Anti-Virus & Boot Time: How Much Does Protection Slow Down Your PC?
Understanding the Impact of Antivirus Software on PC Boot Times
Many users question the extent to which their antivirus software contributes to extended PC startup durations. A revealing analysis provides insight into this matter, presenting some unexpected findings.
Boot Time Analysis by Soluto
Soluto, a former cloud-based management platform for computers, servers, and mobile devices, determined that the typical PC boot time averages around 3 minutes.
Determining your PC’s individual boot duration is achievable through the use of the Event Viewer. Alternatively, a simple stopwatch can be employed for a manual measurement.
Data Collection and Interpretation
The data presented originates from millions of computers utilizing the Soluto software. This broad dataset encompasses a range of PC ages, resulting in an average across all systems.
The analysis demonstrates that the performance impact varies significantly between different antivirus products. Some solutions demonstrably slow down the boot process more than others, offering valuable information for users.
User Experience and Further Investigation
Have you personally observed variations in boot times related to your installed antivirus?
We encourage you to conduct your own measurements and share your results in the comments section below.
- Consider testing boot times with and without your antivirus temporarily disabled (exercise caution!).
- Note the specific antivirus product and version used during testing.