How to enable game mode in antivirus. What is the “game” mode of the antivirus and why is it dangerous?

Function Game mode Improves PC performance while gaming by adjusting system settings and disabling unnecessary applications running in the background. In game mode, every running game will be automatically detected and added to the list of game entries. When you launch games from this list, the game mode is automatically turned on.

Default game mode activated. To turn off game mode, click the slider ON OFF.

Note. Game mode supported by OS Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 And Windows Vista.

Adding game entries manually

If the game is in game mode Not detected automatically, the game entry can be added manually.

Adding a game entry manually

  1. Click Add a game.
  2. Select a game from the list or click an item Select the path to the game and enter the path to the game file.
  3. In the window that appears, check the name of the game and its location and turn on parameter . This will ensure that Game Mode is automatically enabled when you launch the game.
  4. Click Save.

Your game appears as a tile on the Game Mode screen.

Changing Game Entries

To change your game entry, follow these steps:

  1. Click the game entry tile you want to edit.
  2. Set the following options.
    • Game name: Click the text field to change the name of the game entry.
    • Game location: Click the text box to change the game file path.
    • Activate game mode at startup: Click the slider ON so that its position changes to OFF, If Not You need to enable game mode when starting the game.
  3. Click Save to confirm your changes.

To delete a game entry, click Delete, and then - Yes to confirm the action.

Managing Game Mode Settings

Game mode settings allow you to specify how to optimize system performance while running gaming applications. Click gear icon to open settings. To enable the setting, click the slider OFF so that its position changes to ON. To turn off the setting, click the slider ON so that its position changes to OFF.

  • Automatically add new games: Automatically add new running games to the list of game entries. This setting will enable Game Mode to automatically turn on the next time you launch that game.
  • Pausing Windows updates: Temporarily pause Windows updates.
  • Entering High Performance Mode(for laptop users): Switches the power plan to the highest performance mode.
  • High priority games: Increase the priority of the game process to ensure that the game runs smoothly even while background processes are running.
  • Without Avast intervention: Temporarily disable Avast pop-ups, notifications, and scheduled scans.
  • Turn off Windows notifications: Set to temporarily turn off Windows notifications.

To return to the main game mode screen, click Back at the top of the screen.

Anyone who has ever suffered from a virus attack on their computer understands perfectly well that the choice of antivirus must be approached with the utmost responsibility. We don't want to scare you, but if you don't properly protect your PC, important files can be damaged by ransomware Trojans, banking Trojans can steal money from your cards or e-wallets, and a botnet will try to involve your computer in a DDoS attack. There are dozens of antivirus programs, but the expensive solution, alas, is not always the best. Fortunately for you and me, today there is a lot of free software, which in terms of functionality and security level is not inferior to paid and expensive ones, and sometimes even surpasses it, as confirmed by tests of specialized laboratories. We present to your attention the 10 best free antiviruses of 2017: the rating includes products with different functionality - there is plenty to choose from.

Does an antivirus guarantee 100% protection against malware? Alas, no. Recent events with massive attacks on the computers of private users and entire organizations indicate the imperfection of the existing system, but this does not mean that we should remain inactive and ignore protection. To protect yourself as much as possible, you need to not only install a reliable antivirus, but also constantly update it, because the databases are constantly updated with new viruses.

Everyone has heard and knows about Avasta, even those who are not very computer literate. Free, easy to learn and configure, effective– these key features ensured the antivirus huge success and popularity. In independent tests by specialized laboratories, Avast Free Antivirus shows results that are very close to the leaders among paid antivirus programs: recognizing 99% of threats in Windows 7/8 and 97% in Windows 10. When setting up, you must register by entering your email in order to use the program for free for a year , then the free license can be renewed.

Pros:

  • simple and intuitive interface, even a beginner can understand it;
  • truly effective protection against viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, analysis of potential threats;
  • a huge number of additional protection tools, so you can customize the program completely for yourself;
  • scanning of files accessed by the user, scanning during download, scanning of browser extensions and add-ons, web protection - the user remains safe on all fronts;
  • presence of a gaming mode. When running resource-intensive games, the antivirus can stop some non-critical diagnostic modes so as not to load resources;
  • protection when connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks;
  • built-in password manager;
  • Frequent updates.

