How to Compare Antivirus Software Before Downloading
Choosing the right antivirus software is important, but figuring out which antivirus to use is not easy. There are many options, each claiming to be the best.
Change these 5 settings to speed up your antivirus software!
Anyone who has ever used antivirus software knows that it can be a bit annoying when a scan starts suddenly, as it can take a long time and slow down your computer while it’s running. Luckily, there are a few antivirus tricks you can use to speed up that virus scan.
Table of Contents
- 1. Limit scanning to new files
- 2. Set up scans to run during downtime
- 3. Check real-time scanning options
- 4. Limit scanning to specific drives
- 5. Try a different antivirus software
1. Limit scanning to new files
The main reason why virus scanning is so slow is because the default method of scanning is to scan absolutely everything on your computer. This means that the more storage space you use and the more files you have on your computer, the longer the scan will take.
To speed up the process, you can limit the number of files so that the scan only checks files that have been downloaded or changed since the last scan. You can also choose a set time interval if you prefer.
How this is done will vary depending on the antivirus software you use; some may require you to manually select which folders/files to scan, while others will sort it out automatically.
2. Set up scans to run during downtime
If the problem is that the scan takes a long time and slows down your computer when in use, a simple solution is to make sure the scan only runs when you're not using your computer!
Most antivirus programs make this process simple, although it will vary from vendor to vendor. Windows Defender tries to do this by default, although if your computer is set to never go to sleep, this can cause problems.
If that is the case, you will need to use the Windows Task Scheduler tool to schedule a specific time to scan, which is really useful to avoid being disturbed during busy work periods.
3. Check real-time scanning options
Most antivirus programs use real-time scanning for added security. This feature allows them to scan any file as it is downloaded to check for malware in advance. You can turn this off with a simple toggle in the settings of any antivirus program that has this feature. Again, each antivirus program is different, but this feature is usually in the settings.
Just note that this is a last resort if your antivirus software is taking too long to scan. Real-time scanning is the first and arguably best line of defense against malware, so disabling it should only be a temporary measure while you try to figure out why your computer is having such a hard time performing these scans, as it could mean that your RAM or CPU is being overloaded by other processes.
4. Limit scanning to specific drives
Instead of scanning with a time limit, you can also limit the files scanned in another way: By scanning one drive at a time.
This is obviously a boon for people with multiple hard drives or SSDs as it gives you control over the scan and timing. If you keep track of what you’re installing and the drives you’re installing it on, you can scan that specific drive to see if anything suspicious comes up and move on if nothing comes up. Or you can scan everything in stages and pause halfway through if you feel like it’s time to scan but can’t spare the time to do a full scan.
This method will again vary depending on your antivirus software, but you can do it pretty simply in Windows Defender by:
- Open the Windows Defender menu.
- Go to the Virus and Threat Protection tab .
- Select Custom scan .
- Select Scan now .
Now, select your drive from the options.
5. Try a different antivirus software
If none of the above works, the problem may be that your antivirus software isn’t up to par. Try uninstalling Windows Defender and seeing if it works faster, or switching to a different commercial antivirus. Either way, if you don’t see a change, you have a pretty good idea that your antivirus software may not be the problem: Your files are. Your drive may be so full that there’s no way for your antivirus to scan effectively.
Why you should uninstall antivirus software on Android devices
The most common way to prevent Android malware is to use an antivirus app. But are antivirus apps really necessary? Do they protect your Android device from malware?
Should You Use Public Wi-Fi in 2025?
Nowadays, free wifi networks are installed everywhere, from coffee shops, amusement parks, shopping malls, etc. This is very convenient for us users to be able to connect to the network everywhere to surf Facebook and work. However, is using free wifi safe?
If your PC is running slow after installing antivirus software, heres how to fix it!
Antivirus software helps protect your computer from virus attacks. However, do these antivirus software really slow down your computer? Please refer to the article below from WebTech360.
