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Can Antivirus Slow Down Internet? How to Tell & Alternatives
Use a VPN to truncate the antivirus’s effect on your connection
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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We all know how annoying it can be if a page takes forever to load or when the speed drops from Mbps to Kbps while downloading media. Some of our readers worry that antivirus software is the cause.
While there’s a possibility that antivirus can slow down the internet, there can be several other factors. This article will clarify whether the antivirus software is the cause and how to fix the issue.
Can antivirus slow down internet speed?
Yes, antivirus software can slow down internet speed as it performs some of its security duties for the computer due to various reasons. Below are some of them:
Now that you know that antivirus can slow down the internet, let’s check how to tell if that is the case for you.
How to tell if antivirus is affecting your internet speed?
1. Run internet speed tests before and after disabling Real-time protection
The results for theinternet speed testsare expected to be different, but if they are similar, something other than your antivirus is the cause of the slow internet connection.
2. Check for high CPU usage in Task Manager
If you noticeunusually high CPU usagewhile using your internet browser or other tasks, it might indicate that your antivirus is a possible cause for your slow internet connection.
What else can slow your internet speed?
Having confirmed any of the methods above, you may discover that your antivirus is not guilty of your slow internet connection. The following are several other factors that can affect your internet speed:
Although there are other factors, such as interruption from background applications,VPN usage, and Malware, the above are common reasons for a slow internet connection.
What are the alternatives to prevent the antivirus from affecting Internet speed?
To prevent the antivirus from affecting internet speed, try these options:
If none of this is helpful, consider applying the tweak below.
TheWindows Defender Firewallprotects your device from unauthorized incoming and outgoing traffic. But, it is known to slow down the internet speed. Thus disabling it could be a potential fix.
You can explore our detailed guide on how tospeed up your slow internet connection in Windows 11for other helpful tips to apply.
If theantivirus is blocking your PC’s internet or Wi-Fi network, there are simple steps to fix the issue here.
Hopefully, the answers and methods provided in this guide will help you fix your internet lagging issues. If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