Among the disadvantages:

  • the free version is available only for home PCs and not for commercial use;
  • the need to repeat registration once a year, periodic offers to buy a paid version.

Avast is best suited for home use. In terms of efficiency and ease of operation, the program can be called the best free antivirus for Windows, and you can download it from the link.

Dr.Web Curelt

Dr.Web Curelt – not a full antivirus. This is a solution to completely scan your system for malware and infected files. Computer security experts recommend running Dr.Web Curelt at least once a month and use along with your regular antivirus. In our subjective opinion, Avast and Dr.Web Curelt are a perfect pair, which will provide reliable protection for your computer. Dr.Web Curelt will see and neutralize everything that Avast accidentally misses.

Pros:

  • no need to install the program;
  • there is no connection to the full-fledged Dr.Web antivirus;
  • effective detection and removal of email worms, Trojan spies, stealth viruses, polymorphic, incorporeal and macro viruses;
  • neutralization of dialer programs, advertising, keyloggers, malware;
  • the ability to heal damaged files;
  • databases are constantly updated.

Cons, or rather, the features of the program:

  • does not work in web mode;
  • The free version does not have the ability to update the virus database, but the solution is simple - download the antivirus again each time.

We get an excellent free solution that can serve in conjunction with a regular antivirus and increase your level of security.

360 Total Security

This antivirus can be recommended to those who do not want or do not know how to deal with the settings, but want to get a reliable barrier. The program will do and for advanced users, since fine adjustments can be made if necessary. In addition, this is a truly effective product in terms of fighting viruses, and quite recently on the Microsoft website the program was in the list of recommended products, so 360 Total Security simply could not help but be included in our rating of the best free antiviruses.

Tests from specialized laboratories have repeatedly confirmed that this software copes with its tasks no worse than many paid analogues, but the antivirus soon disappeared from the rankings of authoritative sources, as it was discovered that it activated the BitDefender and Avira engines during testing. However, any user of the program can enable these engines to provide themselves with the most complete protection, and this can even be considered an advantage of the software.

Pros:

  • completely free and unlimited solution;
  • high level of protection both in real time and during scanning, the presence of optimization and garbage removal tools, which allows you to increase the speed of your computer;
  • Several modules are used for protection, which increases the effectiveness of the system;
  • convenience for beginners and advanced users;
  • thoughtful interface and excellent program optimization;
  • does not overload the computer.

Cons:

  • Advertising banners may appear;
  • Sometimes it happens that an antivirus detects viruses where they cannot be, but this is a fairly rare problem.

We get an excellent free solution that can compete with Avast. Users who try to use 360 ​​Total Security often stay with it.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender is considered one of the best paid antivirus solutions. Free version is characterized by reduced functionality, but it has everything you need, so the program can easily compete with its analogues.

Pros:

  • minimalistic and clear interface. Users call this program an antivirus without bells and whistles and note that it does not bother you with constant pop-ups;
  • high work efficiency. One of the special laboratories (AV-Test) says that the program showed a 100 percent threat detection rate;
  • the ability to perform scheduled scans, quick scans, and a quarantine module for monitoring suspicious objects;
  • large and constantly updated virus database;
  • low demands on system resources, no system slowdowns.

Cons:

  • the presence of only complex scanning - you cannot scan a separate disk or folder;
  • There is no Russian language, but basic knowledge of English should be enough.

Even despite the lack of Russian language, the program can be called one of the best solutions - it’s too bad it works quickly, quietly and efficiently.

Avira Antivirus

Avira was once one of the most popular antivirus programs and is still actively downloaded. The software copes well with viruses that try to appear as a normal program; it has some functions that are only available in paid antiviruses. In fact, the program is only a basic level of protection against viruses; in addition, you can download plugins (also free) that will allow you to build an individual and effective protection system.

Pros:

  • the most simple and intuitive interface;
  • sufficient performance and saving of system resources;
  • the use of cloud technologies, which not only save space on the computer, but also provide the user with protection from the latest viruses;
  • the anti-virus database is constantly updated;
  • detection of suspicious objects that are not yet in the database.

