Fix Avast Slowing Down Your Computer

Avast is a popular antivirus software known for its robust security features. However, some users have reported that Avast can slow down their computers, leading to performance issues such as lagging, delayed startup times, and sluggish application performance. If you’re experiencing similar problems, this guide will help you optimize Avast and restore your computer’s speed.

Understanding Why Avast Might Slow Down Your Computer

Avast runs several background processes to protect your computer in real-time, which can consume a significant amount of system resources. Additionally, features like real-time scanning, automatic updates, and the software’s impact on boot time can contribute to slowing down your computer.

1. Adjust Avast Settings

One of the first steps to reduce Avast’s impact on your computer’s performance is to adjust its settings. Disabling unnecessary features can free up system resources.

Steps:

1. Open Avast:
   • Click on the Avast icon in the system tray or search for Avast in the Start menu.
2. Access Settings:
   • In the Avast interface, click on Menu in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Disable Unnecessary Features:
   • Go to the Protection tab and turn off features like Mail Shield, File Shield, or Web Shield if you don’t need them.
4. Adjust Scanning Settings:
   • Under the Core Shields section, click on Customize next to File Shield and set the scan priority to Low to reduce CPU usage during scans.
5. Turn Off Background Scanning:
   • Disable the Idle Scanning feature, which scans your computer when it’s idle. This can free up resources when you’re using the computer.

2. Update Avast to the Latest Version

Using an outdated version of Avast can lead to performance issues. Keeping the software updated ensures that it runs efficiently and with the latest optimizations.

Steps:

1. Open Avast and Check for Updates:
   • Go to Menu > Settings > General > Update.
   • Check for both Virus Definitions and Program Updates.
2. Install Updates:
   • If updates are available, install them and restart your computer if necessary.
3. Monitor Performance:
   • After updating, check if your computer’s performance improves.

3. Use the Do Not Disturb Mode

Avast’s Do Not Disturb Mode (previously known as Game Mode) can help reduce interruptions and resource usage by disabling background activities while you’re using full-screen applications like games or presentations.

Steps:

1. Enable Do Not Disturb Mode:
   • Open Avast and go to Menu > Settings > Performance > Do Not Disturb Mode.
   • Toggle the feature on.
2. Add Applications:
   • You can manually add programs to the Do Not Disturb list by clicking Add App and selecting the desired application.
3. Enjoy Smoother Performance:
   • With this mode enabled, Avast will pause background activities while you’re using the specified applications, freeing up system resources.

4. Schedule Scans for Idle Times

Full system scans can be resource-intensive and slow down your computer if they run during active hours. Scheduling scans during idle times can help mitigate this issue.

Steps:

1. Set Up a Scheduled Scan:
   • Go to Protection > Virus Scans in the Avast interface.
   • Choose Full Virus Scan and click Schedule.
2. Choose a Convenient Time:
   • Set the scan to run during hours when you’re not actively using your computer, such as late at night.
3. Save the Schedule:
   • Confirm the settings and save the scheduled scan.

5. Clean Up Unnecessary Files with Avast Cleanup

Avast Cleanup is a feature designed to remove junk files, bloatware, and other unnecessary items that could be slowing down your computer.

Steps:

1. Open Avast Cleanup:
   • In the Avast interface, go to Menu > Settings > Performance > Cleanup.
2. Run a Scan:
   • Click Start Cleanup to scan your computer for unnecessary files and programs.
3. Review and Remove:
   • Review the results and choose what to remove. This can help free up disk space and improve performance.

6. Consider a Lightweight Antivirus Alternative

If Avast continues to slow down your computer despite these optimizations, you might consider switching to a lighter antivirus solution that consumes fewer resources.

Steps:

1. Research Alternatives:
   • Look for antivirus software known for its low impact on system performance, such as Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky.
2. Uninstall Avast:
   • If you decide to switch, go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and select Avast.
3. Install the New Antivirus:
   • Download and install your chosen antivirus, then run a full scan to ensure your system is protected.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of Avast slowing down your computer and enjoy smoother performance. Whether it’s adjusting settings, updating the software, or even considering a different antivirus, these methods provide a range of solutions to optimize your system. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning up unnecessary files and scheduling scans during idle times, can also help keep your computer running efficiently.