Fix Virus Scan Failed Error in Google Chrome: Easy Guide!

How to Fix Virus Scan Failed Error in Google Chrome: Google Chrome includes a file downloader module that enables the downloading of various file types (images, documents, zips, executables, audio files, etc.) from the internet. Chrome not only downloads files but also scans them for viruses and malware. Sadly, the virus scan feature can begin to act erratically and produce errors for unknown reasons. As a result, it may not download even files that you are certain are free of threats.

Thankfully, the “Virus Scan Failed” error in Google Chrome on Windows 10 and 11 can be resolved with a few simple steps. In this post, we will discuss each of these potential solutions. So, let’s get started.

What is a failed virus scan error?

Typically, a browser such as Chrome would immediately detect a virus in a downloaded file and alert the user. You may receive a “Failed virus detected error” or a “Virus scan failed error” if a browser, such as Google Chrome, is unable to verify the source of a downloaded file, such as its security certificate or publisher’s information.

To ensure that the downloaded file is risk-free, try the safety measures outlined in the post.

Why do I have a Virus Scan Failed error message?

Chrome has a system for detecting malware that protects against threats. If the software determines that the file is dangerous, downloading will cease, and an error message will be displayed.

Occasionally, your antivirus may block the download, requiring you to modify a few settings.

How do I scan Chrome for malware?

1. Select Settings from the menu located in the upper-right corner.
2. In the left pane, navigate to Reset and clean up.
3. Select the Clean computer option.
4. Await the completion of the scan before removing any malicious software extensions found.

8 Solutions to Chrome’s Virus Scan Failed Error

If the virus scan failed error prevents you from downloading files in Chrome, do not become frustrated. Instead, simply implement one of the following solutions to resolve the issue on Windows 10 or 11.

Method 1: Empty Browser Cache

Most browser issues and errors are caused by an out-of-date or corrupt cache. For instance, the virus scan may fail when outdated or corrupt cache data impede Chrome’s scanning operations. Therefore, removing old cache data is advantageous.

1. First, launch Chrome. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, followed by More tools, then Clear browsing data. Alternately, the Clear Browsing Data panel can be accessed by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Del.
2. Select All time from the Time range drop-down menu. Next, select ‘Cookies and other site data’ and ‘Cached images and files’
3. The final step is to press the Clear data button. Then, restart Google Chrome to determine if this resolves the issue.

Method 2: Uninstall Your Browser’s Add-ons

Sometimes it is necessary to extend the capabilities of our web browsers. There are dedicated extension stores for Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge where you can install extensions for a variety of purposes.

While the majority of these browser extensions are useful, tens of thousands contain adware and malware. A malicious extension may be to blame if you are unable to download files or the virus scan fails while doing so. Therefore, it may be time to examine the extensions you’ve installed and remove any that appear to be malicious.

1. Launch Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Opera
2. Type or paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser.

Chrome:/extensions in Google Chrome

edge:/extensions for Microsoft Edge

Opera: opera:/extensions

3. You now have access to all of the browser extensions that have been installed.

4. Click the Remove button next to the extension you wish to uninstall.

Utilize Chrome’s Malware Scanner

Few people are aware that Chrome includes a feature that can scan and remove viruses and malware from your computer. You can use the browser’s scanner to ensure that there are no malicious files on your computer that could be causing the virus scan failed error. Follow the steps outlined below to conduct a cleaning process.

1. Select Settings from the menu icon with three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
2. On the Settings page, click the Reset and clean-up option.
3. Choose Now, clean your computer.
4. Click the Find button to proceed.
5. Await the completion of the scan before closing and relaunching Chrome.

Method 3: Reset Your Web Browser

In Chrome, Edge, and Opera, resetting the web browser to its default settings may help resolve the virus scan failure issue.

1. Enter the following URLs into your web browser’s address bar and press the Enter key.

chrome:/settings/reset

edge:/settings/reset

opera:/settings/reset

2. Select the Restore settings and Reset settings options.

Method 4: Turn Off Your Antivirus Software

Windows Defender and antivirus software can occasionally be vulnerable and odd. This proactive behaviour of antivirus software may, however, block both malicious and safe files. Try disabling your antivirus software to ensure that it is not causing you confusion with the virus scan failed error.

If you rely solely on Windows Defender for your PC’s security, select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Then, disable it and try downloading a file in your web browser.

If you use an antivirus program such as McAfee, right-click the icon in the Taskbar and select Change Settings. Then, select Real Scanning and Firewall and disable them.

Method 5: Modify the registry using the Registry Editor.

Numerous Registry Editor tweaks and hacks enable you to modify various Windows settings and components. However, one of the most effective methods for resolving the virus scan failed fault in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera is detailed below. Create a system restore point and create a backup of the Registry Editor before continuing.

1. Start the Registry Editor application. To accomplish this, enter “registry editor” into the Windows search box and select Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the subsequent location. Computer\HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Attachments
3. Follow this path if you do not want attachments. Computer\HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
4. Select New > Key by right-clicking Policies and then selecting the option.
5. Change the name of this new key to Attachments in Step 5.
6. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value by right-clicking Attachments.
7. Change the name of the newly created DWORD file to ScanWithAntivirus.
8. Select Modify by right-clicking ScanWithAntivirus.
9. This file’s Value data is set to 3 by default in Step 9. Enter 1 and then click OK.

That is it. Restart your computer once the Registry Editor window has been closed. The error fix virus scan failed should now be corrected.

Method 6: Employ Internet Properties

Numerous Microsoft users have reported that adjusting Internet Properties resolved the virus scan error for them. Therefore, you can also try this method and see if it works.

1. In the Windows search bar, enter CPL and press the Enter key.
2. When the Internet Properties window appears, select the Security tab and then the Internet zone represented by the globe icon.
3. Select the Custom level option
4. In the Security Settings window, scroll down to Downloads > File download.
5. Click the Enable button.
6. Scroll down to Other, then choose Launching applications and unsafe files.
7. Select Prompt (recommended)
8. Tap the OK button.

Method 7: Use a PUP scanner

The Chrome security extensions will never be as effective as a comprehensive antivirus program.

We advise checking for potentially unwanted programs to ensure that there are no hidden, malicious extensions that download content without your permission.

As opposed to adorable puppies, a PUP. However, in the context of computers, a PUP is an add-on or software wrapper that you most likely did not wish to install. It is also referred to as junkware. It is a third-party tool that downloads the desired product while installing toolbars or adware as optional extras.

These add-ons may also alter the homepage and search settings of your web browser. There are numerous dedicated PUP scan tools available that you can use to resolve the issue. Common instruments such as PUP scan and PUP smart scan, etc.

Method 8: Deactivate Chrome and Restore Files

In addition, you can exclude specific files from Windows Defender to prevent the virus scan failure error.

1. Launch Windows Defender on your computer.
2. From the main window, select Protection history.
3. Locate the blocked application in the list and expand it.
4. After expanding the Actions menu, click Allow.

You can now add a specific exclusion to Windows Defender to prevent this file from being identified as potentially malicious software, which should alleviate Chrome’s error message.

You can also disable Windows Defender permanently, which we recommend.

Obviously, you must then choose to install a new security program to ensure that everything is always safe and secure.

Choose a security solution that receives daily updates and can accurately identify files that pose a threat to your computer this time.

Final Thoughts

While downloading a file in Chrome or another browser, it is possible, though uncommon, to encounter a “virus scan failed” error. Please let us know in the comments section below if you’ve encountered this issue and found the solutions listed above to be helpful. Continue reading BCC for similar content, and don’t forget to tell your friends about the blog.