Cons:

  • Web protection works only in Chrome and Firefox;
  • It happens that the program misses viruses, usually Trojans, but this is not common;
  • When updating, advertising windows pop up asking you to buy a paid version.

Due to its convenience, functionality and high speed, an antivirus can be considered a completely worthy means of protecting your computer.

AVG AntiVirus Free

This antivirus is inferior in popularity to many other programs, but in terms of threat detection, AVG AntiVirus Free is not inferior to the famous Avast, and all because it uses exactly the same databases as the paid version.

Pros:

  • highly effective real-time protection;
  • the ability to comprehensively scan and check individual files or disks, there is a function to scan a file on first launch;
  • the presence of a game mode;
  • quick installation and system scanning. In terms of scanning speed, AVG is the leader;
  • constant updates;
  • simple interface;
  • low consumption of system resources;
  • the presence of additional useful modules that are not available in all free antivirus programs. e-Mail Scanner will allow you to secure your email, and Link Scanner will help you check all the links on the site.

Cons:


Kaspersky Free

Probably, in the post-Soviet space, the most popular antivirus has always been Kaspersky. By the way, in terms of efficiency it can be compared with Bitdefender (its paid version). Skilled users quickly turned paid versions of Kaspersky into free ones, and everyone else could find fresh keys and enjoy protection. Not long ago the company released officially free version of the antivirus, which immediately attracted the attention of users. Of course, it received stripped-down basic functionality.

Pros:

  • familiar and understandable interface;
  • a virus database is used, as in the paid versions;
  • The program works faster than a paid product;
  • effective file and web protection.

Cons:


Panda Free Antivirus

The program became the first free antivirus to actively use cloud technologies, which allows scanning to be more efficient while using a minimum of computer space and resources.

Pros:

  • beautiful and user-friendly interface. Here they moved away from the strict screen and used a mountain landscape as a background image. The arrangement of the elements is thought out so well that both a novice user and even a child can figure it out;
  • high level of threat detection;
  • malware detection, blocking of malicious sites, automatic scanning of connected devices;
  • frequently updated virus database;
  • There is a special mode for games and multimedia launch.

Cons:


Comodo AntiVirus

Comodo AntiVirus is not the most popular antivirus program, but it is still found on the computers of domestic users. The software has a lot of additional functions and add-ons, but these are more likely for experienced users.

Pros:

  • identifying potential threats;
  • intrusion prevention system;
  • there is a virtual desktop;
  • a lot of powerful tools for system administrator level users;
  • frequent updates.

Cons:


SecureAPlus

Pros:


Cons:

  • resource requirements (processor from 2 GHz, RAM from 1 GB);
  • On weak computers there may be slowdowns.

Looking for the best free antivirus is a thankless task, since everyone has their own opinion on this matter, which they consider undeniably correct. We tried to find the most effective and convenient solutions that currently exist - you may need to try several programs to find yours. More detailed information on all antiviruses, ratings, comparisons and reviews can be found on the website antivirusy.softok.info, where all the described and many other antiviruses are available for free download.

Today, almost all antiviruses offer a mode that saves computer resources, which is most often called “gaming”. This name is due to its main purpose - reducing the activity of the antivirus when using the computer as a tool for games. Of course, it is more important for online games. But even in a regular local game, a message from an antivirus or firewall that appears at the wrong time can cost the player his virtual life. And every user has a question: “Why not make this mode permanent for the antivirus to work?” Let's figure it out.

What is “game” mode and what does it give?

Antivirus “pop-up” messages are missing

During normal operation, the antivirus often reminds you of its existence with “pop-up” messages. For example, from time to time it displays a message like “The virus databases have been updated!” This option is unacceptable for the game. Therefore, in “game mode” you will not see these messages.

Some antiviruses have an “intelligent” gaming mode. It turns on automatically immediately after starting a computer game or opening a program in full screen mode.

