Tips For Improving AVG Antivirus Performance On Low-End PCs

If you’re using a low-end PC, running antivirus software like AVG may sometimes cause your system to slow down. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to use your computer for everyday tasks. However, there are several ways to improve AVG Antivirus’s performance without compromising your device’s security. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of AVG on your low-end PC.

1. Adjust AVG’s Settings for Better Performance

AVG Antivirus offers settings that can help improve performance on low-end PCs. You can adjust these settings to reduce the strain on your computer’s resources.

How to adjust AVG’s settings:

1. Open AVG Antivirus.

2. Click on “Menu” in the top-right corner.

3. Select “Settings.”

4. In the “General” tab, go to “Performance.”

5. Disable or reduce the following settings:

   • Real-Time Protection: While this feature is important, you can adjust how often AVG scans for threats to reduce the impact on system resources.

   • Game Mode: Turn this on when you’re playing games or working, as it disables non-essential features to boost performance.

   • Automatic Updates: Set AVG to update only when you are not using your PC, so it doesn’t interrupt your work.

These simple changes can reduce the load on your low-end PC without sacrificing too much protection.

2. Use the “Passive Mode” Feature

AVG’s “Passive Mode” allows AVG to run in the background without being fully active. This can be a great option for low-end PCs. Passive Mode stops AVG from running automatic scans or updates while you are using your computer, but still protects you from major threats.

How to enable Passive Mode:

1. Open AVG.

2. Go to “Menu” > “Settings” > “General.”

3. Find and select “Passive Mode.”

In this mode, AVG will not take up as many resources, and you can still enjoy essential protection.

3. Run a Manual Scan Instead of a Full One

Running a full scan can be resource-intensive, especially on low-end PCs. Instead of running a full scan automatically, you can perform a manual scan. Running scans during times when you’re not using your PC (e.g., at night) will reduce the impact on your system’s performance.

How to perform a manual scan:

1. Open AVG.

2. Click on “Computer” in the left menu.

3. Select “Scan” and choose between options like “Quick Scan” or “Custom Scan.”

A quick scan uses fewer system resources and scans only the most likely places for threats. You can also customize the scan to check specific files or folders that may be more vulnerable.

4. Turn Off Unnecessary Features

AVG Antivirus comes with several features designed to enhance your security. However, some of these features may use up system resources that aren’t essential for your protection on a low-end PC. You can disable certain features that aren’t necessary for everyday use.

Features you can turn off:

• Email Protection: If you don’t often receive emails with attachments or links, you can turn off the email protection feature to save resources.

• Web Shield: If you don’t browse the web often, you can disable Web Shield temporarily. This feature protects you while browsing, but it can take up extra resources.

• File Shield: If you’re only using your PC for specific tasks and not opening random files, you can consider disabling File Shield temporarily.

To disable these features:

1. Open AVG.

2. Click “Menu” > “Settings.”

3. Navigate to the “Components” tab.

4. Disable the features you don’t need.

5. Optimize Startup Programs

One of the main reasons a low-end PC slows down is because too many programs start automatically when you turn on your computer. AVG is one of those programs, but you can reduce its impact by managing which programs run at startup.

How to disable unnecessary startup programs:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

2. Go to the “Startup” tab.

3. Right-click and disable any unnecessary programs that you don’t need running on startup, including AVG’s less important components.

4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

This will help free up system resources and speed up the overall performance of your low-end PC.

6. Add More RAM or Upgrade Storage (if Possible)

If your PC allows for upgrades, adding more RAM or upgrading your storage to an SSD (Solid State Drive) can significantly improve performance. While this isn’t a direct setting within AVG, increasing your system’s memory or using faster storage can help AVG and other applications run more smoothly.

• Upgrade RAM: More RAM will allow your computer to handle more processes at once, which can improve AVG’s scanning and background tasks.

• Upgrade to SSD: If your PC uses a traditional hard drive (HDD), switching to an SSD can drastically improve overall performance, including how fast AVG can scan your system.

7. Regularly Clean Your PC

Over time, your low-end PC may accumulate junk files, temporary files, and system clutter that can slow things down. Cleaning up these files can free up valuable space and improve AVG’s performance.

You can use the built-in Windows Disk Cleanup tool or third-party software like CCleaner to remove unwanted files and optimize your system.

How to use Disk Cleanup:

1. Open the “Start” menu and search for “Disk Cleanup.”

2. Select your primary drive (usually C:) and click “OK.”

3. Choose the types of files you want to delete (temporary files, system files, etc.).

4. Click “OK” to clean up your PC.

Cleaning your PC regularly will keep AVG running faster and prevent your low-end PC from becoming sluggish.

8. Reinstall AVG if Necessary

If AVG is still running slowly, a clean reinstall might help fix performance issues. Over time, software installations can become corrupted or have missing files, causing AVG to behave poorly.

To reinstall AVG:

1. Uninstall AVG from your PC via “Control Panel” or “Settings.”

2. Restart your computer.

3. Go to the official AVG website and download the latest version.

4. Install AVG again and check if performance improves.

Reinstalling ensures that AVG is running with the latest updates and clean files, which can improve its speed and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Using AVG Antivirus on a low-end PC doesn’t have to result in slow performance. By following these tips, you can boost AVG’s efficiency without compromising your device’s security. Adjusting settings, running manual scans, and managing startup programs can make a big difference. If needed, consider upgrading your PC’s hardware or reinstalling AVG to ensure smooth performance.

With these tips, your low-end PC can stay protected with AVG without slowing down your everyday tasks.