Couldn't Download Virus Detected: 3 Ways to Bypass it

Temporarily disable your antivirus to fix this issue

Browsers

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by Andrew Wafer 

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If a Couldn’t download virus detected message appears while downloading files, you won’t be able to complete the download, even if the file is 100% safe. Luckily, this can help you fix that.

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How do I fix Couldn’t download virus detected error?

Before we try anything else, try using a different web browser and check for any issues with the download.

1. Restore quarantined files

  1. 1. Open Windows Security on your computer.

    windows security open windows search

  2. 2. From the main window click on Protection history.

    protection history windows defender

  3. 3. Locate the application that has been blocked on the list and expand it.

    select quarantined threat windows defender

  4. 4. Expand the Actions menu and click on Allow.

    allow quarantined threat windows defender
Note icon NOTE
Do this only for files that you 100% trust to be safe.

If you’re using a different antivirus, we have a great guide on what to do if the antivirus is blocking exe files.

2. Disable Windows Defender

  1. Press the Windows key + I keyboard hotkeys to open the Settings app.
  2. Choose Update & Security.update and security settings app
  3. Click on Windows Security from the left pane, then click on Open Windows Security.windows security open windows security button
  4. Now click on Virus & threat protection.virus and threat protection selected
  5. Under the Virus & threat protection settings click on Manage settings.virus and threat protection settings manage settings
  6. Toggle the Real-time protection button to Off.windows defender real-time protection off

Try to download the file again. If you’re not getting download failed virus detected message anymore, enable the antivirus as soon as the download is finished.

3. Turn off Chrome Safe Browsing

  1. Click the Menu icon in the top right and choose Settings.
    settings chrome menu
  2. Now select Privacy and Security. Select Security in the right pane.
    privacy and security chrome settings
  3. Select No protection (not recommended).
    no protection chrome settings

If the download completes, enable this feature again.

How do I disable a Virus scan when downloading?

To do this, you need to disable Safe Browsing in Chrome. Our Solution 3 goes into detail on how to do that.

In case the issue is still there, we have a great guide on how to keep a dangerous file in Chrome, so it should provide you with more useful information.

If you use Opera, we covered Download failed, virus detected error in Opera, in another guide, so don’t miss it.

With that said, we can conclude this article. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More about the topics: browsers, virus

Andrew Wafer

Andrew Wafer Shield

Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he's truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one. He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.

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