“Antimalware Service Executable” fixed- Speed up Your Windows

Windows is great, with loads of safety and performance-oriented features that work in the background aiming to help you get the maximum out of your available hardware. One such program is the Windows Defender, which offers real-time protection from a wide variety of online threats including viruses, malware, and spyware.

An important process within the Windows Defender Antivirus service is the Antimalware service, an executable process that identifies any potential malware in the device. This service puts a huge strain on computer hardware such as CPU, Memory, and Hard disk usage because of the scanning process.

When it starts its scanning process in the middle of your work, the computer starts to lag in response time, which becomes a source of frustration. However, this process comes with customization options using which you can time this software. Moreover, keeping your system up to date can ensure the smoothest scanning process.

What is Antimalware Service Executable? 

Being a comprehensive security program, Windows Defender is meant to protect your computer system. Scanning is the core process of this service, which intends to locate any changes made in the directory or recent activity. It helps the Windows Defender ascertain the possibility of malware. In case you weren’t aware of it, Windows Defender does a lot more in 2022.

The Antimalware Service Executable process is what scans and feeds the information related to the presence of malware and other potentially harmful software to the Windows Defender directory. This service is marked as MsMpEng.Exe in the task manager and it uses a large portion of the CPU and memory during real-time scans.

While scans are scheduled when the system is not actively being used, the scanning process takes time. In case you need to use the computer in between the scanning process, you may not get the optimum performance from your PC, and none can be blamed for such an issue. You can schedule a non-working time so that windows can complete the process without causing any issues.

Antimalware Service Executable Fix: How to Speed Up Your PC

Antimalware service executable processes can exploit CPU resources while performing updates or scanning newly installed files. Although the resource utilization process is like that of any third-party antivirus software, the scans should not happen while using the computer.

However, this is not to say that you can optionally avoid it altogether. Real-time scans are important for your anti-virus and for Windows Defender as well. Now, let’s check out the possible solutions that can ensure the least resource usage during the scanning process.

1. Update All Device Drivers

The first and most efficient fix for slower performance is updating all the drivers. Doing this ensures stable operations as all drivers, especially of the same generation, work better in sync. You should stick to updating your device drivers whenever there is a Windows Update available. Or you can also get the driver updater tools such as avast driver updater.

Your Windows can get the best and updated drivers for your PC quite easily so there is no specific need to get additional utility software. We do however recommend not keeping Windows updates to automatic settings. Do it manually. Check for updates every 3 or 4 days and you’re definitely good to go.

2. Change Windows Defender Scheduling option

Windows Defender’s scheduling option technically enables the best allotment of resources for personal use while using idle time for scanning purposes. There are a lot of customization options available here, which can make your experience with Windows Defender all the more pleasant.

• Type task scheduler in the search bar and double click on the application
• Double click on the Task Scheduler Library
• Select Microsoft and then Windows from the drop-down menu
• Select Windows Defender from the drop-down menu 
• Right-click on the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan and click on properties
• Go to the General settings and select run with Highest priorities 
• Click on Conditions settings and select Idle and Power options

Idle settings cover the duration when the scan should take place, while the Power settings allow you to choose if the scan should start on AC power on battery power. We recommend the setting in the image below.

3. Disable Real-time protection

Alternatively, you can disable the real-time threat protection to allow the release of more computer hardware resources for different tasks rather than managing what is available for you. Follow these steps.

• Click on the Windows icon and open the settings tab
• Select Update and Security from the menu and select Windows Security
• Click on Open Windows Security and select manage settings
• Turn on Real-time protection

Making changes to this setting will remain active for a short duration, allowing you complete access to your computer’s processing capability. You do not need to worry about the changes, as the real-time protection will turn on automatically after a short duration.

4. Disable Windows Defender

If the methods mentioned above fail to free the resources being utilized by the Antimalware Service Executable process, the only option left is to disable the Windows Defender program. It should resolve the slow performance-related issues.

Follow these steps to disable Windows Defender

• Open Control Panel >> System and Security >> Windows Defender Firewall >> Customize settings
• Turn off Windows Defender Firewall and press OK

This step should be used only as the end means and shouldn’t be used without the need. While it will give your software and application a higher headroom to offer faster performance, it will not be substantial enough if your PC has older components.

You can directly access the Antimalware Service Executable file location via the task manager. Simply locate the executable service on the Task Manager and refer to the file location option available via the right mouse button.

Is it safe to disable the Antimalware Service Executable? 

Antimalware Service and Windows Defender Firewall are free services by Microsoft Windows that are meant to protect your computer and files from external threats. Once you disable the real-time protection, it essentially allows the malware, virus, and other threats to access your PC.

Whether or not disabling this is a good option lies between the thin line of getting a slightly higher performance from your computer system vs. allowing a free exploration trip for viruses and malware.

Also Read: 7 Best CCleaner Alternatives For Windows & Mac (Free & Paid)

Conclusion

Antivirus and antimalware software are some of the most infamous software that causes system lag. It should be considered a double-sided sword that cuts both ways. Although at any given instance, the better option is upgrading your system components over disabling the protection offered by the antimalware service executable process. 

There is no assurance of what might be causing the issues. The best possible course should be the scheduling of scans so that you get optimum performance while actively working. Scanning and protection can take place when you are not using the device. 

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