Scheduled tasks are postponed

All scheduled tasks (updating virus databases or scheduled scanning) are postponed until the game is stopped. This helps in online games: the Internet channel will not be clogged with unnecessary packets, maintaining a stable ping.

Also, postponing scheduled tasks allows the antivirus to consume minimal processor, memory and hard drive resources, which is especially important in “heavy” games.

“Gentle” mode of firewall operation

Another part of the antivirus that interferes with online games is the firewall. He also always strives to tell the user something “valuable” and thereby distracts him from the exciting process of the game. But there is nothing to worry about, the firewall will still block an attack attempt even in “game” mode - it never turns off completely.

Minimizing resources consumed by the antivirus

Why can’t you leave your antivirus in “game” mode all the time?

Complete silence in notifications, minimal expenditure of computer resources on the operation of the antivirus with active antivirus protection... That's right, there are disadvantages that do not allow you to use the antivirus in this mode all the time.

In “game” mode the antivirus is not updated!

Since all updates and scheduled scans are disabled, the antivirus in “game” mode will not update its virus databases. Two or three days and the database will become outdated, reducing the effectiveness of the antivirus.

The level of protection in “game” mode is lower than usual

As noted above, in game mode the antivirus disables the so-called “proactive” functions, which require a lot of processor resources. Those. It can be assumed that the level of protection provided by the antivirus in game mode is somewhat lower.

The level of protection in “game” mode is not maximum. In this mode, it will also never update the database.

But let's look at the question from the other side. For me, the “maximum” level is not relevant. I am a disciplined user and, in my opinion, I have enough basic protection tools. And my operating system keeps an eye on the timely updating of anti-virus databases. It notifies me when my antivirus needs to be updated.

So I set my antivirus to "gaming" mode forever!

While playing a game with the antivirus running, the computer may freeze due to a lack of system resources.

To reduce the load on your computer and turn off annoying notifications, configure the program according to the instructions below.

Turn off notifications while gaming and adjust performance settings


  1. article.
  1. Go to section Performance and follow the recommendations:
    • Check the box Do not run scheduled scan tasks when running on battery power.
    • Select the Automatically turn off some Kaspersky Internet Security functions, such as notifications, when programs run in full screen mode.
    • Check the box Give up resources to the operating system when the computer starts.
    • Check the box Postpone computer scan tasks when the load on the central processor and disk systems is high.
    • Uncheck Perform analysis of installed programs.
    • Uncheck Search for programs designed to hide traces of malware on the system (rootkits). The Kaspersky Lab program will not scan for rootkits in the background.

  1. Pause File Anti-Virus. How to do this is written below.

Pause File Anti-Virus while playing


  1. If you don't know how to open the program, see the instructions in the article.
  1. Go to section Performance and press Pause File Anti-Virus.

  1. In the window, check the box Suspend and specify the time using the arrow buttons.


  1. If you want a job File Anti-Virus paused when running a program, click Add.

  1. In the window Opening find the program EXE file and click Open.

  1. In the window Pausing File Anti-Virus make sure the program is added and click Save.

Set up an update schedule

By default, the program updates automatically several times a day. If updating your anti-virus databases slows down your game, set up a schedule for the time when you are not playing. To do this:


  1. If you don't know how to open the program, see the instructions in the article.
  1. In the window Settings go to section Additionally and select Update.

  1. In the window Update options click Set the launch mode for database updates.

  1. In the window Update options select launch mode:
    • Automatically. The product checks for the presence of an update package in the update source at a specified frequency. The frequency of scanning may increase during virus outbreaks and decrease in their absence. Having detected fresh updates, the program downloads them and installs them on the computer.
    • Manually.Independent launch of the update.
    • Daily. Specify the time when the update will run.
    • Weekly.Set the day of the week and start time.
    • After starting the program. The update will start immediately after the program starts running.
  2. Check the box Run missed update tasks.
  3. Click Save.

Remove programs you don't use

The more programs running on a computer, the slower its performance becomes. Programs, applications, games occupy RAM and other system resources. Before starting the game, close all programs that you are not currently using. And also run a search for unnecessary and secretly installed programs and remove them. How to do this using Kaspersky Internet Security, read the article.