Avast is a popular antivirus software that protects computers from malware and viruses. However, some users have reported that the Behavior Shield component of Avast causes high CPU usage, which slows down the computer. In this article, we will explore the causes of this issue and provide solutions to fix it.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Behavior Shield
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what the Behavior Shield is and how it works. The Behavior Shield is a real-time monitoring feature of Avast that analyzes the behavior of running programs on the computer. It checks for any suspicious behavior and blocks any potentially malicious actions. While this is a useful feature, it can sometimes cause high CPU usage.
Causes of High CPU Usage
There are several reasons why the Behavior Shield component of Avast may cause high CPU usage. One common cause is that the component is outdated and needs to be updated. Another reason could be that there are too many programs running on the computer, causing the Behavior Shield to work overtime. Additionally, if the computer is low on memory or has other performance issues, this can also lead to high CPU usage.
Solutions to Fix High CPU Usage
Solution 1: Update Avast
The first solution is to check if Avast is up to date. An outdated version of the Behavior Shield can cause high CPU usage. To check for updates, open Avast and go to Settings > General > Update. If there is an update available, click on the Update button and wait for the update to finish.
Solution 2: Customize the Behavior Shield
Another solution is to customize the Behavior Shield settings. You can disable certain features that may be causing high CPU usage. To do this, open Avast and go to Settings > Protection > Behavior Shield. Here, you can disable features such as “Automatically block detected threats” or “Use advanced heuristics.” By disabling these features, you may be able to reduce CPU usage.
Solution 3: Limit Background Programs
If there are too many programs running on the computer, this can cause the Behavior Shield to work harder and use more CPU. To limit the number of background programs, go to Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and click on the Startup tab. Here, you can disable programs that are set to run at startup. This can help reduce CPU usage and improve performance.
Solution 4: Increase System Resources
If the computer is low on memory or has other performance issues, this can also cause high CPU usage. To increase system resources, you can close unnecessary programs, uninstall unused programs, or upgrade hardware such as RAM or the hard drive.
Conclusion
High CPU usage caused by the Avast Behavior Shield can be a frustrating issue for users. However, by following the solutions outlined in this article, you can reduce CPU usage and improve performance. Remember to update Avast regularly, customize the Behavior Shield settings, limit background programs, and increase system resources if necessary.
