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Bypass Failed, Virus Detected Message, A quick one:
- “Failed, virus detected” message is a common problem that is mostly caused by the antivirus program.
- The “failed, virus detected: message can be bypassed using another web browser different from your current one.
- You can quickly get out of the “failed, virus detected” problem by unblocking the web browser and moving the downloaded files out of the quarantine directory.
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Among the very annoying blocker you can run into when trying to download stuff from the internet is the “failed, virus detected” message that would block you from being able to save the files onto your system. Running into this problem when you do not have the time to waste, and the files you are trying to download are of urgent need can be very scary. Hence, the best bet is to know your way around avoiding this problem and fixing it when you run into it. Before we get into that, you are probably wondering what causes this problem, and understanding the genesis of the issue is the initial way of solving it.
What causes the “failed, virus detected issue”?
With the internet filled with attackers running malicious scripts and activities to infiltrate our computer systems, steal valuable data and digital assets, and manipulate web applications to use our authorization, most web browsers have installed in them a protocol that checks for malware as we browse the internet on them, especially when we are trying to download stuff. Among these browsers is Google Chrome that has its native malware detection algorithm to protect its users from threats. A little sense of unsafety and the browser will stop you from downloading that stuff you are trying to, without giving a wink on how much you need it.
In some occurrences, the download blockage may be coming from the antivirus installed on your system. When this is the case, adjusting the settings may give you a way to access the items. If you are getting the “failed, virus detected” message on your Chrome browser, the following guides will help you skate through it.
The first line of action is to scan the web browser for threats that it may already be open to. To do that, follow the steps below.
How to scan Google Chrome for malware
- Click the Menu icon located in the top right corner of the browser and choose Settings.
- Now click the Reset and clean up feature in the left pane.
- In the next screen, click on Clean up computer.
- The scan will commence, take some time, and requires you to wait for it to finish. Then remove any malicious extensions of software shown if found.
Now that you have scanned for malware, the next thing is to fix the problem. The guide on that is found next.
How to fix the failed virus detection in Google Chrome
The process takes you through 5 phases. Each of them is discussed below.
1. Switch to a browser with built-in security features
Since most computer users usually have more than one web browser running on the system, switching to another web browser that has far more superior security features may be a better and faster approach. Opera Mini web browser is a better alternative, as it is one of the most secure web browsers out there at the moment. While you would still need an antivirus for the protection of the local files and folders on the system, the Opera Mini web browser gets your back on things you do on the internet.
In addition to the built-in troubleshooter, Opera Mini also has a separate VPN integrated app that is bombarded with A-grade privacy features. Hence, be rest assured that you will not be tainted by any malicious script, app, malware, adware, pop-ups, or session hijacking.
In order to bypass the “failed, virus detected” issues and have a safe browsing experience, you may want to download the Opera Mini web browser now via the official link.
2. Unblock Google Chrome, and restore quarantined files
Windows Defender is a program that comes with the Microsoft Windows operating system to protect users from malware at all times. While this program is there to give you a safe haven and protect your computer against all sorts of malware and virus-related problems, it can block some files and applications against your wish. Such files are moved to the quarantine zone and made unavailable for usage. They are as well permanently deleted after some days. In the event your Google Chrome is blocked and quarantined, follow the guide below to unblock and restore it.
- Launch the Windows Defender program on your computer.
- On the right side menu, click on Virus & threat protection.
- Locate the Protection history from the main window, and click on it.
- In the next screen, find the Google Chrome application that has already been blocked on the list, and expand it.
- Now, expand the Actions menu and click on Allow.
Additionally, in order to ensure that this application will not get detected as a potentially malicious program, you can add a particular exclusion within the Windows Defender screen. This will help with a virus scan failed message in the Google Chrome browser when you try to download files or programs.
An alternative would be to permanently disable the Windows Defender program. This is only recommended if you have a stronger antivirus program to install on the computer to keep everything safe on it. You can choose from our suggested list above and ensure that you get daily updates. The recommended antivirus programs can identify the real dangerous files and programs within your computer system.
3. Scan for potentially unwanted programs using a dedicated tool
There definitely various security extensions that may make using the Chrome browser safe and protect you from malware and other bad scripts. However, the strength they offer, combined, still does not stand having a designated antivirus and internet security tool. To ensure that there are no hidden extensions that may sometimes go rogue, it is recommended that you check for potentially unwanted programs also known as PUPs.
