High CPU usage when downloading games (caused by AVG antivirus)

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Doctor May 28, 2021 @ 3:18am

Hey, I got a problem I don't really know how to fix. Basically whenever steam is downloading a game the CPU usage is incredibly high because AVG decides to eat majority of CPU during the download. Is there any way to add Steam as an exception so AVG doesn't turn my PC into a nuclear reaction when downloading a simple game?

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Showing 1-5 of 5 comments

Ogami May 28, 2021 @ 3:31am

Well the easiest solution if you are on Windows 10 is to ditch AVG completely and just use Windows Defender.
Defender is by now one of the best anti virus programs and regularly is among the top 5 in reviews.
Its also free and build in. Been using nothing but Windows Defender for 3 years and did not get a virus once in that time.
Also very easy to add the Steam folder as an exception for download file scanning.

AVG also should have a option in its settings to set folders and paths as exceptions to scanning.

Last edited by Ogami; May 28, 2021 @ 3:32am

RedLightning May 28, 2021 @ 3:58am

Not only should you add the Steam program folder to the exception list.. you should also add all the 'game library' folders as well.

I have to second the opinion on defender. Bout time windows included one that was worth its salt. I'm so glad to be able to ditch all those other overbloated bug ridden 'free' virus solutions that are avaliable.

Chris_P Jul 4, 2021 @ 4:49pm

Did this work for you OP?
I have the same issue; CPU usage is 99-100% while downloading and ~30% of that is AVG Antivirus engine server, despite adding Steam.exe and the whole Steam folder to the exceptions list