How To Fix ‘Avast Service High CPU’ Usage

Avast Service High CPU Usage issue is like being cursed but Avast is a freeware security software which is available for only non-commercial or home use. Moreover, it offers an antivirus program with antispyware, ant phishing, anti-malware, automatic updates, HTTPS scanning, a Home Network Security Scanner Deep Screen, and much more.

The program is available for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Android platforms. The core process that runs the Avast free antivirus is AvastSvc.exe. It’s not an essential Windows process. It can be disabled when created the problem.

Avast antivirus is mainly known as the resources demanding tool. Moreover, it performs various operations, for example, background scanning, full virus scan, virus removal, and cleanup, etc.

Undoubtedly these processes are beneficial, but most of the time, it creates many problems that there’s no option left but to uninstall or disable the avast.

How to Fix Avast Service High CPU Error in Windows 10, 8 and 7

However, the Avast Service High CPU usage problem is one of the issues that force the user to disable the program. While running, the task manager (avastsvc.exe) on a 32-bit system is visible.

The incorrectly configured system setting or irregular entries in the Windows registry also one of the reasons where Avast uses too much CPU.

Avast is one of the well-known names in the antivirus software realm. However, users sometimes notice a significant increase in CPU usage due to Avast services. This situation can raise several questions:

What causes this high CPU consumption? Does Avast make your computer faster or slower? In this article, we’ll demystify the ‘Avast Service High CPU’ issue, exploring its causes, drawbacks, and potential solutions.

What is Avast Service High CPU?

‘Avast Service High CPU’ refers to the situation when the Avast antivirus software consumes a large chunk of the CPU’s resources, often leading to system slowdowns. This behavior can be observed in the Task Manager, where the Avast service, sometimes labeled as avastsvc.exe, shows higher than usual CPU usage.

Causes of Avast Service High CPU Usage Issue

Several factors can trigger high CPU usage by Avast:

  • Full System Scans: Avast may be performing an intensive scan of your system, which requires considerable CPU resources.
  • Updates: When Avast updates its virus definitions or software modules, it can sometimes lead to high CPU consumption.
  • Compatibility Issues: Conflicts between Avast and other software or system updates can increase CPU usage.
  • Corrupted Avast Installation: A malfunctioning or incomplete Avast installation can lead to this issue.

How to Fix Avast Service High CPU Error in Windows 10, 8 and 7

So in order to fix the Avast Service High CPU usage problem, here are the following solutions that should be used while facing this problem.

Method 1: Remove Avast Cleanup

The Avast cleanup tool is one of the essential components. Moreover, it acts as a real-time scanner and is also helpful in freeing the space covered by the apps which are running in the background. If the Avast Service High CPU is shown, then it’s mainly because of this cleanup component.

If the Avast cleanup is not working correctly, then reinstallation may resolve the problem, and for that, Avast Cleanup should be uninstalled. Here are the steps to uninstall or remove it:

Step 1: Firstly, in order to open it, double click on the Avast.

Step 2: After that, navigate to settings.

Step 3: Then click on the Components tab.

Step 4: Now, click on the arrow facing downward present next to the component tab where you will see options to remove the Avast cleanup component.

Step 5: Then click on the Uninstall component option, and to confirm the un-installation of the component, click on the Ok option.

Step 6: Lastly, restart the PC and check whether the Avast Service High CPU has gone back to normal or not.

This procedure will most probably solve the Avast Service High CPU Usage problem.

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Method 2: Run Command Prompt

However, the CPU or RAM are caused loads because of the frequent background scanning. Change the scan frequency to decrease the load on the CPU. Moreover, the background checks and monitoring will be disabled to reduce the Avast Service High CPU.

Here are the following steps:

Step 1: Firstly, press the Window + R key combination.

Step 2: Then type cmd and press enter key. Run the Command Prompt as an admin.

Step 3: Now type the command C:\ProgramData\AvastSoftware\Avast.” Then hit the Enter key. You will encounter a specific folder where further actions can be executed.

Step 4: After that, open the avast5.ini file.

Step 5: Then insert the following command in line [GrimeFighter ] :ScanFrequency=999.

Step 6: Now save the file and restart the system.

Then check whether the Avast Service High CPU usage problem is resolved or not. If not, then try another solution to solve the issues.

Method 3: Update Avast to The Latest Version

Mostly the old antivirus software version is the reason for the problem. However, it is essential to update antivirus and virus definitions. Therefore the Avast antivirus should also be updated so to update the Avast antivirus here is the following steps:

Step 1: Firstly, to open it, click on the Avast icon at the system tray or double click on the Avast.

Step 2: Then click on the menu option.

