FIX – Avast Service High CPU Usage (2024)

Avast Free Antivirus is a popular security solution for PC users. It has been tested with over 1700 malware samples, including ransomware, trojans, and more. It is a popular antivirus, but sometimes, it starts working unusually.

The service it offers is a core service required to run Avast antivirus to scan your computer. But sometimes, the Avast service takes up a lot of CPU and causes system slowdown. Therefore, we need to fix this.

So, continue reading this guide. We have mentioned all the necessary steps to fix the high CPU usage issue. Therefore, let’s jump directly into the guide.

Also Read: Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 10/11

What Are The Various Methods to Fix Avast Service High CPU Usage in 2024?

Several methods are available to fix this issue. However, you must perform each step carefully, as one wrong step may cause severe damage to your PC. 

Method 1: Change The Scan Frequency

Many users reported that they were successfully able to fix this issue by just changing the scan frequency. Since it can potentially fix this issue, you can also try this. Here are the steps that you need to follow: 

1. Firstly, open the CMD prompt with Admin rights. 
2. Use the change directory command to open the Avast folder. So, here’s the command that you need to use:

   cd C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast 
   C:\ProgramData\AVAST Software\Avast> avast.ini

3. Now, it will open the file in Notepad. So, you can locate and change the following value: 

   [GrimeFighter]: ScanFrequency=999

4. That’s it. Now, save the file and close the Notepad windows. 

Method 2: Remove Avast Real-Time Components

The tasks running in real-time to protect your PC will use the heavy resources of your computer. So it is better to remove them. Therefore, if you don’t know how to do it, follow the steps that we have mentioned below:

1. Initially, you can open the Avast UI from the start menu.
2. After that, switch to the Core Shields tab under the Protection section.
3. Then, select the shields that you want to disable by unchecking the box next to them. 
4. Finally, reboot your PC to save the changes you have made.

Note: You can also uninstall some shields.

Method 3: Remove Unnecessary Add-Ons

Here are the steps to remove unnecessary add-ons. Make sure to follow them one by one. 

1. Firstly, go to the Control Panel and hover to the Programs section.
2. Now, locate Avast from the installed applications list and click the Uninstall button.
3. Now, select the Modify or Change option depending on your Avast version.
4. After that, uncheck those that don’t require it. But make sure to leave one:
   • Behavior shield
   • Mail Shield
   • File Shield
   • Web Shield
5. Finally, hit the change button to modify the installation.

Method 4: Repair Avast from Control Panel

You can use the control panel to repair your Avast to fix the Avast service’s high CPU usage. So, here are the steps: 

1. First, navigate to the Control Panel and select the Programs section. Then, locate Avast from the installed application list.
2. After that, right-click on Avast and click on Uninstall.
3. Then, click on the Repair button followed by Yes to confirm your action.
4. Finally, once the repair process is finished, simply reboot your PC.

Method 5: Avast Screensaver Scanning

Sometimes, the screensaver scans run in the background even if you have already disabled the screensaver on your PC. So, it would be best if you stopped it, and here are the steps that will help you do so:

1. Firstly, please select a file randomly on your PC and right-click on it. Then, hit the Scan button. This will open a list of running scans.
2. After that, locate the Avast Screensaver Scan and hit the Stop button to remove it from the list. 
3. That’s it. Now, run the task manager and check whether the high CPU usage issue has been fixed. 

So, that’s how you can fix the high CPU usage issue. We hope this guide has helped you. But if you encounter any issues while performing the above-mentioned methods, feel free to ask us in the comment section.