With computers, speed is a flex. No one wants to deal with a plodding, sluggish, and unresponsive laptop or desktop. However, programs sometimes drag their way and out of the active window because of others, like Avast. When Avast starts slowing down your computer, you can fix things by:
1. Stopping Avast from running at startup
2. Upgrade your PC (hardware) and update Avast�?
3. Freeing space in your hard disk
4. Disabling updates
While Avast (stylized as Avast!) is one of the best out there, it acts up sometimes–slackening your machine for a significant period.
But it’s not the only antivirus that brings computers to a screeching halt. Here’s a table that shows how some notable antiviruses perform:
| Memory (RAM) Consumed | |||
| Antivirus | When Running A Quick Scan | When Running A Full Scan | When Running In The Background (Passive Slowdown) |
| Trend Micro | 37% | 69% | 3% |
| Panda Free Antivirus | 7% | 23% | 7% |
| Kaspersky Security | 14% | 21% | 12% |
| Microsoft Windows Defender | 15% | 15% | N/A (Not Applicable) |
| Bitdefender Total Security | 8% | 17% | 8% |
| AVG Free Antivirus | 10% | 11% | 5% |
While Avast is missing on the table, you should be happy you’re not using Eugene’s Kaspersky (12% on passive slowdown!). But you still have a buffering experience, so keep reading.
Before we even look at the crux of the matter, why don’t we get an explanation? Why is it that Avast is acting up and slowing things down?
Why Is Avast Slowing Down My Computer?
Because antiviruses get a lot of control over the system, they tend to overstep their boundaries (unknowingly, though). As they run their automatic scans, they clog the RAM. This means that you need to wait for a while before your click makes its command. If you’re downloading a file or installing a new program, Avast is set to step in and scan automatically.
But it isn’t always about Avast’s activities. Sometimes, your computer specs may be a little limited for Avast even to operate. And so, when the scans happen, the system gets thrown off.
For example, Avast is likely to slow down a computer with limited RAM. I’m talking anything downwards of 2 GB. Once you fix the RAM issue (by upgrading it), the program should run effectively.
Other reasons include an outdated operating system, too many programs running at startup, and limited computer disk space.
Seeing that the reasons stem from both the computer and Avast itself, here is what to do when Avast slows down:
Getting The Job Done
1. Stopping Avast from Running at Startup
When you turn on the computer, you realize that it needs time to boot and settle before making the first click. During startup, system files and other programs are usually coming to life, including Avast. Since Avast is not a system program, you can turn its startup activity off. Use the following steps:
a) Run the application (Avast.exe).
b) Then, navigate to Menu and the Settings, which should open General Settings.
c) Lastly, under Troubleshooting, check the Avast Delay Startup option.
Once you do that successfully, Avast will only load after the Windows Systems Services are done. That should be the first step as you fix Avast slowing down your PC.
2. Upgrade Your PC (Hardware) and Update Avast
Since Avast slows down your computer, you should level up. You can go for better hardware, that is, more RAM (like 8 GB). This will improve the PC’s performance, seeing that more running memory means that Avast will have a bigger space to occupy while running scans.
Also, you may be dealing with an earlier version of Avast. To confirm, launch the antivirus and check for updates. If there are any, let Avast download and install them.�?
3. Freeing Space in Your Hard Disk
The time that Avast takes to scan depends on the number of your files. If Avast is taking way too long, you can reduce the scan time by deleting unnecessary videos and pictures.
Once you do, Avast will have fewer items to look at. This means that your running memory won’t be in the red zone, and your computer won’t slow down.
4. Disabling Updates
If you’re always on an Internet connection, you know that programs will constantly be updating themselves. For Avast, the default setting is an auto-update feature. So, you never know when it will start–it could be that time when you urgently need to do something. And that, I believe, is an interruption is the last thing you’d want then.
So, to control Avast’s updates, do the following:
a) Run Avast.exe.
b) Get to Menu and then Settings.
c) Under Settings, click on Updates. There, you will see Virus Definition.
d) Follow that up by clicking on More Details.
e) With the options that display, choose Manually Update or Ask When Update Is Available.
Now, whenever Avast wants to update, you will choose whether or not to proceed.
Got you, Avast!
More Tips On Fixing Avast Slowing Down PC
If Avast slows down your computer after you do all the mentioned steps, you need to step up. Here are some other extra tips for dealing with the issue:
1. Got for the Best Performance Battery Option
This one does not involve Avast. With this tip, the idea is to set your laptop to perform maximally. With that setting on, Avast can keep doing its whatnots without slowing down the computer.
To activate Best (or Ultimate) Performance, click on the battery icon. Then, drag the slider to the extreme right, where the Best Performance option is.
2. Offing the Main Shield
First, open Avast’s Setting.
Then, look for Main Shield.
Under that option, choose Stop Permanently.
3. Turn off Data Sharing and Avast Community
Launch Avast and then open Settings.
Follow that up by clicking on General andthen Privacy.
You will find the Participate in Data Sharing and Participate in Avast Community boxes checked. Uncheck them.
4. Do Away with Avast’s Extra Tools
Avast comes with some extras that are not necessary for your computer’s protection. Thus, you would save memory and space by removing them. From the Start menu, open Window Settings and then Apps and Features. Then, look up any Avast-related extra tools. Once you find any, uninstall it (or them, because they can be several).
Final Words
It can get crappy and annoying when Avast slows down the computer. However, you’ve got nothing to worry about if you implement the moves prescribed to you in this article. It shouldn’t be long before your computer is sharper and faster again.
If the steps don’t work, talk to us in the comment section. We will be glad to help and guide you through. And always, keep coming back to this blog with more information on all tech matters.
And don’t go away so fast. Here are some other Avast-related and topic-related articles:
- How To Stop Avast Browser From Opening On Startup�?
- How To Remove Avast From Windows 10 | Step By Step Guide
- Why Is My Computer So Slow All Of A Sudden – Steps To Fix The Problem
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between A Virus And A Malware?
A virus is a type of malicious software that is composed of a computer program or other set of instructions with the ability to replicate itself, infecting other files and programs. A malware, on the other hand, is described as any type of malicious software including viruses and Trojan Horses. The difference between a virus and malware can be confusing but they can be distinguished by what they do.
What Is Avast?
Avast is a global cybersecurity company that provides protection from viruses and other malicious software. In 1991, as a response to the very first computer virus to infect networks, Avast was founded by CEO Vince Steckler. Avast’s antivirus program is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Android, and iOS devices. It also offers a free home-consumer version that covers up to three devices.
Why Is My Computer Slow?
Computer slowness is a common problem that can stem from a variety of causes. One major cause of slowness is the result of internet security/junkware/pop-ups, which can cause significant system drag and slow down your computer. Cloud-based software which includes systems such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Docs, and Open Office have been known to drain system resources drastically. Another possible cause of slowness is a virus or an infection on the computer.
What Can I Do To Make My Computer Faster?
Computer owners have a multitude of options when it comes to making their computers run faster. There are many free programs that can help you optimize your computer’s performance. For instance, the Windows built-in “Disk Defragmenter” can be used to reorganize data, so it can be accessed more quickly. Other free programs such as CCleaner and Defraggler allow users to reclaim hard drive space and remove temporary files from their computers while improving system performance.