If you’re encountering the frustrating issue of Avast Behavior Shield causing high CPU usage on your computer, you’re not alone. High CPU usage can lead to slow performance and a less-than-optimal user experience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix this problem and get your computer running smoothly again.
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Understanding Avast Behavior Shield
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s take a moment to understand what Avast Behavior Shield is and why it might be causing high CPU usage.
Avast Behavior Shield is a vital component of the Avast antivirus software. Its primary function is to monitor your computer for suspicious behavior and potentially harmful actions. While this is a crucial security feature, it can sometimes be resource-intensive, leading to high CPU usage.
Step 1: Update Avast Antivirus
Outdated software can often be the root cause of performance issues. Ensure that your Avast antivirus program is up to date. Avast regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix known issues. To update Avast:
- Open the Avast user interface.
- Go to “Settings.”
- Click on “Update” in the left sidebar.
- Select “Check for updates” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Adjust Behavior Shield Sensitivity
You can customize the sensitivity of Avast Behavior Shield to reduce its impact on your CPU usage. Here’s how:
- Open the Avast user interface.
- Go to “Protection” and select “Behavior Shield.”
- Click on “Settings” next to Behavior Shield.
- Adjust the sensitivity slider to a lower level (e.g., “Low”).
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Step 3: Exclude Certain Files or Folders
Another effective way to reduce CPU usage caused by Avast Behavior Shield is to exclude specific files or folders from its scanning. This can be particularly helpful if you have files that you trust and know are safe. To do this:
- Open the Avast user interface.
- Go to “Protection” and select “Behavior Shield.”
- Click on “Settings” next to Behavior Shield.
- Choose the “Exclusions” tab.
- Click “Add” and browse to the file or folder you want to exclude.
- Click “OK” to confirm.
Step 4: Check for Conflicting Software
Sometimes, other security software or applications can conflict with Avast, leading to high CPU usage. Ensure that you don’t have multiple antivirus programs running simultaneously. If you do, uninstall the conflicting software and keep Avast as your primary antivirus solution.
Step 5: Contact Avast Support
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be time to reach out to Avast’s customer support for assistance. They can provide specialized guidance and solutions tailored to your specific problem.
In conclusion, high CPU usage caused by Avast Behavior Shield can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve the issue and enjoy smoother computer performance. Remember to keep your Avast software updated, adjust the sensitivity settings, exclude trusted files, and check for conflicting software. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek help from Avast’s support team.