How to Fix Avast Antivirus slowing down PC or Internet

Avast Antivirus is a popular choice for computer users seeking protection against malware and other security threats. However, some users have reported that Avast Antivirus can slow down their PC or internet connection. In this blog post, we will provide you with friendly guidance on how to fix this issue and optimize your Avast Antivirus settings to improve your system's performance.

Optimize Avast Startup Settings

When you start your computer, Avast Antivirus also starts running in the background, which can consume system resources and slow down your PC. By optimizing the Avast startup settings, you can significantly improve your PC's performance. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Avast user interface by double-clicking the Avast icon in your system tray.

2. Click on "Menu" in the top-right corner and select "Settings."

3. In the General tab, scroll down to the "Popups" section and uncheck the "Show Avast tray icon" box.

4. Go to the "Performance" tab and uncheck the "Enable Hardened Mode" box.

5. Under the "Troubleshooting" tab, uncheck the "Enable Avast Self-Defense Module" box.

6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

By following these steps, you can optimize Avast startup settings for better PC performance.

Adjust Avast Web Shield Settings

Avast's Web Shield is designed to protect you from malicious websites and downloads, but it may also impact your internet speed and browsing experience. To strike a balance between security and speed, you can adjust the Avast Web Shield settings. Here's how:

1. Open the Avast user interface and click on "Menu" in the top-right corner.

2. Select "Settings" and navigate to the "Protection" tab.

3. Click on "Core Shields" and select "Web Shield."

4. Adjust the sensitivity level by moving the slider towards "Low" or "Balanced."

5. Uncheck the "Enable HTTPS Scanning" box if you experience performance issues.

6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

By adjusting these settings, you can enhance your internet speed without compromising your security.

Disable Avast Background Updates

Avast Antivirus regularly updates its virus definitions to protect your system from the latest threats. However, these background updates can consume system resources, leading to slowdowns. To disable automatic background updates, follow these steps:

1. Open the Avast user interface and click on "Menu" in the top-right corner.

2. Select "Settings" and navigate to the "General" tab.

3. Click on "Update" and select "Update Preferences."

4. Under the "Automatic update" section, uncheck the "Enable Avast automatic update" box.

5. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

By disabling automatic background updates, you can prevent Avast from consuming system resources during crucial tasks.

Disable Avast Community Participation

Avast Antivirus includes community participation features that collect data to improve their services. However, these features can also impact performance. To disable Avast's community participation, follow these steps:

1. Open the Avast user interface and click on "Menu" in the top-right corner.

2. Select "Settings" and navigate to the "General" tab.

3. Click on "Privacy" and uncheck the boxes next to "Participate in data sharing" and "Participate in Avast community."

4. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

By disabling community participation, you can reduce resource usage and improve your system's performance.

Clear Windows Cache Files

Cache files accumulate over time and can slow down your PC. By clearing these files, you can free up system resources and improve performance. Here's how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "cleanmgr" and press Enter to open the Disk Cleanup tool.

3. Select the drive where your operating system is installed (usually C:) and click on "OK."

4. Check the boxes next to "Temporary files" and "Recycle Bin."

5. Click on "OK" and then select "Delete Files" to confirm.

By regularly clearing Windows cache files, you can maintain optimal system performance.

Update Windows and Avast Version

Keeping both Windows and Avast up to date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. To update Windows:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings.

2. Click on "Update & Security" and select "Windows Update."

3. Click on "Check for updates" and install any available updates.

To update Avast:

1. Open the Avast user interface and click on "Menu" in the top-right corner.

2. Select "Settings" and navigate to the "General" tab.

3. Click on "Update" and select "Check for updates."

4. If updates are available, click on "Update" to install them.

By regularly updating both Windows and Avast, you can ensure optimal performance and protection.

Avast Antivirus is a powerful tool for protecting your computer, but it can occasionally slow down your PC or internet connection. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can optimize Avast's settings to improve your system's performance. Remember to adjust Avast startup settings, fine-tune the Web Shield settings, disable background updates and community participation, clear Windows cache files, and keep both Windows and Avast up to date. By implementing these solutions, you can fix Avast Antivirus slowing down your PC or internet and enjoy a faster and smoother computing experience.