AVG Antivirus protects your device from threats, but it can sometimes slow your computer down. This issue frustrates many users, especially when performance matters most. Fortunately, you can fix the slowdown without giving up protection. With a few simple changes, your computer will run faster again.
Check for Background Scans
First, check if AVG is running background scans. These scans often use a lot of system resources. When a full scan happens during work or gaming, your computer slows noticeably. To avoid this, open AVG settings and reschedule scans to run at night or during low-usage hours. This way, AVG still protects your system without affecting performance.
Disable Unnecessary Features
AVG comes with many features, but not all are essential for every user. Features like email protection, software updater, or web protection may slow your system if you don’t need them. To fix this, go to the “Components” section in AVG and turn off features you rarely use. By doing this, you reduce resource consumption while still keeping your device safe.
Adjust System Startup Settings
AVG sometimes loads too many services during startup. This increases boot time and delays system performance. To solve this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. From there, go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary AVG startup processes. As a result, your computer will boot faster, and you’ll notice quicker overall response times.
Update AVG and Windows Regularly
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and slowdowns. Always keep both AVG and your operating system updated. These updates often fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. To do this, check AVG for updates manually and enable automatic updates on your Windows system. Staying updated ensures smoother performance and better protection.
Use Passive Mode if You Have Other Antivirus Tools
If you’re using more than one antivirus, AVG might conflict with others, leading to slow performance. In this case, enable AVG’s Passive Mode. This allows AVG to stay installed but stop actively scanning in real-time. That way, it won’t interfere with your main antivirus tool. This step is especially helpful if you rely on built-in tools like Windows Defender.
Clean Up Junk Files
AVG may not be the only reason for slow performance. Over time, junk files and temporary data pile up and drag your system down. While AVG offers a PC TuneUp tool, you can also use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup feature. Removing unnecessary files frees up space and makes your system run more efficiently. As a result, even with AVG running, your PC will feel faster.
Reinstall AVG If Problems Persist
If none of the above steps work, the issue might lie in a corrupted AVG installation. In this case, uninstall AVG completely and then reinstall the latest version from the official site. A fresh installation often resolves hidden issues and resets the software to default settings. This solution, although more time-consuming, can restore both your antivirus and system performance.
Conclusion
While AVG offers excellent protection, it sometimes slows down your computer. Thankfully, you can fix this by adjusting a few settings and performing routine maintenance. From disabling background scans to cleaning up junk files, each step makes a big difference. Keep your software updated, monitor what runs at startup, and don’t hesitate to reinstall if needed. With these changes, your PC can stay secure and run smoothly at the same time.
