If you’ve been using the Avast antivirus software, you might have noticed that it continues running in the background even when you’re not actively using it. This can be frustrating as it consumes system resources and slows down your computer. However, there are ways to stop Avast from running in the background. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the various methods to disable Avast from running in the background, so you can regain control of your computer’s performance.
Understanding The Issue: Why Is Avast Running In The Background?
Avast is a popular antivirus program that offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other threats. However, some users may find it frustrating that Avast continues to run in the background even when they are not actively using the program.
The reason behind Avast running in the background is its desire to provide continuous protection for your device. While it may seem unnecessary, Avast’s background processes ensure that your system stays protected at all times, scanning files and monitoring network activity for potential threats. This constant vigilance helps to prevent any unauthorized access or malicious programs from causing harm to your computer.
Though Avast’s background processes are designed to enhance security, they can have an impact on your device’s performance. The constant scanning and monitoring consume system resources, such as CPU power and memory, which may slow down the overall performance of your computer. Additionally, it can also lead to increased battery usage on laptops and mobile devices.
In the next steps, we will guide you on how to configure Avast’s settings to stop it from running in the background, while still maintaining a high level of security for your device.
Identifying The Impact: How Avast Running In The Background Affects Your Device’s Performance.
Avast running in the background can have a significant impact on your device’s performance. While Avast is designed to protect your device from malware and other threats, its continuous operation in the background can consume valuable system resources, resulting in sluggish performance and reduced efficiency.
When Avast runs in the background, it uses CPU and memory resources, which can slow down other applications and processes running on your device. This can lead to slower boot times, delayed program launches, and overall system slowdown. Additionally, the constant scanning and real-time protection processes of Avast can cause high disk usage, further affecting the device’s performance.
Apart from the resource usage, Avast’s continuous background activities can also cause interruptions and disturbances while using other applications, particularly those that require a lot of system resources, such as video editing or gaming software. These interruptions may manifest as sudden freezes, stuttering, or lag in performance.
To improve your device’s performance and minimize the impact of Avast running in the background, it is essential to take the necessary steps to optimize Avast’s settings and selectively disable unnecessary features that may contribute to excessive resource usage.
Step 1: Opening Avast’s Settings And Preferences
When it comes to stopping Avast from running in the background, the first step is to access Avast’s settings and preferences. By doing so, you can gain control over the software’s behavior and make the necessary adjustments. To open Avast’s settings, locate the Avast icon in your system tray or taskbar and right-click on it. A menu will appear; select “Open Avast.” This will launch Avast’s main interface.
Once the interface is open, navigate to the settings menu. This can usually be found in the top-right corner of the Avast window. Click on the gear icon to access the settings. From here, you will be able to customize various aspects of Avast’s behavior, including its background processes and notifications.
By following this simple step, you’ll be well on your way to controlling Avast’s background activity and ensuring it doesn’t impact your device’s performance.
Step 2: Adjusting Avast’s Background Processes And Notifications
Avast running in the background can often be a nuisance, slowing down your device and consuming valuable system resources. Fortunately, you can easily adjust Avast’s background processes and notifications to prevent it from running in the background unnecessarily.
To begin, open Avast’s settings and preferences by right-clicking on the Avast icon in your system tray and selecting “Open Avast user interface.” Once the Avast interface is open, navigate to the “Settings” tab located in the lower-left corner of the interface.
Under the “General” section, you will find various options related to Avast’s background processes and notifications. Click on “General” to open these settings. Here, you can customize Avast’s behavior according to your preferences.
To stop Avast from running in the background, uncheck the box that says “Enable Avast self-defense module.” Disabling this feature will prevent Avast from protecting itself from termination, making it easier to stop any running background processes.
Additionally, you can adjust Avast’s notifications by clicking on the “Notifications” tab. From here, you can modify the notifications Avast displays, including turning them off completely if desired.
By following these steps, you can effectively adjust Avast’s background processes and notifications, preventing Avast from running in the background unnecessarily and improving your device’s performance.
Step 3: Configuring Avast’s Scanning Schedule And Real-time Protection Settings
Configuring Avast’s scanning schedule and real-time protection settings is crucial in preventing Avast from running in the background unnecessarily. By customizing these settings, you can ensure that Avast performs scans and real-time protection activities at times that are most convenient for you, ultimately reducing its impact on your device’s performance.
To begin, open Avast’s settings and navigate to the “Scans” section. Here, you can configure the scanning schedule by selecting the type of scan you want to perform, such as a quick scan or a full scan, and choosing the frequency at which these scans should occur. Adjusting these settings allows you to schedule scans during periods of low activity or when you are not using your device, minimizing any disruption to your workflow.
