Does Antivirus Slow Down Your Computer?

 

There is a perception that antivirus can reduce your computer speed by 50%. While this may have once been true, there is no evidence for this statement. However, your antivirus, which is the best internet security, can affect the overall speed of your device.

It is annoying when you gear up your computer with security tools for virus protection and then the speed makes a plummet. While your first instinct might be to uninstall your antivirus, do not be reckless! It is possible to fix the problem and make small changes to eliminate the speed issues.

If you think your antivirus may be the cause of the slowdown, follow this guide.

Why Does AntiVirus Slow Things Down?

All apps use processing power. With best antivirus, CPU usage can be everlasting, as the programs perform perpetually, automatic scans. These can emerge at scheduled time intervals, if you install a new app, or when you download a file from the web. Every time a scan happens, the AntiVirus software has to compare the network drive with a vast list of known malware signatures and behaviors. Understandably, these in-depth checks need the power to function.

The list of malware-types has grown drastically, and the databases that AntiVirus programs use became very large. Fortunately, security companies instantly identified the problem and now, most premium antivirus companies work online. This uses the provider’s server to power the processes rather than the customer’s.

If your device is so slow that it has become unusable, it is unlikely that your antivirus alone is at fault. Ensure there is not another cause before you make any changes to your security suite.

Other Potential Factors

Many people are quick to blame newly-installed software for their speed issues when really there is another underlying factor. Check that the following are not slowing you down before you change your AntiVirus:

Hard Drive Troubles

The first place to look is your hard drive. If your memory is full, there is not enough space to process, slowing your computer down. Similarly, old hard-drives can get corrupted and mitigate their capabilities, also resulting in speed problems.

Other Malware

The most known cause of computer slowdown is malware. Even if you have installed antivirus, definite malware types can infiltrate your system. Try using different free antivirus downloads to see if they indicate any problems.

Operating System

Your computer’s Operating System is integral to the device running smoothly. If you have not updated it in a while, chances are it is the root of the problem. Operating System updates provide patches for coding problems so staying up-to-date is essential for speed.

Background Programs

Most installed apps want startup permissions, which means they will open as soon as you turn on your device. Then they will run in the background, using precious processing power. Check what is running by looking in your Task Manager (PC) or Activity Monitor (Mac). Also, check for any apps you might have forgotten to close on previous use. If none of these options help, it is time to start looking at your antivirus.

Tips to Speed Up Your Computer

Whatever the cause of your computer slowdown is, these smart changes can speed things up.

Scan at Night

All good antivirus keep running background virus-scans while you work, to yield real-time updates of your system’s health. Unfortunately, these scans require power. If you edit the setting, so the scans happen at night or your computer is not in use, it will reduce the impact.

Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Every hard drive has wasted space. Old files, apps we do not use or accidental downloads all take up unnecessary space and drain your computer’s resources. A rapid inspection should uncover things you can delete to speed up processing.

Update Everything

It is not just your operating system that can cause delays if it is not updated. Every app you use frequently has an equivalent effect. Ensure you are up-to-date with your browser, social media apps, streaming services, email clients, and anything else you rely on.

Choose a Fast Antivirus

If you are still having problems, then it is time to switch your antivirus. So many premium-quality services exist, and it is easy to experiment with them thanks to free trials and money-back guarantees.

Below are some characteristics of fast antivirus providers. Finding the best option may be a case of trial and error, so do not worry if your first attempt is not successful.

Characteristics of a Fast Antivirus

When you prefer an antivirus, look for the following features to guarantee as little slowdown as possible:

1. Cloud Processing

Many antivirus companies now offer cloud-processing to nullify the slowdown. Instead of your computer resources, they use their own servers to scan for viruses and transfer the information over the web. The one pitfall here is that it will not work if you are not attached to the internet.

2. Behavioral over Signature-Based

As usual, antiviruses use a database of signatures to mark known malware families. Since so many viruses now breathe, this catalog takes up significant memory. Instead, some companies have moved towards a behavior-based marking system to reduce slowdown.

3. Low RAM Usage

Checking how much computer space each software title will use is usually a good signal of the speed. Heavy-weight downloads that take up lots of RAM are always going to be slower than lightweight options. This information should be simple to find before you make a purchase.

4. Short Installation

Installation time is another key factor for antivirus. Some can take hours or even days for installation on your system. If an app takes that much time, it is usually because it has a lot of elements to handle. The more internal elements, the slower the program will be.

Eventually, many online resources offer regular testing of antivirus options. You can always check your antivirus against the most current database of test results to see if a remarkable slowdown was noted.

Do not Settle for Slow Antivirus Protection

Antivirus is crucial, with so many cyber threats, you are vulnerable to trouble if you leave your computer unprotected. However, you do not want to sacrifice usability. If you think your antivirus is responsible for slowing your system, then do something about it.

Once you have ruled out alternative problems and tried to fix the speed issues internally, then it is time to look for another security provider. Fortunately, numerous premium providers exist, so there is no shortage of options. With a bit of investigation, you will be able to find a sleek and straightforward option that causes a limited slowdown to your system.

If you have antivirus related issues and facing any sort of problem then you can call us at Antivirus Tech Support Helpline Number +1-888-751-4951. Our experts will assist you and provide a rapid solution. 
Source by https://www.247techigs.com/blogs/does-antivirus-slow-down-your-computer