Avast is one of the leading antivirus software that you can install on your Windows 10 computer to give it added protection from online threats. There’s a free version which includes all of the necessary basic features and a paid version which includes added features. Although this is a stable software there are instances when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Avast service high CPU usage issue.
How To Fix The Avast Service High CPU Usage Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below its best to restart your computer first. This will refresh the operating system and remove any corrupted temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Try removing Avast Cleanup
Avast Cleanup is a feature available in the paid or premium version of the software. What this does is it removes hidden junk files from your system to speed up your computer. Since this feature works in real time it can sometimes use up a lot of your CPU resources. If this is what’s causing the problem then you should just uninstall this component.
- Open the Avast user interface by clicking its icon at the system try. You can also locate it in your Start menu entry.
- Go to Settings and click the Components tab.
- Click the downward facing arrow next to the component that you want to remove (Avast Cleanup), click Uninstall Component, and then click OK to confirm the uninstallation of the component.
- Restart your PC.
Check if the Avast service high CPU usage issue still occurs.
Try changing the scan frequency
Try increasing the scan frequency value of Avast. This means that the software will only run background checks and monitoring once in a while. While this might not be an ideal solution in terms of security it can minimize the CPU usage of Avast.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.
- Type in the following command in order to navigate to the following folder where you will be able to execute further actions: C:\ ProgramData\AvastSoftware\Avast
- Open the avast5.ini file and insert the following command in line: [GrimeFighter] : ScanFrequency=999
- Save the file, Restart your computer.
Check if the Avast service high CPU usage issue still occurs.
Update Avast
There’s a possibility that the problem is caused by a bug present in an outdated version of Avast. To check if this is the culprit you will have to update Avast.
- Open the Avast user interface by clicking its icon in the system tray.
- Go to the Update tab where you will notice that there are two update buttons. One of these buttons is related to the update of the virus definitions database and the other one is related to updating the program itself.
- Updating the virus definitions and update the program by clicking on both of these update buttons
Check if the Avast service high CPU usage issue still occurs.
Repair Avast from the control panel
If the problem is caused by a corrupted Avast installation then you should try to repair this from the control panel.
- Login with an administrator account on your windows 10 computer.
- Click on the Start menu then click on the gear icon in order to open settings.
- Clicking on Apps should immediately open a list of all installed programs on your PC.
- Locate Avast and click on Uninstall/Repair.
- Its uninstall wizard should open with two options: Repair and Remove. Select Repair and click Next in order to fix the installation of the program.
- A message will pop up asking you to confirm the process. Avast will most likely be restarted with the default settings which worked before the error started to occur.
- Click Finish when the uninstalled completes the process and restart your computer.
Check if the Avast service high CPU usage issue still occurs.