Avast Antivirus installs programs on your PC without your permission when it updates

I've had Avast for years. I even have it on my phone (not for long) and paid for a subscription at some point. Two days ago I boot up my PC and the Avast Secure Browser automatically opens. I never installed any Avast browsers. When they asked if I wanted their browser upon installation of the antivirus I declined, so naturally I was annoyed. How was this browser installed on my PC? I went to programs and features on my PC to uninstall the unsolicited software and it said I couldn't do it. I went online to see how I can get this program off my PC and it's a common issue. When the problem was raised by another user on Avast's forum they decided to gaslight the user and minimize the problem. Long story short, I had to download an Avast Secure Browser uninstaller from Avast's website to get rid of the software (which is honestly ridiculous). I am now using a completely different antivirus and will never recommend Avast to anyone again.