Step 3: Now, from the drop-down list, click on the Settings option.

Step 4: After that, click on the General tab.

Step 5: Then click on the update tab.

Step 6: There are two buttons present. One of them is related to the virus definition database update, and the other one is related to the updating of the program itself.

Step 7: Now, by using the two buttons, update both the program and the database. Avast first check for the update online then follow the on-screen instructions, so in that case, an individual needs to be patient.

Step 8: After that, check if the Avast Service High CPU usage problem has gone back to normal or not.

Most of the users considered it as a very effective method. This method has solved the problem quickly.

Method 4: Avast Screensaver Scanning Even Though It Shouldn’t

Mostly the Avast screensaver continues to scan also though it’s not running. Moreover, you can carry this process in the background. It causes the high CPU usage problem, and it’s not also visible in the Avast interface.

For solving the issue or problem, the following steps should be followed:

Step 1: Firstly, right-click on the random file on your system.

Step 2: Then, with the Avast in the context menu, choose to scan the file.

Step 3: Now, you will be able to see the list of scans running currently in the pop-up scan result window.

Step 4: After that, locate the Avast Screensaver scan.

Step 5: Then click on the stop button, which is present next to stop the process option.

Step 6: Last check that after following these steps, the problem is solved or not.

Method 5: Repair Avast from Control Panel

However, it is better to repair the Avast using Control Panel if nothing is working correctly. Many users have also claimed that this solution is useful and had helped in maintaining the Avast Service High CPU usage issue.

Follow the solutions declared below.  Before that, log in as an administrator. The following steps are:

Step 1: Firstly, press Window +R key combination.

Step 2: Then type Control Panel and press the Enter key.

Step 3: Now selects it View as Category present at the top right corner after the opening of the Control Panel.

Step 4: After that, under the program, section clicks on the Uninstall a program.

Step 5: Then click on the Apps while using the Settings App.

Step 6: A list will open containing the installed programs in your system.

Step 7: Now, in the Control Panel or Settings, locate Avast.

Step 8: Then click on Uninstall or repair.

Step 9: Now, the two options will appear with the Uninstall wizard: Repair and Remove.

Step 10: Then click next after selecting the repair to fix the installation of the program.

Step 11: Now confirm the process, which will restart the Avast with default settings, which worked before the error started to occur.

Step 12: When the uninstalled completes the process, click on the finish option, and restart the system.

Step 13: Now, the Avast Service High CPU usage problem will be solved.

How Do I Stop Avast from Slowing Down My Computer?

To address the Avast Service High CPU issue:

  1. Adjust Scan Frequency: Set Avast to conduct full system scans during your off-hours or decrease the frequency of scans.
  2. Update Avast: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Avast. Updates often contain fixes for known issues.
  3. Repair Avast: Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Avast > Repair. This will fix any potential corruption in the installation.
  4. Disable Unnecessary Avast Features: Open Avast user interface, go to ‘Settings’, and disable features you don’t use.
  5. Reinstall Avast: If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Avast to ensure a clean installation.

Does Avast Make Your Computer Faster?

Avast offers features like system optimization and junk file removal. While these can improve system performance, the core antivirus functionality shouldn’t necessarily speed up your computer.

It’s designed to protect, not enhance performance. However, by removing malware that might be slowing down your system, Avast can indirectly contribute to a faster computer.

What is the Disadvantage of Avast?

While Avast is robust software, it has its drawbacks:

  • System Resource Usage: As discussed, Avast can sometimes consume a high amount of CPU.
  • False Positives: Like many antivirus tools, Avast might sometimes identify safe files as threats.
  • Pop-up Ads: The free version of Avast occasionally displays pop-up ads, which can be intrusive for users.
  • Data Collection: There have been concerns about Avast’s data collection and sharing policies, though the company has made efforts to address these concerns.

Does Avast Remove All Malware?

Avast is proficient at detecting and removing a wide range of malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and more. However, no antivirus solution is 100% foolproof. New malware variants emerge regularly, and there might be a short window before antivirus programs, including Avast, update their databases.

Regularly updating Avast and using it in tandem with other security measures, like a firewall or a reputable anti-malware tool, is advisable.

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Conclusion

To solve the Avast Service High CPU usage problem, follow the methods mentioned above. However, the solutions mentioned above help resolve the problem. Various users have claimed that the solutions are sufficient enough to solve the problem and helped in maintaining the Avast Service High CPU usage.

While Avast offers robust protection against various threats, users should be aware of issues like high CPU usage. By understanding the causes and solutions for these issues, one can ensure that Avast serves as a protective shield without hampering system performance.

Regular updates and an informed approach to using the software can help users enjoy a safe and smooth computing experience.