File Shield - Settings

Manage these settings from: ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Protection ▸ Core shields

From the File Shield settings menu, you can reconfigure the default File Shield settings. File Shield is configured to provide optimal protection when enabled. We strongly recommend you keep this shield enabled at all times and only make configuration changes if you have an advanced understanding of malware protection principles. Configure the following File Shield settings:

General Core Shields Settings

In the Core Shields settings section you can configure the main components of Avast Antivirus. Manage the following settings for all Core Shields:

  • Enable or disable Core Shields: all Core Shields are enabled by default. To disable Core Shields temporarily for troubleshooting purposes, click the (ON) slider so that it changes to (OFF), and select the amount of time you want Core Shields to be disabled. We strongly recommend avoiding the Stop indefinitely option.
  • Define Core defense sensitivity: use the slider to define the real-time sensitivity level of Core Shields (medium sensitivity is selected by default).
  • Define action: select the tab for a specific type of malware. The tabs are: Viruses, PUPs (Potentially unwanted programs), and Archived Viruses. Select the action that Avast will perform when that type of malware is detected. We recommend selecting Fix automatically for all three types of virus discovery.

To simply manage Core Shields go to Protection ▸ Core Shields. Read more...

Detection Behavior Settings

In this settings section, define behavior settings for all Core Shields

  • Enable CyberCapture Technology (enabled by default): define how you want to treat a threat on your PC. You can select Always block a threat (selected by default) or Ask me about decision to receive a notification every time a threat is detected on your PC.
  • Enable Hardened Mode: allows Avast to increase the security of your PC. This setting is recommended for inexperienced users.
  • Enable Rootkit detection: increases detection for known rootkit software.
  • Enable Exploit detection: increases detection for vulnerable software and exploit attacks.

File Shield Settings

  • Enable File shield (enabled by default): allows you to temporarily disable File Shield for troubleshooting purposes. We do not recommend disabling it indefinitely.
  • Scan auto-run items when removable media is attached: allows File Shield to scan removable media (such as USBs or DVDs) automatically.
  • Choose files types to scan: select one of the following options:
    • Scan recommended extensions (chosen by default): File Shield will scan only recommended file extensions for malware.
    • Scan all files: File Shield will scan every file for malware. Choosing this option may slow your PC.
  • Scan programs when executing (enabled by default): allows File Shield to scan programs, scripts, and libraries each time they are run.
  • Scan files when opening (enabled by default): allows File Shield to scan all files each time they are opened.
  • Scan files when writing (enabled by default): allows File Shield to scan all files as they are created or modified.
  • Generate report file (enabled by default): allows File Shield to create a report of every scan result. While troubleshooting issues with Avast Support, you may be asked to provide a report file.

To simply manage File shield go to Protection ▸ Core Shields. Read more...