Sensitivity

Manage these settings at: Menu ▸ Scan ▸ Scan for viruses ▸ <select scan type> ▸ Scan Settings ▸ Sensitivity Menu ▸ Settings (gear icon) ▸ Active Protection ▸ File System/Mail/Web Shield ▸ Customize ▸ Sensitivity

Adjust how thoroughly files are scanned and also heuristic sensitivity.

Heuristics analysis allows Avast to detect even unknown viruses and malware by analyzing code in the file. Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) actively responds to suspicious changes that software wants to make on your system. Adjust the sensitivity of both of these settings by clicking on the orange bars.

Please note that with higher sensitivity there is greater chance of a false positive detection.

Options

  • Use code emulation - Run detected suspicious code in a virtual environment, where it cannot cause damage to your computer, to determine how it behaves. If malicious behavior is detected it is reported as a virus.
  • Test whole files - Scanned files are tested fully, not just those parts normally affected by viruses. If this box is checked the scan is slower but more thorough.
  • Scan for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) - PUPs are programs stealthily downloaded along with other programs, and usually perform unwanted activity.
  • Follow links during scan - If shortcuts or links to any other files are found, the targeted files are also scanned for potentially harmful content.
  • Suspicious Behavior (HIPS) - In the File System Shield you can turn Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) functionality on or off and adjust the sensitivity setting by clicking on the orange bar.