This is ridiculous. My current install of SurfShark has stopped working and I’m being told I need to update to continue using it. The ONLY download for Windows is the “security suite” which forcefully installs a load of bloat along with the VPN. Utterly disgusting.
I guess that’s the risk paying for two years at a time. It can go downhill at any time.
Hi there! Thanks for your post, we listen to your feedback always, so here is a quick update.
The new Windows app release (4.0) will install AV only after Surfshark One purchase, watch this space for the announcement! Also we’ve already solved the issue with recommendations from AppEsteem. Please update to the newest version of the Windows app, so it works as expected. Cheers!
they dont care sadly.
atleast they didnt give the community any reason to believe they do.
Upvoting this because I find this quite unacceptable too. They can promote other tools if they want, but it should not be bundled together and forced on the customers.
Edit: I do have a question though, around which version did they start doing this?
3.5.1 is causing me some issues, so I have re-installed an older version from an old installer which is still quite lightweight, but I would ideally like the latest version that is not a bundle.
That’s what happens when your VPN is associated with Tesonet and NordVPN. 
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i went into services.msc in windows and disabled the startup for surfshark antivirus.you can try this method but cant uninstall antivirus
Surfshark support asnwered the following to my similar query in this subreddit:
Hey there! One of the main reasons why we came up with Antivirus is that many other antivirus applications interfere with Surfshark. In fact, the issue you’re describing could be caused by the antivirus you use, so we recommend making an exception for Surfshark. If that doesn’t help, we highly recommend reaching out to our friendly support team
I had a similar thing. I was stuck on 3.2.0 because of the whole “restart background services” error, then the other day I was forcefully logged out and shown this in the app:
Thankfully, 3.6.0 seems to have fixed the background services error, but I don’t like the whole antivirus thing either.
I disabled the Surfshark antivirus in Windows Services, and deleted the antivirus files in the Program Files (x86) Surfshark folder. Everything still works and the files haven’t been generated again after multiple reboots, so try that.
I can sympathise though, I bought 2 years +3 months as a deal myself, but it ends in August. Really not a fan of the route Surfshark is going so I will be looking elsewhere.
BULLSHIT Alert!!
They took everyone’s money over Black Friday & holiday Promotions 2021, on TWO year Promo’s… then “cut $ Deals” Sold to third parties, to install their bullshit AntiVirus and bloatware that nobody wants… NOW forcing everyone to Download and Install this bloatware OR ELSE your App No Longer Works ? WHERE is the Download Link for VPN Only ?? 
Latest version still has all the extra bullshit.
That is a lie, you start spamming updates after installing the store version and these updates install the full version and bring all the bloat back. It is disgusting really. Start updating the standalone VPN via store if you are worth your salt.
It’s certainly pushed me away. I’ve got another year of my subscription left but I certainly won’t be renewing which is a shame as I had no complaints until now.
Antivirus software that will never get used and can’t be removed.
They force you to install their antivirus even if you are not paying for it. It just sits there asking for you to buy it. You can see it in the latest windows 10 client.
No option to install the vpn client.
Antivirus running in the background 24/7 even when you dont subscribe to surfshark one , maybe making conflicts happen , calling for no reason files , and generally isnt needed if you dont use it.
its the Dictionary example of “bloat” if you dont use it , dont paid for it , and simply dont want it.
Which is worse obviously , i mean if you shrink down a VPN to VPN gui then honestly… what makes surfshark different from most other VPN?
they all use one way or another the same data centre like M247 or datacamp , xtom and more.
Does NORDVPN also have this issue?
One of the main reasons why we came up with Antivirus is that many other antivirus applications interfere with Surfshark. In fact, the issue you’re describing could be caused by the antivirus you use, so we recommend making an exception for Surfshark.
So… their solution was… Throw in another AV based on Avira SDK which… Throws another point of conflict into the mix?
Be sure to let them know why when they ask you. I just noticed that it has been two years since I’ve started using them and with 3 months to go I will definitely think long and hard and explore other options.
It’s a shame though, as just like you, I do not have other complaint, and the price is certainly competitive too.