How to Disable Smadav from Startup to Speed Up Your PC

Coding Kreatif  - If your computer feels slower each time you boot it up, the culprit might not be your aging hardware but the software that loads in the background. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to disable Smadav from starting automatically with Windows, a crucial step to improving boot times and overall system responsiveness without compromising essential protection.

Booting your PC should feel effortless. But over time, what once took 20 seconds can start creeping into minutes. You press the power button, Windows loads, and then you wait. And wait. The desktop appears, but nothing responds. Your mouse lags. Applications stutter. Sound familiar?

Startup slowdown is one of the most common complaints among everyday users and professionals alike. And one of the leading causes isn’t malware or corrupted drivers. It’s well-intentioned software like antivirus programs, including Smadav, silently consuming system resources in the background before you’ve even opened a single file.

Smadav, known for its role in USB protection and offline threat detection, is designed to activate automatically when Windows boots. While this provides immediate protection, it also means that CPU cycles, memory, and disk access are partially tied up before you even begin working.

A 2024 system performance analysis published by PCWorld found that reducing unnecessary startup apps can shave up to 40 percent off boot times on mid-range systems, with antivirus tools among the most impactful. So the logic is simple. If Smadav isn’t needed at every startup, learning how to disable Smadav from autoloading can help you regain lost time and speed.

Why Smadav Runs at Startup by Default

To understand how to disable Smadav, it’s essential to know why it launches automatically. Like most antivirus programs, Smadav is configured to begin scanning the system immediately after login. Its main focus is:

• Monitoring removable devices inserted after boot

• Scanning startup programs for behavioral anomalies

• Running passive registry checks in the background

These are good practices in environments prone to USB-transmitted malware, like shared computers, schools, or offices using flash drives. However, if you already use Microsoft Defender or another primary antivirus and rarely work offline or with unfamiliar USBs, Smadav’s background operations may be more of a hindrance than a help.

More importantly, Smadav doesn’t prompt you about this behavior. It just activates silently, inserts itself into your taskbar, and stays running until you manually close it.

How to Disable Smadav from Startup (Step-by-Step)

Disabling Smadav from running at startup is straightforward but must be done carefully to avoid accidental removal or errors. Below are the recommended steps for Windows 10 and 11 systems.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager

• Click the Startup tab

• Locate Smadav in the list of startup-enabled apps

• Right-click it and select Disable

This action tells Windows not to launch Smadav automatically the next time you start your computer. It does not uninstall the app, and you can always launch Smadav manually if needed.

Step 2: Verify Startup Folder

Sometimes, apps can bypass Task Manager’s startup list by placing themselves in the traditional Startup folder.

• Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter

• Look for any shortcut to Smadav.exe

• If found, delete the shortcut

This ensures that Smadav doesn’t restart via the legacy folder method, which remains active on many systems.

Step 3: Use Smadav Settings (If Available)

Newer builds of Smadav may offer internal options to disable automatic startup.

• Open Smadav

• Navigate to the Settings tab or menu

• Look for options like “Run on Startup” or “Auto Launch”

• Uncheck the box and save settings

Note that this feature is not always present, especially in older versions.

Should You Be Concerned About Disabling Smadav at Boot?

Disabling Smadav at startup does not mean turning it off forever. It simply gives you control over when and how the application runs.

If you work in a controlled digital environment, such as a home office with no shared USB devices, Smadav’s auto-scanning may not be critical during boot. You can always run it manually when needed, such as before inserting a flash drive or when you’re offline for extended periods.

What you gain in return is measurable performance. Fewer background tasks mean faster access to your desktop, quicker program launches, and less strain on RAM during those first crucial minutes after login.

The Performance Payoff: What to Expect

What exactly changes when you stop Smadav from launching automatically?

In independent testing using a Lenovo IdeaPad with an Intel i5 processor and 8GB RAM:

• Boot time dropped from 49 seconds to 33 seconds

• CPU usage on login fell from 56 percent to 38 percent

• Memory usage decreased by 320MB on average

While these numbers vary based on system specs, they highlight a clear trend: disabling background tools like Smadav helps Windows breathe easier during startup.

For users running creative software, code compilers, or virtual machines, this reclaimed performance can be the difference between fluid multitasking and constant delays.

But What If You Forget to Launch Smadav Later?

That’s a valid concern. Disabling from startup means you’re responsible for launching it manually when needed. If you often forget or rely on Smadav’s USB defense, you should set a reminder or create a desktop shortcut for easy access.

Alternatively, set Smadav to run on a schedule:

• Open Task Scheduler

• Create a new task that runs Smadav.exe once a day or at a specific time

• Choose conditions, like when the system is idle

This hybrid approach allows protection to resume automatically without bloating your startup sequence.

Do You Still Need Smadav If Windows Defender Is Active?

For most users, especially those connected to the internet full-time, Microsoft Defender provides robust real-time protection. In fact, as of early 2024, Defender ranks among the top antivirus engines globally according to AV-Comparatives, with near-perfect scores in malware detection and usability.

Smadav, in contrast, is built more for environments where:

• Internet connectivity is limited or unreliable

• Flash drives are frequently exchanged

• Local malware variants are more prevalent

So while Defender may be sufficient in many cases, Smadav’s continued use is justifiable just not necessarily at startup. By disabling its auto-launch, you get the best of both worlds: control over performance without removing your second layer of defense.

Use Case: A Small Business Optimizes Their Network

A Jakarta-based architecture firm noticed their office computers slowing down during morning startup routines. Each machine was running both Kaspersky and Smadav by default. As project deadlines loomed, every second counted.

Their IT consultant reviewed performance logs and recommended disabling Smadav from startup while leaving Kaspersky active. Smadav could be launched manually for occasional USB checks but didn’t need to run constantly.

Within days, the firm saw 25 to 30 percent faster load times and improved workstation stability. Employees reported fewer freezes, quicker CAD rendering, and faster file syncing via Dropbox.

Their experience underscores a crucial lesson: default settings aren't always optimal. Sometimes, the best protection is the one you control not the one that runs in the background uninvited.

Final Takeaway: Speed and Security Can Coexist

If your computer is feeling slow and you’ve ruled out malware, bloatware, or outdated drivers, the next thing to check is your startup routine. Tools like Smadav serve a purpose, but they don’t need to be running constantly to be useful.

Learning how to disable Smadav from startup is a smart move for anyone who values control, speed, and efficiency. It gives you the power to decide when protection is necessary and when it’s just getting in the way.

And when you're ready to scan that USB or run a full system check? Smadav is still just one click away.