If your AVG Antivirus scans are taking longer than expected, you’re not alone. Many users report slow scan times as one of the few downsides of using AVG, especially when running full system scans. While AVG offers excellent protection, the time it takes to complete scans can be frustrating—particularly if you have a large number of files or a lower-spec machine. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to speed up AVG’s scanning process without sacrificing your computer’s safety.
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step tips to improve AVG’s scan speed and ensure smoother, faster protection in 2025 and beyond.
1. Keep AVG Up to Date
One of the simplest yet most overlooked ways to boost scan performance is by updating your AVG software regularly. New updates not only contain virus definitions but also come with performance improvements and bug fixes. An outdated version of AVG can slow down scans or lead to unnecessary system lag.
To update AVG:
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Open AVG Antivirus
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Click on Menu > Settings
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Select Update and make sure both the virus definitions and the program are up to date
Regular updates ensure that scans are more efficient and less taxing on system resources.
2. Use Smart Scans Instead of Full Scans Daily
Full scans check every file on your system, which can take a long time—especially if you have large amounts of data. Instead, consider using Smart Scans or custom scans for routine security checks.
Smart Scans are designed to detect threats in the most vulnerable areas (e.g., system files, startup programs, and browser add-ons), providing fast yet effective protection.
To run a Smart Scan:
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Open AVG
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Click Run Smart Scan on the dashboard
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Let AVG check the most critical areas quickly
You can always run a full scan weekly or monthly for deeper inspection, but daily smart scans are more efficient.
3. Exclude Trusted Files and Folders
If AVG is scanning large folders or files you trust, like old backups, media libraries, or certain applications, you can exclude them from scans. This reduces the total data AVG has to analyze, making scans significantly faster.
To add exclusions:
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Go to Menu > Settings > General > Exceptions
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Click Add Exception and select the file, folder, or path
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Save your changes
Only exclude files you’re confident are safe. Be cautious—don’t exclude anything you download frequently from unknown sources.
4. Disable Scanning of Archive Files
Scanning inside compressed files (ZIP, RAR, etc.) can be time-consuming. While it’s a good practice for deep scans, it’s not always necessary during quick checks—especially if you rarely extract or open archived files.
To disable archive scanning:
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Open AVG > Menu > Settings
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Navigate to Basic Scans
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Turn off the option for Scan inside archives
This will speed up scan time, particularly if you have a lot of archived content on your device.
5. Schedule Scans During Idle Hours
Another great way to avoid performance issues and speed up scan completion is by scheduling scans during off-peak hours, like overnight or while you’re not using the computer.
Here’s how to schedule a scan:
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Go to AVG > Menu > Settings > Scheduled Scans
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Set a convenient time (e.g., 2:00 AM)
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Check the option to Wake up computer for scheduled scan if needed
This ensures scans don’t interfere with your active usage and lets AVG utilize full resources to complete faster.
6. Use AVG TuneUp for System Optimization
AVG also offers a companion product called AVG TuneUp, which helps clean junk files, disable unnecessary startup programs, and optimize system resources. A smoother system allows AVG to perform faster scans since there are fewer bottlenecks and background tasks.
Key features include:
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Sleep Mode for unused apps
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Junk file cleanup
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Registry and disk cleaner
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Browser data removal
Cleaner systems mean fewer files to scan and more memory available for antivirus operations.
7. Upgrade Your Hardware (if necessary)
If you’re using an older machine with limited RAM or CPU power, antivirus scans will naturally take longer. If all else fails, consider modest upgrades like:
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Upgrading to an SSD (solid-state drive) from an HDD
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Adding more RAM (memory)
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Closing unused background apps during scans
These hardware improvements can drastically reduce scan time and enhance overall AVG performance.
8. Disable Scan During Startup (Optional)
AVG may scan your system during startup to detect early threats, which can slow boot time and delay system responsiveness. You can choose to disable or delay startup scanning if you already run frequent manual or scheduled scans.
To disable startup scan:
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Open AVG > Settings > Scans
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Uncheck Enable startup scan
Make sure you compensate by running regular scans manually or on schedule to stay protected.
Conclusion
Slow scan speeds can make even the most reliable antivirus feel like a burden—but it doesn’t have to be that way. By using the tips above, you can significantly improve AVG’s scan speed and still maintain solid protection for your system. Whether it’s through smart scan choices, system exclusions, or simple software tweaks, AVG can be optimized to suit your computer’s needs. With a little adjustment, you can enjoy both security and speed without compromise.
