Learn how to fix the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" error on Chrome. Follow these steps to resolve the issue and safely download your files.

Have you ever encountered the frustrating message "Download Failed – Virus Detected" while trying to download a file on Google Chrome? If so, you're not alone. This issue is a common occurrence for many users and can be quite troublesome. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to fix this problem and ensure a smooth downloading experience. It is important to address this issue promptly as it can hinder your productivity and prevent you from accessing important files or software.


Temporarily Disable Safe Browsing on Google Chrome


One of the first steps you can take to resolve the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" issue is to temporarily disable the Safe Browsing feature on Google Chrome. This feature is designed to protect you from potentially harmful websites and downloads. However, it can sometimes mistakenly flag safe files as malicious, leading to download failures. Follow these steps to disable Safe Browsing:


1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.

2. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.

3. Scroll down and click on "Advanced" to expand the advanced settings.

4. Under the "Privacy and security" section, click on "Security."

5. Locate the "Safe Browsing" option and toggle it off.

6. Close and reopen Google Chrome for the changes to take effect.


By temporarily disabling Safe Browsing, you can bypass any false positive detections and allow your downloads to proceed without interruptions. Remember to re-enable this feature once you have resolved the issue to ensure your browsing safety.


Temporarily Disable Security Programs, Chrome Extensions, Windows Defender, and Firewall




In some cases, your antivirus or security software, as well as certain Chrome extensions, may interfere with your downloads and trigger the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" message. To check if this is the cause of the problem, temporarily disable your security programs, Chrome extensions, Windows Defender, and Firewall. Here's how:


1. Right-click on the antivirus or security program icon in the system tray or taskbar.

2. Look for an option like "Disable," "Pause," or "Turn off" and click on it.

3. Confirm the action if prompted.

4. Open Google Chrome and try downloading the file again.

5. If the issue is resolved, remember to re-enable your antivirus or security program after completing the download.


Similarly, you can disable any Chrome extensions that may be causing conflicts by going to the Chrome menu, selecting "More tools," and then "Extensions." Disable the extensions one by one and test your downloads to identify the problematic one.


Unblock Files


Blocked files can also be the culprit behind the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" error. Windows has a built-in security feature that blocks certain files or folders that it deems potentially harmful. To unblock specific files or folders in Windows, follow these steps:


1. Right-click on the blocked file or folder and select "Properties."

2. In the Properties window, check if there is an "Unblock" button. If so, click on it and then click "Apply" to unblock the file.

3. If there is no "Unblock" button, navigate to the "Security" tab in the Properties window.

4. Click on the "Edit" button to modify the file or folder's permissions.

5. In the Permissions window, click on the "Add" button and enter your username.

6. Assign Full Control permissions to your username and click "OK" to save the changes.

7. Close the Properties window and try downloading the file again.


By unblocking the files or folders, you are essentially telling Windows that you trust them and want to proceed with the download.


Adjust Registry Settings for Less Restrictive File Scanning


Registry settings can also affect file scanning and potentially trigger the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" error. Modifying these settings can help alleviate the issue and allow smooth downloads. However, it is important to exercise caution when making changes to the registry, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability. Follow these steps to adjust registry settings:


1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments

4. Look for a key named "ScanWithAntivirus" and double-click on it.

5. Change the value from "3" to "1" and click "OK" to save the changes.

6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.


Reset Google Chrome


If none of the previous methods have resolved the issue, you can try resetting Google Chrome to its default settings. This can help eliminate any potential conflicts or corrupted settings that may be causing the download failures. Here's how to reset Chrome:


1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

2. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.

3. Scroll down and click on "Advanced" to expand the advanced settings.

4. Scroll down further and locate the "Reset and clean up" section.

5. Click on "Restore settings to their original defaults."

6. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

7. Close and reopen Google Chrome.


By resetting Chrome, you are essentially starting fresh and removing any problematic settings that may have been causing the download issues.


Use a Different Source or Browser


If all else fails, you can try downloading the file from a different source or using an alternative browser. Sometimes, the issue may be specific to a particular website or server, and switching to a different source can resolve the problem. Additionally, using an alternative browser like Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge may also help bypass the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" error. These browsers have their own security features and algorithms for detecting potentially harmful files, which may differ from Chrome's.



In conclusion, the "Download Failed – Virus Detected" error on Google Chrome can be a frustrating issue to encounter. However, by following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can troubleshoot and resolve this problem effectively. Remember to exercise caution when modifying system settings or disabling security features, as it may leave your computer vulnerable to threats. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with making these changes yourself, it is always advisable to seek professional assistance. By addressing this issue promptly, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free downloading experience on Google Chrome.




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