Avscanner.ini In C Drive [exclusive] 〈500+ SIMPLE〉
An .ini file is a standard configuration file used by Windows and various software applications to store settings, preferences, and initialization parameters. These files are written in plain text and contain key-value pairs that a specific program reads when it launches.
[Settings] ; Enable or disable real-time protection (1 = Enabled, 0 = Disabled) RealTimeProtection=1
Type appwiz.cpl and press to open Programs and Features.
Avscanner.ini is a plain text file that stores configuration settings for the Avast Antivirus scanner. It contains a series of key-value pairs that define how the scanner operates, including which files to scan, what types of threats to detect, and how to handle infected files. The file is used by Avast Antivirus to initialize the scanner and determine its behavior.
Users often report finding it directly in the root directory ( C:\AVScanner.ini ) even after the associated antivirus has been uninstalled. Is it safe to delete? avscanner.ini in c drive
| | Malware pretending to be avscanner.ini | |--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Small size (1–5 KB) | Unusually large (over 100 KB) | | Contains readable text (e.g., [Settings] , ScanPath=C:\ ) | Contains gibberish, binary data, or encoded strings | | Created around the same time as a known software installation | Created recently without any software install | | Associated with a legitimate antivirus process in Task Manager | No parent process or associated with suspicious EXEs (e.g., temp.exe , svchost in wrong location) | | Located only in C:\ or a known program folder | Also found in C:\Windows\System32\ or C:\Users\AppData\Roaming\ with hidden attributes |
In most Windows environments, this file is generated by , Baidu PC Faster , or related security utilities. Even if you do not remember installing these programs, they are frequently bundled with third-party software downloads, freeware, or device drivers.
: Your system may be infected with coinminer malware or other threats that create this file.
The avscanner.ini file is not a native Windows system file; rather, it is almost always associated with third-party antivirus or anti-malware software. Historically, several security applications—including older versions of AVG Antivirus, Avast, and specific enterprise scanning tools—have used this file to store settings for on-demand or command-line scanning modules. The “.ini” extension stands for “initialization,” indicating that the file contains plaintext parameters that the scanner reads upon execution. Avscanner
Independent scanner tools (such as standalone, portable malware removal tools) frequently drop temporary configuration files or scan logs directly into the root of the C drive or the user profile directory.
If you find this file in your root directory ($C:$), it usually indicates one of the following:
If the file is a remnant of an uninstalled program, you can safely delete it.
Right-click the file and select Open with > Notepad . A legitimate initialization file will contain readable text, often organized into brackets like [Settings] or [Scanner] , followed by configuration lines (e.g., ScanSubfolders=1 ). If the file opens to reveal a massive wall of unreadable, scrambled binary characters, it is likely an executable file masquerading as text. Users often report finding it directly in the
The file will be gone permanently, successfully cleaning up leftover software clutter from your C drive. How to Delete It Click on the file inside your C drive.
If you are unsure, run a secondary scan with a trusted tool like Malwarebytes or ESET Online Scanner to ensure your system is clean. If you'd like, I can help you:
Alternatively, upload the file to an online multi-engine scanner like . This service checks the file against dozens of different antivirus databases simultaneously to ensure it does not contain hidden malicious scripts. Can You Delete Avscanner.ini? Yes, you can generally delete avscanner.ini safely.
Typical legitimate content might look like: