How To Make Avast Use Less CPU

Are you tired of your computer slowing down due to high CPU usage caused by Avast antivirus software? You're not alone. Many users face this issue, but luckily there are ways to make Avast use less CPU without compromising on your computer's security. Let's explore some effective solutions to optimize Avast's CPU usage and improve your overall system performance.

Avast is known for its robust security features and real-time protection, but these capabilities can sometimes lead to higher CPU usage. To reduce Avast's impact on your CPU, you can start by adjusting certain settings. For example, you can modify the scanning frequency to a less frequent schedule or exclude specific files or folders from being scanned. Another option is to disable unnecessary features or background processes that may be contributing to the high CPU usage. By exploring these adjustments and implementing them based on your specific needs, you can strike a balance between Avast's security offerings and CPU performance.

Optimizing Avast to Reduce CPU Usage

Avast is a widely used antivirus software that provides comprehensive protection against various threats. While it offers excellent security features, the continuous background scanning and real-time protection can sometimes result in high CPU usage, impacting the overall performance of your system. However, there are several steps you can take to make Avast use less CPU without compromising its effectiveness. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies to optimize Avast and reduce its CPU usage.

1. Adjust Avast Scan Settings

The default scan settings in Avast may be configured for maximum security, but they can significantly impact CPU usage. By adjusting the scan settings to strike a balance between security and performance, you can reduce the CPU load without compromising too much on protection. Follow these steps to modify the scan settings:

• Open the Avast user interface by double-clicking the Avast system tray icon.
• Click on "Protection" in the left-side menu.
• Choose "Virus Scans" from the submenu.
• Select the scan you want to modify, such as "Full Virus Scan" or "Quick Scan."
• Click on "Customize" next to the scan type.
• In the Scan Options tab, uncheck any unnecessary scan options that consume more CPU resources.
• Disable "Enable File Reputation Services" and "Enable CyberCapture" if they are not critical for your needs.
• Consider reducing the "Sensitivity" level to a lower setting that still provides adequate protection.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

By customizing the scan settings, you can prioritize essential scan options and reduce unnecessary CPU load, resulting in improved system performance.

2. Exclude Certain Files/Folders from Scans

Avast performs a thorough scan of all files and folders on your system, including those that may not pose a significant threat. This comprehensive scanning process can consume a significant amount of CPU resources. By excluding certain less critical files or folders from Avast scans, you can reduce the unnecessary CPU load. Here's how:

• Open the Avast user interface.
• Click on "Protection" in the left-side menu and select "Virus Scans."
• Choose the scan you want to modify.
• Click on "Customize" next to the scan type and go to the "Exclusions" tab.
• In the "File paths" section, click on "Browse" to select specific folders or files that you want to exclude from scans.
• Add the files or folders you wish to exclude and click "OK" to save the changes.

By excluding files or folders that are safe or less likely to contain malware, you can lower the CPU usage during Avast scans, resulting in faster and more efficient performance.

3. Enable Avast's Passive Mode

Avast's passive mode allows you to run Avast alongside other antivirus or security software without conflicts. Enabling passive mode can help reduce CPU usage when multiple security programs are simultaneously active. Follow these steps to enable passive mode:

• Open the Avast user interface.
• Click on "Settings" in the bottom-left corner.
• Select "General" and then choose the "Troubleshooting" tab.
• Check the box next to "Enable Passive Mode."
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

Passive mode allows Avast to function in the background without actively scanning files, which can help reduce CPU usage when multiple security programs are running simultaneously.

4. Update Avast and Keep It Up to Date

Keeping your Avast antivirus software up to date is crucial for optimal performance and security. Regular updates ensure that Avast has the latest virus definitions, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Outdated versions can be more resource-intensive and may not have the necessary optimizations to reduce CPU usage. To update Avast:

• Open the Avast user interface.
• Click on "Menu" in the top-right corner and select "Settings."
• Go to the "General" tab.
• Click on "Update" and then select "Check for updates."
• If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.

Regularly updating Avast ensures that you have the latest features, bug fixes, and optimizations, resulting in better CPU management and improved overall performance.

Additional Measures for CPU Optimization

In addition to the Avast-specific optimizations mentioned above, there are general measures you can take to improve CPU usage and overall system performance:

1. Close Unnecessary Background Processes

Closing unnecessary background processes and applications can free up CPU resources for Avast and other critical tasks. Use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify resource-intensive processes and end those that are not essential.

2. Remove Resource-Hungry Programs

If you have resource-hungry programs or applications running on your system, consider removing or replacing them with less demanding alternatives. This can help reduce overall CPU usage and improve performance.

3. Increase RAM

Insufficient RAM can lead to excessive CPU usage as the system compensates for limited memory. Consider upgrading your RAM for smoother multitasking and improved performance.

In Conclusion

Avast is a powerful antivirus software that can sometimes utilize a significant amount of CPU resources. By adjusting Avast's scan settings, excluding certain files and folders from scans, enabling passive mode, and keeping Avast up to date, you can effectively reduce CPU usage without compromising security. Additionally, taking general measures such as closing unnecessary background processes, removing resource-hungry programs, and increasing RAM can further optimize CPU usage and improve overall system performance. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of Avast's protection while maintaining a smooth and efficient computing experience.

Tips for Reducing Avast's CPU Usage

If you are experiencing high CPU usage from Avast, there are a few steps you can take to reduce its impact on your system's performance:

• Update Avast: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Avast, as newer updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can help reduce CPU usage.
• Disable Unnecessary Features: Avast offers a wide range of features, but not all of them may be necessary for your specific needs. Disable any features that you do not use regularly to reduce CPU usage.
• Limit Background Scans: Avast performs regular background scans to detect and remove threats. However, these scans can consume a significant amount of CPU resources. Adjust the scan settings to run at specific times or when your system is idle.
• Optimize Avast Settings: Avast allows you to customize various settings, such as real-time protection, scanning sensitivity, and scheduled tasks. Adjust these settings to strike a balance between security and CPU usage.

By following these tips, you can optimize Avast's CPU usage and ensure that it does not impact the performance of your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will address some commonly asked questions about how to make Avast use less CPU. By optimizing the settings of your Avast antivirus software, you can reduce the CPU usage and improve your computer's performance.

1. What are the main factors that contribute to high CPU usage by Avast?

There are several factors that can contribute to high CPU usage by Avast. One of the main factors is the real-time scanning feature, which continuously checks files and processes for malware. Another factor is the automatic software updates that Avast performs in the background. Additionally, the number of active shields and the level of sensitivity in the settings can also affect CPU usage. To reduce CPU usage, you can adjust the scan frequency, exclude certain files or folders from scanning, and limit the number of active shields. You can also set the software updates to occur at a specific time when your computer is less likely to be in use.

2. How can I adjust the real-time scanning settings to optimize CPU usage?

To adjust the real-time scanning settings in Avast and optimize CPU usage, follow these steps: 1. Open the Avast user interface and go to "Settings". 2. Click on "Protection" in the left-hand menu. 3. Select "Core Shields" and click on "Customize" next to "File Shield". 4. In the "Sensitivity" tab, adjust the settings based on your preferences. Lower sensitivity levels can reduce CPU usage but may also lower the detection rate. 5. Click "OK" to save the changes. By customizing the real-time scanning settings, you can strike a balance between CPU usage and malware detection.

3. Are there any specific files or folders I should exclude from scanning to minimize CPU usage?

Yes, there are certain files or folders that you can exclude from Avast scanning to minimize CPU usage. These include: - System files: Excluding system files that are not likely to contain malware can significantly reduce CPU usage. - Non-executable files: Files such as images, videos, and documents that are not likely to contain malware can also be excluded. - Reputable software folders: Excluding folders where reputable software is installed can help reduce unnecessary scanning. To exclude files or folders from Avast scanning, follow these steps: 1. Open the Avast user interface and go to "Settings". 2. Click on "Protection" in the left-hand menu. 3. Select "Core Shields" and click on "Customize" next to "File Shield". 4. In the "Exclusions" tab, click on "Add" and browse for the file or folder you want to exclude. 5. Click "OK" to save the changes. By excluding certain files or folders, you can optimize CPU usage by preventing unnecessary scanning of safe files.

4. Can reducing the number of active shields help in minimizing CPU usage?

Yes, reducing the number of active shields in Avast can help minimize CPU usage. Avast offers various shields such as File Shield, Behavior Shield, and Web Shield, which provide different layers of protection. However, enabling all the shields simultaneously can increase CPU usage. To adjust the number of active shields and optimize CPU usage, follow these steps: 1. Open the Avast user interface and go to "Settings". 2. Click on "Protection" in the left-hand menu. 3. Select "Core Shields" and click on "Customize" next to the shield you want to customize. 4. In the customization window, uncheck the boxes next to the shields that you want to disable. 5. Click "OK" to save the changes. By disabling unnecessary shields, you can reduce CPU usage while still maintaining essential protection.

5. How can I schedule software updates to minimize CPU usage?

To schedule software updates in Avast and minimize CPU usage, follow these steps: 1. Open the Avast user interface and go to "Settings". 2. Click on "General" in the left-hand menu. 3. Select the "Updates" tab. 4. In the "Automatic updates" section, choose the desired time when your computer is less likely to be in use. 5. Click "OK" to save the changes. By scheduling software updates during off-peak hours, you can ensure that Avast updates do not interfere with your computer's performance during important tasks.

FIX - Avast Service High CPU Usages On Windows

To recap, there are several ways to make Avast use less CPU and improve your computer's performance. First, you can adjust the scan settings to reduce the CPU usage during scans. By scheduling scans during idle times or decreasing the scan frequency, you can minimize the impact on CPU resources.

Another approach is to disable unnecessary features and services that might contribute to high CPU usage. Avast offers a range of features, such as email scanning and browser extensions, which can be turned off if not needed. Moreover, disabling real-time shields for certain files or programs can also lower CPU usage without compromising security.