The Avast service high CPU problem can appear if there is some glitch with the Avast security software itself. Although like any other security application Avast software takes up the CPU time of the computer. But it becomes a problem if the Avast program takes up almost fifty percent of the CPU resource.
Various reasons are there, as to why this error can occur after all. But, some of the most common causes are that, if the Avast Cleanup component is active, then this problem can appear. Even if the Avast security software is not up to date, then there is a possibility for you to face this problem. Further, this issue can appear due to the Avast Screensaver Scanning problem.
Solutions to Resolve the Avast using too much CPU Problem
Here, there will be plenty of ways that will help you to fix the Avast high CPU usage glitch.
I: From the Control Panel repair the Avast Software
If there is any kind of problem with the installation process of the Avast security software, then you may encounter this error. Now, the best solution to resolve this error is to repair the Avast security software from the Control Panel. To do that, follow the steps below.
- First, log in to the computer with the Administrator account.
- Next, press the combination of ‘Windows + S’ keys simultaneously, to launch the default search section of the Operating System.
- Now, in that section, type “control panel” and then from the output page, choose the ‘Control Panel’ option. As soon as you click on that option, then a new ‘Control Panel’ window will come up.
- Inside that window, locate and click on the ‘Programs’ option. After that, from the new page, choose the ‘Programs and Features’ option.
- Now, a new page with a list of all the installed applications will appear. From that list, locate Avast security software and right-click on it. Then, from the popup menu that appears click on the ‘Repair’ option.
- When the uninstaller window opens up, then click on the ‘Repair’ button, in order to begin the repair process. Wait for the repair process to complete.
- Once the repair process is over, next, click on the ‘Finish’ button.
II: Delete the Avast Cleanup component from the Application
Sometimes, because of some issues within the Avast Cleanup component, you can get the “Avast Cleanup service high CPU” error. The most feasible answer to resolve this problem is to remove the Avast Cleanup component from the Avast security software. In order to do it, follow the steps below.
- First, launch the Avast application by clicking the icon on the desktop.
- Next, within the user interface click on the ‘Settings’ icon. Then, inside the new ‘Settings’ page, go to the left pane and choose the ‘Components’ option.
- Now, go to the right pane of the ‘Components’ page and locate the ‘Avast Cleanup’ component.
- After that, select the down arrow present at the extreme right end of the component and then click on the ‘Remove’ button.
- At last, close the Avast security software and restart the computer.
III: Update Avast to current Version
If the Avast security software is not up to date, then you can get this error. The best way to get rid of this issue is to update the Avast software to its latest version. Follow these steps to update the Avast software.
- First, launch the Avast security software by selecting the icon from the desktop.
- Next, within the user interface of the application go to the left side and then choose the ‘Update’ option.
- As soon as you click on that option, then move to the right-hand panel of the window. Then, under the ‘Virus Definitions’ and ‘Program’ sections click on the ‘Update’ button respectively.
- Wait for the Avast application to update both the virus definitions database. After that, if an installer window comes up, then follow the information that comes up on the screen and accordingly install updates to the Avast software.
- Finally, once the application is up to date, then see if the “Avast taking up CPU” issue comes up or not.
IV: Change the Scan Frequency Using Command Prompt
Here, you will get the steps on how to change the scan frequency to the maximum level. Doing this will restrict the background checks to fewer times. For that to happen, follow the steps below.
- First, press the combination of keys ‘Windows + X’ simultaneously. This will open the ‘Options menu’.
- From that menu, locate and choose the ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’ option. As soon as you click on that option, then a new ‘Command Prompt’ window with a black background will come up.
- Inside that window, type the following command “C:\ProgramData\AvastSoftware\Avast” and press ‘Enter’ to execute. This command will take you to the Avast folder and reveal all its contents.
- Now, launch the ‘avast.ini’ file and then write another command – “[GrimeFighter]: ScanFrequency=999” and then tap on the ‘Enter’ button to run.
- Finally, save the “avast.ini” file and reboot the PC, in order to see if this error comes back or not.
V: Stop the Avast Screensaver Scanning Feature
If the Avast Screensaver feature runs even if the screen saver is not being executed within the computer, then you can face this error. The correct answer to resolve this error is to stop the Avast Screensaver feature. How can you do it is as follows.
- First, locate a file present within the computer and then right-click on it.
- After that, from the popup menu that appears, find and select the option ‘Scan with Avast’.
- Once the scanning process of the chosen file is complete, next, you will get a window that shows a list of all the scans that are running at present.
- Within that window, find the ‘Avast Screensaver scan’ option and then tap on the ‘Stop’ button next to it.
- Lastly, check if you still encounter the “Avast service high CPU” problem or not.