Here is a quick expert tip: There are some PC problems that are hard to solve, particularly when it comes to corrupted or missing Windows files. In the event of having trouble fixing issues related to this, we recommend installing Restoro, a very effective tool that scans for and identifies system faults. Here is the official download link.
A PUP, also known as junkware, is an add-on or a software wrapper that you most likely did not want to have installed on your computer, but get installed anyway, without your awareness or consent. This is in most cases a third-party tool that aids the downloading of the app or file you intend to download, thereby installing some extra add-ons along the line. You can possibly see some changes made to your web browser’s homepage and search settings without your awareness, which is just one of the many things that PUPs can do to your web browsers.
Nonetheless, this is not enough problem to give you a sleepless night as it can be gotten rid of using internet security software such as Eset internet security, Kaspersky Total Security, McAfee Total Protection, and Quick Heal Internet Security. These programs can help you detect potentially unwanted, destructive, and distrustful extra add-ons attached to the files and programs you attempt to download from the internet.
4. Disable Windows Defender
As hinted previously, disabling your Windows Defender program may be the better option to go for. However, keep in mind that the program is there to give you a safe environment in the first place. Hence, if you are choosing to go with this, ensure that you have a replacement in place. It is unwise to leave the system open to threats.
There are two ways you can disable the Windows Defender. You either do it through the System Settings or you do it through the Local Group Policy.
4.1 Disable Windows Defender from System Settings
Want to go through this route? Follow the guide below.
- Press the Windows key + I key to open the Settings program.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Security from the left pane, then click on Open Windows Security.
- Now click on Virus & threat protection. Under the Virus & threat protection settings click on Manage settings.
- Lastly, toggle the Real-time protection button to Off.
If you were experiencing your Chrome browser blocking downloads and giving a “failed, virus detected” message, then this solution might be able to benefit you.
4.2 Disable Windows Defender using the Local Group Policy
Another means by which you can disable the Windows Defender program is going through the Local Group Policy. To do this,
- Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard hotkey.
- On the Run command box, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
- From Local Group Policy click on Computer Configuration, then extend the Administrative Templates option, and go to Windows Components.
- From here, you can access the Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- On the main panel double-click on Turn off Windows Defender.
- To disable the Windows Defender program, choose Enabled from the window that will be displayed on your computer.
- Apply and save the changes for it to be affected.
- Now restart the computer to complete the changes.
On the other hand, keep in mind, again, that your computer is open to all sorts of threats when you are not using any dedicated security program. Hence, it is recommended that you have one installed before you continue to use the system. Also, select wisely in order to set up an application that has an updated virus database. Otherwise, you can experience false-positive security alert messages such as the “download failed: virus detected” error detailed during the lines above.
5. Disable Chrome Safe Browsing
Google Chrome’s Enhanced Protection, also known as Chrome Safe Browsing is a browsing security feature that significantly enhances safety on the internet against dangerous downloads and malicious activities on websites. Chrome and other Google applications provide improved protection based on the attacks against your Google account and threats you encounter as you browse through the web
In addition, Enhanced Protection helps you choose safer extensions before installing them on your device if you are a user that depends on Google Chrome extensions to protect you on the internet. Enhanced Protection is not the same as the Standard protection on Chrome, which only offers warnings about possibly risky sites, extensions, and downloads. With Standard protection, you can choose whether to get warnings about password breaches or improve security on the web by sending more information to Google.
However, despite all its advantages, this feature can block you from downloading stuff and often send you the “download failed, virus detected” message. To fix this issue by disabling Chrome Safe Browsing;
- Click the Menu icon located in the top right corner of the browser and choose Settings.
- Now click on Privacy and Security.
- Select Security from the options in the right pane.
- Select No protection (not recommended).
Disabling the Chrome Safe Browsing feature will ensure that you are able to avoid A virus detected so you can’t download this file, and related errors. Keep in mind, however, that Chrome will not protect you anymore from malicious files and harmful websites. Hence, you are recommended to only use it if you are positive that the file you are downloading is not destructive.
Departing Thoughts
These are just some of the approaches that you can use to fix the “download failed, virus detected” issues on the Windows operating system. Therefore, be sure to try all of our solutions. Here is all there is to discuss on the subject matter and how to fix the issue. We hope you found this helpful enough. See you at the next one.