Is antivirus software still necessary?
There was a time when computer software was considered a must for Vietnamese users. Many people spent a lot of money to buy official software or, if they did not have enough money, they turned to pirated versions.
Top best antivirus apps for Android phones
The best antivirus software for Android, help Android phones, tablets get rid of viruses, malware fastest. Below, we will provide you with the best antivirus software for Android devices, the latest update at the beginning of this year.
Avast vs Avira: Which antivirus software is better?
Apart from AVG AntiVirus FREE, Avira Free Antivirus is one of the reliable security options for computers. But compared to Avast Free Antivirus, which tool is more powerful?
How to completely remove Avast Free Antivirus software
Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus software. With full antivirus and protect your computer in the most powerful and safe way. However, removing this tool is also quite a conundrum
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Login Error on Chromebook
Stuck with Microsoft Teams login error on Chromebook? Our ultimate troubleshooting guide delivers quick, reliable fixes for cache issues, updates, and more. Resolve it in minutes and stay connected!
Solving Microsoft Teams Desktop Error Startup Crash
Tired of Microsoft Teams Desktop Error crashing on startup? Follow our proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve Teams startup crash instantly. Works on latest versions!
Why Cant I See Breakout Rooms in My Teams Meeting?
Frustrated because Breakout Rooms are missing in your Teams meeting? Uncover the top reasons why you can't see Breakout Rooms in Teams and follow our step-by-step fixes to get them working smoothly in minutes. Perfect for organizers and participants alike!
Solving Microsoft Teams Cho Mac Error (Mac OS)
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Cho Mac" error crashing your Mac OS workflow? Follow our proven, step-by-step fixes to solve Microsoft Teams "Cho Mac" Error (Mac OS) quickly and restore seamless team collaboration. Updated with latest patches.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Guest Access Error
Stuck with Microsoft Teams "Guest" access error? Follow our expert, step-by-step troubleshooting guide to resolve guest invite failures, permission issues, and more. Get guests collaborating in Teams today!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Breakout Rooms Before a Meeting Starts
Unlock seamless collaboration with this ultimate step-by-step guide on how to make breakout rooms before a meeting starts in Zoom. Pre-assign participants effortlessly for maximum engagement. Perfect for educators, teams, and leaders.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Down Server Status 2026
Is Microsoft Teams down in 2026? Discover proven steps to fix "Down" server status, troubleshoot outages, and get back to seamless collaboration fast. Quick fixes inside!
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Error H Updates
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Error H" during updates? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting for Microsoft Teams "Error H" updates, common causes, and quick fixes to restore seamless collaboration. Updated with the latest solutions.
Solving Microsoft Teams Unexpected Error on Mobile Login
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Unexpected Error" blocking your mobile login? Follow our expert, step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for Android and iOS to regain seamless access fast—no tech skills needed!
Solving Microsoft Teams Unexpected Error Startup
Tired of Microsoft Teams "Unexpected Error" crashing your startup? Follow our step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for Solving Microsoft Teams "Unexpected Error" Startup. Get back to productive meetings in minutes!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams For Linux Installation Error
Frustrated by Microsoft Teams "For Linux" installation error? Discover proven, step-by-step solutions for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora & more. Fix it fast and get seamless collaboration now!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Password Error Forgot
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Password Error" because you forgot your password? Follow our step-by-step guide on how to fix Microsoft Teams password error forgot issues quickly and securely. No tech skills needed!
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Image Error in Chat
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Image Error" in chat? Discover proven step-by-step troubleshooting tips to resolve image display issues fast. No more frustration—get your chats working smoothly today!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Free Subscription Error
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Free" Subscription Error blocking your meetings? Discover proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve it fast and restore smooth teamwork. Works on latest versions!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Web App Browser Error
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Web App" Browser Error? Discover proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve it fast. Clear cache, update browser, and more for seamless Teams web app access. Works on latest browsers!