I've been wrestling with Avast Premium for the past two or three of months since I installed it on my new computer. I'm pretty sure my issues with my fan running constantly and other slowdowns started right after that. I also get a pop-up almost any time I try to go anywhere on-line, and Avast is not remembering my responses. Sometimes I get multiple popups, one after the other, for the same page. I've used it for a few years, and it didn't seem to have an adverse effect on my old Alienware, but it seems to be constantly interfering on this one.

I'm not all that keen on their customer service, either. I think it's time to switch.

Any suggestions for a good antivirus that doesn't end up being bloatware?

Avast used to be well-known for being a real problem, but I thought they'd gotten better. I know I dumped them long ago because of the exact same issues you mention. I also dumped Norton for the same problem of being a huge resource hog and tons of false positives. I think the resource hog problems are better, but I still see an awful lot of games not being able to be installed because they are flagged as a virus.

If you want something that is extremely effective and simply runs in the background doing its job, my anti-virus of choice is the built-in Windows Defender on Windows 10. Years ago, it was not rated very highly, but every year it's gotten better and is now rated among the best. I pair it with Malwarebytes Premium and have had no problems for many years. I have an ancient activation code that I paid $15 for at least 10 years ago! But they honor it and I don't have to pay for it again. Now the licenses cost about $40 per year for a single computer. Well worth it. I know several GB members use the same thing.

Malwarebytes Premium

If you get rid of Avast, just go in to your settings and reactivate Defender.

I have had no problems with Avast, but I am using the free version which may make a difference.

I agree with Draclvr, Windows Defender has come a Long way and works effortlessly in the background and requires less computer resources than most 3rd party Virus vendors and also as Draclvr said, paired with Malwarebytes Premium you have a Superb One Two Combo.

Yep, that's what I use.

I've used Malwarebytes before. I'll download it.

The reason I stuck with Avast for so long was that is has a load of other programs that I used, like a driver updater, but I think all of that is moot anyway.

Thanks.

To be honest, that driver updater is considered a bit of spam. Only get update drivers straight from the manufacturer!

And make sure you completely uninstall Avast before you do anything. Some of these anti-virus programs require an uninstaller from the website - don't know about Avast. Don't just deactivate it. Completely uninstall it or chances are you are going to run into problems. THEN, be sure to go into your settings and activate Defender. THEN, download and install Malwarebytes Pro.

I agree, Malwarebytes Premium and Windows Defender will do the job. It is what I use.

Avast does require another program in order to fully delete it. They post a link to it on their site so it should be easy.

Thanks.

Let us know how it all goes!

I couldn't find the free version of Malwarebytes, only the the free trial. Hmm.

But what we're telling you is that you need Malwarebytes Pro which is NOT the free version! You can download the free trial version. At the end of the trial, you can choose to not purchase a Pro license. But the free version does NOT run in the background all the time and stop the bad stuff in real time. I don't even know it's there, it's so unobtrusive.

Aha! Got it. Thanks!

So, how is it going?

Much better. The constant pop-ups have stopped. I do get the strong impression that it was slowing down my laptop, too.

I'm sure it was. That was why I quit using it many years ago.

Good news hagatha, and did you buy and install Malewarebytes Pro yet? Enjoy ..

Not sure about the full version of it, Starcom.

Anyone have an opinion on the paid version of Malwarebytes? Is it worth it, or should I stay with the free version for now?

If you have the free trial version, you are running the full version for 30 days. If you revert back to the free version when the trial period is up, Malwarebytes will no longer run in the background and stop malware before it ever gets to your computer. It will only do scans when you tell it to if you suspect you have malware or just run routine scans once a day or once a week or whatever.

I assume you also enabled Windows Defender?

I have the paid version hagatha and it helps give me peace of mind.

Yes, I do use Windows Defender, all of it.

I'm not averse to paying for the full version of Malwarebytes, but I do worry about it taking up resources on my computer the way Avast did. If it's less intrusive, then It's probably worth it.

Well, you are running the full version of it right now in your trial period! So this is a good time to evaluate the performance!

I was talking about the full version of Malwarebytes. I don't notice it taking up resources. I don't use Defender though. I have Norton.

I'm certainly not noticing any slowdowns at the moment. I'll probably go for it.

I think you'll like. I've set mine to do a scan every day around 11:00 when I'm eating lunch. Sometimes I'm reading my on-line paper and that is the only popup I ever see. Scan complete, no threats found or some such.