Web agent slows Steam downloads

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hi,

With Web agent activated, my downloading speed on Steam falls to 35 MB/s instead of 60-80 MB/s without it. CPU usage is also high, more than 40% for the Avast process.
I repaired the installation and excluded the Steam downloading directory from scanning, without any changes.

Any suggestions ?

My configuration:
Avast free edition 19.4.2374 - 190515-2
Windows 7 64bit Pro
Intel Core i7-4790K
16 GB RAM
SSD Samsung 850 Evo 250 GB (System)
SSD Samsung 840 Evo 1 TB (Steam)

2
  • Other security related software installed…?
  • Which AV(s) did you use before Avast…?
3

No other security software.
Avast is the only AV I installed on this machine.

4

→ https://support.avast.com/article/Troubleshoot-Antivirus-Web-Shield

5

I tried the workaround, it improves cpu usage (15-20%), but not so much downloading speed (+5MB/s).
As for hard drive bottleneck, I’m doubtful of this explanation, since I think I have some margin with an SSD.

6

Go to Menu>Settings>Troubleshooting>scroll down to OPEN OLD SETTINGS>Components>Web Shield>Uncheck Use intelligent stream Scanning
And add the URL to Exclusions under webshield.

Note: By doing this it will reduce the overall protection.