire as I had nine outdated drivers which they would fix if I downloaded the expensive version so I downloaded it from TPB - but can't find the key.

uninstall Avast it's ineffective and slows your pc down.

I have used free AVIRA for almost two decades now.  My friend originally told me it was the free standard in Germany and much of Europe.  That I can not verify but I have had zero issues on my two computers, an old Toshiba satellite I bought in 2005 which finally gave out and would not support one of the Windows upgrades, my second computer I already forgot what it was, and my current HP Laptop I bought in 2022

8 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

uninstall Avast it's ineffective and slows your pc down.

OK - how? (told you I was dumb.)  So now I need to update nine drivers (according to Avast!)  Is there a tool/app that will do this for me?

Havent used Avast or any other antivirus program for many years, you really dont need any of them with Windows which has it all built in, suggest do yourself a favor and  remove it entirely from your computer.  

10 minutes ago, mikebell said:

OK - how? (told you I was dumb.)  So now I need to update nine drivers (according to Avast!)  Is there a tool/app that will do this for me?

The updating drivers is probably a hook to get you to buy the latest Avast.

There is hardly ever any need to change drivers unless you install new hardware.

Although if you play the latest video games, you might need the latest video card drivers to play it.

10 minutes ago, mikebell said:

OK - how? (told you I was dumb.)  So now I need to update nine drivers (according to Avast!)  Is there a tool/app that will do this for me?

 

Get rid of it with IO bit uninstaller, its freeeee and works well 

1 minute ago, mikebell said:

OK - how? (told you I was dumb.)  So now I need to update nine drivers (according to Avast!)  Is there a tool/app that will do this for me?

What operating system are you using - Windows 10, 11 or earlier?

 

If your pc is running fine and everything works then there maybe no requirement to update.

If a Windows machine, unless older and not supported, Windows update should show you any updates that are needed.

For anybody else I am being simplistic about this due to the OP's own words.

Have you tried to uninstall and reinstall the App? sometimes it helps.

Drivers come from Microsoft for most computers. Uninstall Avast, turn on Defender, update Windows then run a total system scan, just to check.

2 hours ago, mikebell said:

 

I have Avast free anti-virus which came with the computer. 

One of the key bits of information you need to share for any hope of a correct answer is what operating system you have.

 

Lets assume its Win10 or Win11, in which case I would uninstall Avast immediately and never use it again as its superfluous. These versions of Windows have enough built in protection already for security and driver updates to work seamlessly in the background.

Just to concur...get rid of AVAST. First use the usual method. If there are any issues, look here:

 

https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility#pc

 

Don't bother to reinstall it. 

 

 

1.  

Wow - thanks for all the above - I am seeing screens unique in my computer's life.  Windows 11 Pro 64 bit.  I think Avast has gone tho' there are some shortcuts on my desktop.

5 minutes ago, JakeC said:

Just to concur...get rid of AVAST. First use the usual method. If there are any issues, look here:

 

https://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility#pc

 

Don't bother to reinstall it. 

 

 

1.  

Done - thank you.

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

Every message got more dire as I had nine outdated drivers which they would fix if I downloaded the expensive version . . . .

 

They're just trying to scare you.  You're right to get rid of it.

1 hour ago, CatCage said:

 

Get rid of it with IO bit uninstaller, its freeeee and works well 

But will only fix 2 probs per day. But, if you search online, you can get a PRO version key for free, which will fix them all..........😉

Just a general comment about this forum: EVERY single reply has been positive and helpful.  There were no sneering comments or negative replies.  Thank you all so much.

You can delete the short cuts manually.

If you need help uninstalling avast, you can follow this video

 

Windows built in security tools (defender or windows security or whatever it's called these days) should be perfectly fine for keeping you safe.

 

 

However I'm skeptical that you really do have drivers that need updating; that sounds suspiciously to me like you're seeing some scam adverts on a website that are trying to trick you into downloading malware. Be careful clicking on things that tell you your computer is having issues - especially if you did nothing to actually ask your computer if it's feeling poorly.

You are a target for every scammer around the world if these types of messages scare you.

 

You say you downloaded the pro version, but did you pay for it?  If not, that is why you don't have a key.

 

The free version is just fine, if you ignore messages to upgrade.

 

Regarding outdated drivers, windows itself does quite a good job of this, there is no need to be worried if any other program tells you otherwise.

Obviously outdated drivers aren't perfect but they do not represent as big a threat as a virus - they are just trying to scare you into upgrading to a paid version

On 8/7/2025 at 10:51 AM, BritManToo said:

The updating drivers is probably a hook to get you to buy the latest Avast.

There is hardly ever any need to change drivers unless you install new hardware.

Although if you play the latest video games, you might need the latest video card drivers to play it.

 

Agree, also if you download anything about checking / updating drivers you will get bombarded forever with more and more messages re drivers. And very difficult to totally remove. 

Use linux mint or ubuntu and kiss these sort of garbage problems goodbye.

On 8/7/2025 at 8:13 AM, mikebell said:

 

I have Avast free anti-virus which came with the computer.  The messages kept getting more and more threatening; then they were going to stop my (free) subscription.  I downloaded the professional version but can't get it to work (I need a key?)  I am doing it because Avast tells me I have NINE outdated drivers.  If I erase Avast is there another (simple) way of updating drivers?  I am 82 and a bit simple in the IT world.

Just use the free version, just like the rest of these awful products, they try to use fear. If you are using Windows, why not just dump Avast and use the built in Defender, it is as good as you need for day to day AV.

On 8/7/2025 at 10:51 AM, BritManToo said:

The updating drivers is probably a hook to get you to buy the latest Avast.

There is hardly ever any need to change drivers unless you install new hardware.

Although if you play the latest video games, you might need the latest video card drivers to play it.

It is the same for me. The messages I have had from time to time for about four years I have ignored re drivers needing to be updated and  have had no issues of any kind. It Is their way of getting you to upgrade but I am not sure you will realise any benefit or differences should you not do so. 

Major point to consider..

Do not click on any link provided in the "warnings". This is a typical scam method..

Out dated drivers have no bearing on the performance of AV software.  

As has been stated previously, remove the software from the PC, and you should have no more warnings.
 

I had similar problems with Avast Antivirus software. So annoying with constant warnings about drivers etc. 

I deleted Avast.

As my ACER PC with Windows 10 was old I ditched it and I invested in a new DELL PC with Windows 11 which includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus.