Avast’s Boot-Time Scan is a powerful Avast Startup Scan Tool that checks for and removes malware before your operating system even loads. This comprehensive guide explains how to use this feature effectively, adjust its settings, and understand its benefits.
Understanding the Avast Startup Scan Tool
The avast startup scan tool, also known as Boot-Time Scan, is designed to address malware that may be too deeply embedded to detect during normal operation. By scanning before Windows starts, it can identify and neutralize threats that might otherwise evade detection. This is particularly helpful if your PC is behaving erratically and you suspect a malware infection.
Configuring Automatic Threat Responses
Before running the avast startup scan tool, you can define how it handles detected threats. You can choose to have Avast automatically fix, quarantine, or delete malicious files. Alternatively, you can opt for manual review, allowing you to decide on a case-by-case basis.
To configure these settings:
- Open Avast Antivirus and navigate to Protection → Virus Scans.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) on the right.
- Select the Boot-Time Scan tab.
- Under “Automatic actions during scans,” choose your preferred action.
Important Note: Exercise caution when enabling automatic actions, as a false positive could lead to the deletion of a critical system file. While Avast has safeguards in place, this possibility remains.
Initiating the Avast Startup Scan Tool
Once you’ve configured your desired settings, you can schedule the avast startup scan tool:
- Open Avast Antivirus and go to Protection → Virus Scans.
- Click the “Boot-Time Scan” tile.
- Click “Prepare scan.”
- Click “Restart now” to initiate the scan on your next boot.
Upon restarting, the Boot-Time Scan will automatically begin. You can monitor its progress on a dedicated screen. The scan duration varies depending on system speed and the number of files. Pressing the Esc key allows you to skip the scan.
Customizing Avast Startup Scan Tool Settings
Avast provides granular control over the Boot-Time Scan. You can customize settings such as:
- Scanning for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): Detects programs often bundled with other software that may exhibit undesirable behavior.
- Scanning for “Tools”: Includes options for detecting or ignoring tools like coin miners and key generators.
- Unpacking archive files: Enables scanning within compressed files.
- Scan targets: Choose between scanning all hard disks or only the system drive.
To access these settings, follow the same steps as configuring automatic threat responses (steps 1-3 above) and adjust the options within the Boot-Time Scan tab.
Conclusion
The avast startup scan tool, or Boot-Time Scan, offers a robust solution for tackling persistent malware threats. By leveraging this feature, you can significantly enhance your system’s security. Remember to configure the settings appropriately to balance automated actions with the risk of false positives. Regularly utilizing the avast startup scan tool can contribute to a safer and more stable computing experience.