Additionally, in the “Real-Time Shields” section, you can customize the level of real-time protection provided by Avast. You have the option to enable or disable specific shields depending on your needs. By carefully selecting which shields to keep active, you can reduce Avast’s background processes while still maintaining essential protection against malware and other threats.
By following these steps and configuring Avast’s scanning schedule and real-time protection settings to align with your usage patterns, you can effectively prevent Avast from running in the background unnecessarily and optimize your device’s performance.
Step 4: Disabling Unnecessary Features To Prevent Avast From Running In The Background.
Avast antivirus software is known for its robust protection against malware and other threats. However, the constant background processes may bog down your device’s performance, especially if you have a low-end system. In this step, we will explore how to disable unnecessary features to prevent Avast from running in the background.
To begin, open Avast’s settings and preferences by right-clicking the Avast icon in the system tray and selecting “Open Avast user interface.” Once the interface opens, navigate to the “Protection” tab.
Under the “Core Shields” section, you will find a list of all the features Avast offers. Carefully examine each feature and determine which ones are necessary for your needs. For example, if you primarily use your device for web browsing and email, you may not require the “Behavior Shield” or “Browser Cleanup” features.
To disable a feature, simply click on the toggle switch next to it, turning it off. Avast may prompt you to confirm your selection, and you should proceed accordingly.
By disabling unnecessary features, you significantly reduce Avast’s background processes, improving your device’s overall performance. However, make sure not to disable essential features like real-time protection or malware scanning, as they are crucial for your device’s security.
Troubleshooting Tips: Resolving Common Issues When Stopping Avast From Running In The Background
This section provides troubleshooting tips to address common issues that users may encounter when trying to stop Avast from running in the background. By following these solutions, you can overcome any challenges and successfully disable Avast’s background processes.
One common issue that users may face is difficulty accessing Avast’s settings and preferences. This could be due to outdated software or conflicting applications. To resolve this, make sure you have the latest version of Avast installed and update any other antivirus software on your device.
If Avast still persists in running in the background after adjusting its settings, it may be necessary to uninstall and reinstall the program. This can help fix any corrupted files or settings that are causing the issue.
In some cases, Avast may still run in the background despite following all the steps mentioned in the previous sections. Restarting your computer can often resolve this problem by refreshing system processes and clearing any temporary glitches.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can effectively address common issues and stop Avast from running in the background, improving your device’s performance and ensuring a hassle-free user experience.
FAQ
1. How can I stop Avast from running in the background on my computer?
To stop Avast from running in the background on your computer, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Avast antivirus program on your computer.
2. Go to the “Settings” menu, usually accessible through the gear icon.
3. In the settings menu, select the “General” tab.
4. Scroll down until you find the option called “Popups” or “Notifications.”
5. Disable the option that allows Avast to run in the background or show notifications.
6. Save the changes and exit the settings menu. This should prevent Avast from running in the background.
2. Will Avast still protect my computer if it is not running in the background?
Yes, Avast will still protect your computer even if it is not running in the background. While Avast’s real-time protection features may not be active, the antivirus software will still scan and detect any threats when you manually initiate a scan or when you open a file or program on your computer. However, it is important to periodically run full system scans to ensure comprehensive protection.
3. Can I temporarily stop Avast from running in the background?
Yes, you can temporarily stop Avast from running in the background by using the “Avast shields control” feature. Simply right-click on the Avast icon in the system tray of your taskbar and select the option “Avast shields control” or “Disable for [chosen time frame].” This will temporarily disable Avast’s real-time protection and prevent it from running in the background for the selected period. Remember to enable the shields again to ensure continuous protection after the specified time has passed.
4. Is it recommended to disable Avast from running in the background?
Disabling Avast from running in the background is not generally recommended unless you have a specific reason to do so. Avast’s real-time protection is designed to continuously monitor and detect potential threats, providing proactive security for your computer. However, if you find the constant notifications or background processes to be disruptive, you can choose to disable them. Keep in mind that by disabling these features, you may compromise the overall security efficacy of Avast, and it is important to regularly update and manually scan your system for potential threats.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article can help users effectively stop Avast from running in the background. By disabling unnecessary features, adjusting settings, and even uninstalling the program if desired, users can regain control over their system’s resources and improve overall performance. Whether it’s to optimize gaming experience or simply reduce system load, these steps provide a straightforward solution to prevent Avast from running in the background, giving users the freedom to manage their antivirus software according to their needs.