avp.exe

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Process

Application Process Safe Security Software
CPU Usage
3-20%
Memory
150-500 MB
Location
Program Files
Publisher
Kaspersky Lab

Quick Answer

avp.exe is safe. It's Kaspersky's main antivirus engine that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and security threats.

Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Kaspersky folder
Warning
Resource-intensive
Can use significant CPU during scans
Can I Disable?
❌ NO
Would disable antivirus protection

What is avp.exe?

avp.exe is the main executable file for Kaspersky Anti-Virus software. It serves as the core antivirus engine that continuously monitors your computer for malicious software, viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other security threats in real-time.

This process runs in the background to provide active protection by scanning files as they are accessed, monitoring system activities, checking downloads, and analyzing programs for suspicious behavior. AVP stands for "Anti-Virus Program" and is developed by Kaspersky Lab, one of the leading cybersecurity companies worldwide.

Quick Fact: Kaspersky is known for its powerful malware detection capabilities, but this comes at the cost of higher resource usage compared to some lighter antivirus solutions.

Is avp.exe Safe?

Yes, avp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Kaspersky Anti-Virus process located in the official Kaspersky installation directory.

Is avp.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real avp.exe is NOT a virus. It's a legitimate security program from Kaspersky Lab. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to avoid detection.

How to Tell if avp.exe is Legitimate or Malware

  1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Kaspersky Lab\ or C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\. Any avp.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
  2. Digital Signature: Should show "Kaspersky Lab" or "AO Kaspersky Lab" as the verified publisher.
  3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-20% CPU and 150-500 MB RAM. Constant 100% CPU usage is suspicious.
  4. Behavior: Should only spike during scheduled scans or when scanning new files. Constant high activity when idle is a red flag.

Red Flags: Located in Windows folder, System32, Temp folders, or user directories; no digital signature; runs multiple instances unnecessarily; high resource usage when no scanning is occurring.

Why Is avp.exe Running on My PC?

avp.exe runs automatically because Kaspersky Anti-Virus is installed on your computer and configured to provide continuous real-time protection against malware and security threats.

Reasons it's running:

Can I Disable or Remove avp.exe?

No, you should not disable avp.exe. Disabling it would turn off your antivirus protection, leaving your computer vulnerable to malware, viruses, and cyber attacks.

Warning: Disabling your antivirus software significantly increases your computer's vulnerability to security threats. Only disable temporarily for specific troubleshooting and re-enable immediately.

What You CAN Do Instead

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If avp.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Kaspersky settings and adjust scan intensity to "Low"
2. Schedule scans for times when you're not using the computer
3. Disable features you don't need (like web filtering if rarely browsing)
4. Check Task Manager to confirm it's actually avp.exe and not malware mimicking it

Frequently Asked Questions

Is avp.exe a virus?

No, avp.exe is not a virus. It's the legitimate Kaspersky Anti-Virus engine. To verify, check that it's located in C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\ and has a valid digital signature from Kaspersky Lab.

Why is avp.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usage is normal during active scans or when scanning large files. If it's constantly high without scanning, try updating Kaspersky, adjusting performance settings, or checking for conflicting software.

Can I delete avp.exe?

No, you should not delete avp.exe as it's essential for Kaspersky Anti-Virus to function. Deleting it would break your antivirus protection. If you want to uninstall Kaspersky, use the proper uninstall process through Windows Settings or Control Panel.

Can I disable avp.exe?

Technically you can temporarily disable Kaspersky from its system tray icon, but this is not recommended as it leaves your computer unprotected. Only disable it briefly for specific troubleshooting purposes and re-enable immediately.

Why is avp.exe running at startup?

avp.exe starts automatically with Windows to provide immediate protection before other programs load. This is essential for effective antivirus protection, as threats can execute during startup before you manually launch security software.

How much RAM does avp.exe normally use?

Normal RAM usage for avp.exe ranges from 150-500 MB depending on your system and active protection features. During full system scans, usage may temporarily increase.

Related Processes