When a cyber threat makes its way into your system, it may be hidden in a variety ways. While the majority of antivirus software are able to detect malware with regular scans and real-time protection, a boot-time scan offers a more rigorous sweep against stealthy threats.
A boot scan examines the computer system at an early stage, before it launches the Windows operating system. This allows the software detect hidden malware without disrupting normal operations. Avast’s boot scan feature has several options for dealing with threats identified during the scan, including fixing the files right away and transferring them to Disease Chest or quarantine, and deleting them.
It can take some time to run a boot check. It’s a good idea to turn off any non-essential startup software and unplug USB or external hard drives. This will reduce the chance of conflict and let the scan focus solely on the internal storage. It’s also a good idea to dedicate some time during the day when you won’t be using the computer for other activities so that the boot scan will be able to run its course without interference.
To enable the boot scan, open the Avast user interface and select Settings (the gear icon). Select Protection > Scan settings and check the option to scan for boot time. Adjust the settings according to your preferences, and then click OK. The Avast Boot-Time Scan is a powerful tool to help you protect your PC from malware and create a more pleasant computer environment.