AVG antivirus is an essential tool for protecting your computer against malware, viruses, and other security threats. However, running scans at the wrong time can cause your system to slow down, especially if you’re in the middle of working or gaming. Scheduling scans in AVG is an excellent way to ensure your system stays secure while minimizing any impact on performance. Here’s how to schedule AVG scans without slowing down your PC.
1. Understanding the Impact of Scans on Performance
Running a full system scan can be resource-intensive, especially if your computer has a lot of files. Scans use CPU, RAM, and disk space, which can slow down other tasks if run during peak hours. However, scheduling scans during off-peak times ensures that your system remains secure without interrupting your work.
Key Factors:
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Full Scans vs. Quick Scans: Full system scans are more thorough but take longer, while quick scans only check the most likely areas for malware. Scheduling a quick scan may have less impact on performance.
2. Setting Up a Scan Schedule in AVG
AVG allows you to set up regular scans at times that suit your schedule. Here’s how you can easily set it up:
Steps to Schedule a Scan:
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Open AVG: Start by launching the AVG antivirus program.
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Go to Menu: In the top-right corner of the window, click the Menu button.
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Select Settings: From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
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Find the Scan Section: In the left panel, click on Scan under the “General” category.
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Set Up a Schedule: Look for the Scheduled Scans option. Enable it and set a time for the scan to run, such as late at night or when you’re not using your computer.
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Choose Scan Type: Decide whether you want a Full Scan, Smart Scan, or Quick Scan.
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Save the Settings: Once you’ve selected the scan time and type, click Save to apply the settings.
Tip:
Set scans to run during hours when you are not using the computer, such as at night or during breaks. This way, you won’t be interrupted by any slowdown.
3. Adjust Scan Frequency to Fit Your Needs
You don’t have to scan your computer every day unless you suspect an issue. Adjust the frequency of your scheduled scans to ensure a balance between security and performance.
Recommended Frequencies:
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Full Scan: Once a week or every other week is usually sufficient for most users. This scan checks your entire system for malware.
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Quick Scan: A quick scan once a day or a few times a week can help identify any immediate threats without a significant impact on performance.
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Smart Scan: This type of scan is generally light on system resources and can be done daily if you prefer.
4. Use the Silent Mode for Undisturbed Scans
AVG has a Silent Mode that suppresses notifications and reduces the system load during scans. When Silent Mode is enabled, AVG will run scans without interrupting your workflow or showing pop-ups. This is especially useful if you need to run scans during your working hours.
Steps to Enable Silent Mode:
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Open AVG.
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Go to Menu and select Settings.
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Find the General tab and click on Silent Mode.
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Toggle the switch to On. Now, AVG will run scans quietly in the background.
5. Perform Scans When Idle or on Battery Power
If you’re using a laptop, consider scheduling scans when your device is plugged in or during idle periods. Running scans while the computer is idle ensures that your PC isn’t distracted by other tasks that require resources. Additionally, some scans may drain your battery if they’re not scheduled while plugged in.
Tips:
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Run Scans on Battery Power: Schedule scans when your laptop is charging to avoid battery drain.
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During Idle Time: Set AVG to run scans when your computer is not being actively used. This prevents scans from competing with other applications for system resources.
6. Limit the Resources AVG Uses During Scans
If your system is older or has limited resources, you can adjust how much CPU and RAM AVG uses during scans. This can prevent your computer from becoming too slow while still maintaining protection.
Steps to Adjust Resource Usage:
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Open AVG and go to Settings.
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Under the Advanced Settings section, find Scan Settings.
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Adjust the resource usage slider to a lower setting, ensuring your system is not overwhelmed during scans.
7. Use the AVG TuneUp Feature to Optimize Performance
AVG also offers the AVG TuneUp tool, which optimizes your system’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files, improving startup times, and fixing broken registry entries. By using TuneUp along with scheduled scans, you can ensure that your computer is always running at its best.
How TuneUp Helps:
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Cleans Unnecessary Files: Removes junk files that can slow down scans.
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Boosts Performance: Helps your system run smoother by optimizing settings for speed and performance.
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Improves Battery Life: Helps extend battery life on laptops, making scheduled scans less resource-draining.
Conclusion
Scheduling AVG scans properly ensures that your computer stays secure without affecting its performance. By adjusting scan types, frequencies, and times, you can run scans during off-peak hours, avoid interruptions, and make the most of your system’s resources. Enabling Silent Mode and using the AVG TuneUp feature can further help minimize the impact of scans, keeping your computer running smoothly while staying protected.
