Every time a scan happens, the AV software has to compare the network drive with a vast list of known malware signatures and behaviors. These can occur at scheduled time intervals, whenever you install a new app, or when you download a file from the web. With antivirus, CPU usage can be constant, as the programs perform ongoing, automatic scans. Why Does AV Slow Things Down?Īll apps use processing power. If you think your antivirus may be the culprit of the slowdown, follow this guide. While your first instinct might be to uninstall your antivirus or anti-malware protection, don’t be hasty! It’s possible to diagnose the problem and make small changes to resolve the speed issues. It’s frustrating when you arm your computer with security tools and then the speed takes a nosedive. However, your antivirus will have some effect on the overall speed of your device. While this may have once been true, it’s no longer a reality. There’s an old theory that antivirus can slow your computer down by 50%. Don’t Settle for Slow Antivirus Protection.