To ensure the data on your computer is secure, most people use an antivirus to protect their computer and ensure tight security from viruses and malicious software. While Avast does a great job of protecting a computer device, users have been concerned that it slows down their computers.
Avast slowing down computer indicates that the antivirus has taken up too much space in the CPU and RAM. While your device is running, Avast is scanning every file in your system. If you have many files, the scanning will take longer, and your computer lags.
Avast is widely used and reliable in keeping a computer safe from viruses. Let’s find out how it affects your computer’s speed.
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Why Is Avast Slowing Down Computer?
Avast slows down your computer because it uses up space in the CPU and HDD/SDD of the computer to run its configurations. The room Avast takes up in the CPU is usually small, not enough to cause a lot of performance drop.
Robert K. Mack, the author of Tipsmotions, has figured out some potential reasons for why Avast slowing down your PC. They are:
Source: dextersorlando.com
1. Lack Of Update In Virus Definition
Periodically, Avast releases new updates. This update can install itself automatically or manually and helps fix bugs that demand more CPU from the antivirus. Constantly update to the latest Avast to prevent excess CPU usage.
2. Low Scan Frequency
Avast scan level in minimum frequency can disrupt CPU usage and slow your computer. Consider resetting scan frequency to the maximum. Though it means more background checks, it will normalize the CPU usage by Avast.
3. Faulty Program
If the program is defective, it can lead to high CPU usage and slow computer performance. You can repair the flawed program by uninstalling it and clicking on repair or uninstalling and installing a new version.
4. Lots Of Features Turned On
Avast antivirus comes with loads of features. You might not need most, yet they might all be turned on utilizing your computer CPU. Consider turning off the features that are not necessary to reduce the antivirus’s influence on your PC.
Avast is not the only reason a laptop can slow down. Some heavy programs and hardware can also be responsible. First, check if your Avast usage is high and reduce its use.
Source: lifewire.com
How Do I Stop Avast Slowing Down My Computer?
If your Avast is slowing your computer, a quick solution is to free up some disk space. The antivirus requires enough space to function efficiently. Once you’ve done that, you’ll notice a computer’s speed rate change. If that doesn’t solve it, try other methods.
1. Load Avast After Windows Opens
The windows opening and the Avast program running together can often clash and overload the computer. Loading the Avast program after Windows opens is the best solution to reducing the slowness caused by Avast. The computer will turn on without slow when you load Avast after the windows open.
- Download Avast Antivirus into your computer.
- Go to settings and then to general Avast settings.
- Go under the troubleshooting tab and turn on “DELAY AVAST STARTUP” it can also say “LOAD AVAST SERVICES ONLY AFTER LOADING OTHER SYSTEM SERVICE” in older versions. Always use the latest Avast version for better performance.
The negative part of this method is that it leaves your computer vulnerable during startup, and the device can get infected within that time gap. It is best to use this method with care.
2. Disable Background Updates
Avast Antivirus can affect PC speed due to background updates running. When Avast starts downloading a new version while the computer is in use, the computer can begin to slow down. You can disable the background updates and ensure your device works efficiently to avoid unauthorized updates. Follow these steps to disable background updates:
- Download and run Avast on the computer.
- Go to menu, then to settings and updates.
- Go to virus definitions and click on more options.
- Click and turn on “ask when an update is available” or “Manual update.”
With the last click, the computer will notify you each time there’s an update. Then you can update at your own time.
Source: pcworld.com
3. Free Up Disk Space Or Add Memory To The Computer
A filled-up hard drive can cause Avast to slow down your computer. In this case, you should free up space or add extra memory to the computer. To make space, you can delete unnecessary files, videos, and photos and clear the recycle bin.
You can also add memory to your computer to increase performance. Older computers have lower RAM and memory space, so they cannot run the latest Avast program without hampering the device.
Always ensure you have at least 4GB RAM and a 500GB memory on your computer to run an Avast program efficiently. You can add another RAM and Memory to what you have if it’s small for the program.
Other ways to stop Avast computer underperformance
- Remove unnecessary settings turned on.
- Unclick data sharing and Avast community.
- Unclick the mail shield.
- Remove the tools you don’t use.
Source: macworld.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Avast A Good Antivirus?
Avast is a good antivirus. It is cheap, has a free version, and has extensive protective features against malicious files, emails, websites, and even wi-fi networks. It also comes with a webcam shield, a VPN, and an anti-tracking feature.
2. Can You Uninstall Avast Antivirus From Your Computer?
You can uninstall Avast Antivirus from your computer. However, some safeguards ensure the safety of your computer from viruses trying to infect your computer. For proper uninstallation, use Avastclear to clear the file remnants in the computer.
3. Which Is Better, Malwarebytes or Avast?
Malwarebytes is better than Avast due to its simple interface. Malwarebytes does not slow computer performance during scans as much as Avast and has a readily available customer support system. Malwarebytes offers better security, convenience, and customer support service.
4. Which Antivirus Is Best For Windows 10?
The best antivirus for Windows 10 is Norton 360. It interrupts intrusion and includes a VPN to hide your login records. Norton comes with AI-powered protection and a 2-way firewall, but it doesn’t have a free version.
5. Is Windows Defender Better Than Avast For Computers?
Microsoft Defender is not better than Avast for computers. Even though Microsoft defender doesn’t require installation and manages many security features, it doesn’t offer protection against third-party software. Unlike Avast, Microsoft defender performs a soft protection role.
Conclusion
Though Avast can reduce the speed performance of your computer, any other antivirus can lower it too. Avast slowing down computer isn’t strange. The antivirus takes up space in the CPU and RAM and causes your computer to lag.
Check your Avast usage and follow our solution to get your computer up to speed. If you feel it is not fast enough, you can uninstall the Avast antivirus using the Avastclear program. An active antivirus is not the only reason your computer slows down; some programs and hardware can also cause it. Check your computer’s disk space and RAM too.
