Have you noticed an executable process called avastsvc.exe consuming a large amount of your Windows computer’s CPU and memory? This could simply be a bug or error in the functionality of the executable process. However, the culprit could also be a virus or malware disguising itself as avastsvc.exe.
If this is the case, it is risky to continue using your computer without taking the proper precautions. This article will further elucidate the avastsvc.exe process, determine whether or not the process on your computer is the real executable or a virus, and outline a few troubleshooting methods that might resolve issues of high CPU and memory usage that can be tied to avastsvc.exe.
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What is Avastsvc.exe?
Avastsvc.exe, which is the file name for Avast! Web Scanner, is responsible for the web scanning function of Avast anti-virus software. This executable process automatically runs during startup and is a fairly crucial process for Avast to work effectively. However, the process is not required for Windows to run effectively so if it is causing problems for your computer you can disable it.
Avastsvc.exe Virus
As is the case with many executables, viruses and malware tend to be disguised as avastcvs.exe in order to sneak onto your computer and wreak havoc. There are several methods of determining whether or not the executable file on your computer is the legitimate file or a virus mimicking the legitimate file.
Firstly, make sure that the file name is spelt correctly as some viruses will feature slight misspellings of the legitimate file name.
Secondly, check the location of the file on your computer. The legitimate file should feature a path that resembles something like “C:\Program Files\Avast! Software A.S.\avast! Antivirus\avastsvc.exe”. To check the file’s path, open Windows Task Manager, go to View, then Select Columns, and select Image Path Name. If the file’s path deviates from the example mentioned above, then it is probably a virus. To double-check, another tool you can use is Microsoft’s Process Explorer.
To use it, start the program and activate Check Legends, which is located under Options. Then, go to View, then Select Columns, and add Verified Signer as one of the columns. If the Verified Signer status of the process is listed as Unable to Verify, then you should check the process’s information.
The legitimate process’s publisher is Avast! Software A.S. and its file size is roughly 44808 bytes so if this information differs from the information of your file then it is likely a virus. Once you have determined that the file on your computer is a virus, you should use a real anti-virus software like Malwarebytes to remove the virus from your computer.
How to Fix Issues Created by Avastsvc.exe
Even if you have determined the file on your computer to be legitimate, avastsvc.exe might still be creating issues on your computer. Some users have reported RAM usage spikes of up to 1 to 1.5 gigabytes. This can create issues for your computer’s CPU and memory usage.
If your computer is facing these issues as a direct consequence of the avastsvc.exe process, there are a few methods for troubleshooting these issues. These troubleshooting methods will be listed below.
1. Disable HTTPS Scanning in Avast
One method of troubleshooting these issues is to disable the HTTPS scanning feature in Avast’s Web Shield. Some users have attributed the issues caused by avastsvc.exe to the Web Shield function of Avast’s software. To disable HTTPS scanning in Avast’s Web Shield, follow these four steps.
- Open the Avast user interface and navigate to the Menu, then Settings.
- Select Protection from the left panel, then click on Core Shields.
- Scroll down to the Configure shield settings section and select the Web Shield tab.
- Uncheck the box next to Enable HTTPS scanning to disable the feature.
2. Disable Web Shield in Avast
If that troubleshooting method does not work, then disabling. Avast’s Web Shield altogether might do the trick. To disable the Web Shield in Avast, follow these four steps.
- Open the Avast user interface and navigate to the Menu, then Settings.
- Select Protection from the left panel, then click on Core Shields.
- Scroll down to the Configure shield settings section and select the Web Shield tab.
- Uncheck the box corresponding to Enable Web Shield to disabler the feature.
3. Uninstall Avast
Finally, if none of the troubleshooting methods listed above resolve these issues, uninstalling Avast from your computer might work. However, this is not recommended as Avast is a valid and reliable software built into most Windows operating systems.
Only take the following steps if you are sure that the issues with CPU and memory usage on your computer are due to avastsvc.exe and you have tried each of the troubleshooting methods listed above. The instructions for uninstalling Avast on Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 computers differ slightly from those for Windows XP computers, so they will each be allotted their own subsections. To uninstall Avast anti-virus software from your Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 computer, follow these four steps.
- Open the Start menu and click on the Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel under Programs, click Uninstall a Program.
- Search for the program titled “avast! Antivirus” and click on it when you find it.
- Click uninstall and follow the onscreen prompts to remove avast! Antivirus from your computer.
To uninstall Avast anti-virus software from your Windows XP computer, follow these five steps.
- Open the Start menu and click on the Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel under Programs, click Add or Remove Programs.
- Search for the program titled “avast! Antivirus” and click on it when you find it.
- Then, click the Remove or Change/Remove tab to the right of the program.
- Follow the onscreen prompts to remove avast! Antivirus from your computer.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not the issues plaguing your computer are due to the legitimate avastsvc.exe or a virus, there is no need to worry. If you follow the troubleshooting methods listed above, your issues with avastsvc.exe should be resolved in no time.