Why Is Avast Using So Much CPU?- Complete Guide

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BigJarNews

Security

7 Mins Read

August 11, 2021

Last Updated on: December 7, 2023

why is avast using so much CPU

Avast antivirus is free of cost, and that is why many people download it to protect their PC. But, no matter how much security it provides to our system, it is not without its drawbacks. It consumes too much space and resources in your CPU that ends up slowing down the machine. 

So, if you wonder why is Avast using so much CPU, you are not the first one to ask it. But, like you, many other users have also asked the same question. So, let’s find out now why is Avast service using so much CPU and some quick fix to resolve this problem.

Why Is Avast Using So Much CPU?

Avast Antivirus demands too much of a resource because it constantly works to keep your PC protected. It performs activities like a full virus scan, system cleanup, virus removal, and background scan. Now, it is beyond any doubt that these activities are essential for your PC. but, sometimes the excessive resource consumption nature of Avast slows down the entire system and conflicts with other apps. 

Whenever I wondered Why is Avast using so much of my CPU, I found only one answer. But, many other antiviruses perform these many activities like Avast, and still consume a small portion of the CPU. So, this is not the only reason behind why is Avast using so much CPU. 

Sometimes, the wrong configuration can also make Avast consume this much resource. For example, if you keep providing irregular entries in the Windows registry, it can ruin a huge portion of your RAM. Now, you cannot expand the RAM frequently, so the moment your RAM gets full, it creates extra pressure on your CPU. 

Read Also: Why Is Avast Slowing Down Computer: Are There Any Solutions To Fix It?

How Can I Prevent Avast From Using So Much CPU By Uninstalling The Cleanup Component?

One of the possible reasons that Avast uses so much CPU could be some errors in its cleanup component. In that cashew, you must try to uninstall the cleanup option. There are a few steps to follow to do this process, such as;

Step 1:

First, place the cursor on the Avast icon that is probably preset on your desktop screen. Double click on that option. 

Step 2:

On the left corner of the screen now, you will see the settings tab. When you click on the Settings option, you will find the components tab there. 

Step 3:

When you click on the components option, a list will pop up. Click on the Avast option on the list, and uninstall the component. Next, click on the okay option to confirm the uninstallation.

Step 4:

Your PC may ask you to restart the machine. Click on the yes button. When your device starts again, check if the avast is still using so much CPU or not. 

So Now don’t think Why Is Avast Using So Much CPU.

How Can I Prevent Avast From Using So Much CPU By Fixing Its High Disk Usage?

Are you still thinking about why is Avast using so much CPU. We have found another reason to explain this issue. As Avast keeps on scanning your background constantly, it may create an extra load on your RAM. So, if you can control the scanning time, your Avast will no longer consume that much space in your CPU. A few steps are mentioned below to help you in this process, such as;

Step 1:

You must know the run command acts as an admin of your PC. So, first, you need to click on the run option that you will find on the start menu. Then, when the run command opens, you need to type ‘cmd’ there and press the enter button.

Step 2:

Now a screen will open in front of you. You will find a search bar there where you need to type ‘C:\ ProgramData\AvastSoftware\Avast’. Press the enter button once again, and it will direct you to another folder for the following actions.

Step 3:

Click on the avast.ini icon on that folder. Set the scan frequency at 999 in that folder.

Step 4:

Now, save the file, and restart your computer. Once the PC starts again, make sure to check the CPU usage rate has decreased or not. 

Can I Prevent Avast From Using Too Much Of CPU Space By Updating It?

Although rare, sometimes, if your Avast is not updated to the latest version, it can consume extra space of your CPU. Therefore, if you are still thinking about why is Avast using so much CPU, maybe you need to update it. Then, follow the steps to correct the antivirus.

Step 1:

You can click on the Avast icon from the system tray, or you can also double click the icon on your desktop screen. 

Step 2:

Now, you will find a dropdown list on that menu. Click on the Settings option on that list.

Step 3:

Next, you need to click on the general tab. Another downward list will appear in front of you. Click on the update option from that list.

Step 4:

You will find two update options on the next screen. First, click on the update database option, and also click on the update program option.

Step 5:

Now, you simply have t wait until Avast is updated to the latest version. Since you have clicked on both the update option, it will take some time. Follow the on-screen commands to complete the update process.

Step 6:

Once the update is complete, restart your machine. Now, check if your CPU usage rate has reduced or not. 

The Best Alternatives Of Avast In 2023

After thorough research, I discovered the best alternatives to Avast antivirus. Below, I will discuss the best alternatives to Avast in 2023.  

1. TotalAV 

One of the best alternatives to Avast is TotalAV. This antivirus offers exceptional protection from cyber threats. Even the test result will back it up. On the other hand, TotalAV has full detection rates, which can block 97% of zero malware attacks. In addition, this also has an advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives. 

Pros and cons of TotalAV such as:

Pros

  • This has ample features.
  • It gives you a free plan.
  • One month money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • The browser extension could be more intuitive. 

2. Bitdefender 

When it is about one of the most highly rated antiviruses, then Bitdefender is one of them. This top product certificate antivirus malware software has a 100% score in both detection rates and zero-day malware attack protection. 

Pros and cons of Bitdefender such as: 

Pros

  • This gives your system 100% malware protection.
  • This is a budget-friendly antivirus software
  • Bitdefender has a generous free plan

Cons

  • The VPN of this software app is capped at 200MB per day. 

3. NordVPN

Another cybersecurity service across the globe that extends its reach is NordVPN. The threat protection of this software app offers the same features and services as an antivirus program. On the other hand, NordVPN’s packages have handy security features such as a dark web monitor, Meshnet, and many others. Apart from that, this is also an award-winning alternative antivirus. 

Pros and cons of NordVPN

Pros

  • This antivirus has a highly-rated VPN.
  • NordVPN is an affordable antivirus software.
  • You will get a one-month money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • There is no free plan. 

4. Surfshark Antivirus

Another one of the best security solution antivirus software, which is popular for VPN providers is Surf Shark Antivirus. Firstly, this antivirus protects completely from threats like trojans, malware, etc. 

Pros and cons of Surfshark Antivirus

Pros

  • The data breach monitoring option is also available.
  • An ad-free search engine is there to use
  • A monthly money guarantee is there

Cons

  • There isn’t any firewall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

We have provided you with some probable answers to your question about why Avast is using so much CPU. However, we have still found some other questions that often upset the users. So let’s focus on those.

1: How Will I know If Avast Is Consuming Too Much Of My CPU Space?

Ans: If you encounter frequent issues in your CPU’s performance, it is most likely due to Avast. Avast keeps on scanning your background continuously, so that can also consume higher resources. If you have Avast in your PC and think your machine is running slow, be sure to blame Avast.

2: Can Repairing The Avast Antivirus Solve Its Resource Consumption Nature?

Ans: Yes, it may be a solution to the problem. You can click on the control panel, and at the end, you will find an uninstall the program option. Then, click on the Avast icon, and press the repair button. If there is any configuration error in your Avast, it will be repaired and may control its high resource consumption nature.

3: Can I Turn Off Avast To Prevent It From Using Too Much Of My CPU Resource?

Ans: Yes, you can, but that will be a waste of time. You need the antivirus to keep your system protected. If you turn this off, it may consume less CPU space, but it will not be of any use to you then. 

Wrap Up

In this article, we have given you many possible reasons to answer your ‘why is Avast using so much CPU’ question. We have given you some quick fix tips also so that you can deal with this problem. If you are not comfortable applying these solutions yourself, make sure to contact a technical expert. You can also take the PC to the service center, and they will fix the problem.

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