How to Fix the "Failed - Virus Detected" Error on Chrome

Download the files you need without receiving this annoying error

Getting a "Failed - Virus Detected" error while you're trying to download a file is annoying, especially if you know for a fact that the file you're trying to download does not have a virus. This wikiHow will teach you how to disable the "Virus Detected" in Chrome error by turning off Chrome’s built-in safe browsing feature. If that doesn’t work, you may be able to get around the issue by disabling Windows Security (Windows Defender), adjusting your security settings on Mac, or turning off third-party antivirus software.

How to Get Rid of the “Virus Detected” Error

  • Turn off Chrome’s virus detection feature by going to ⋮ > Settings > Privacy and security > Security and enabling “No protection (not recommended)”.
  • If you’re on a Windows computer, it might help to temporarily disable real-time protection in your computer’s security settings.
  • If your Mac blocks an app you downloaded in Chrome, you may be able to use a workaround to open it anyway.
Section 1 of 4:

Disabling Chrome Antivirus

  1. Step 1 Click the ⋮ button at the top right corner of Chrome.
    If you’re trying to download an app or file that you know is safe, but you keep seeing the “Failed - Virus Detected” error, you may be able to bypass the issue by temporarily disabling Chrome’s built-in virus protection. To get started, click the vertical row of three dots at the top right side of the browser.
    • Disabling Chrome’s security features can put your computer at risk of a malware infection. This should be a temporary measure. Don’t do it if you aren’t 100% sure the file you’re downloading is safe.
  2. Step 2 Click Settings.
    It’s at the bottom of the menu. You may need to scroll down to find it.
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  3. Step 3 Select Privacy and security.
    It’s in the left-hand menu bar on the Settings page.
  4. Step 4 Click Security.
    It’s near the bottom of the section under the Privacy and security header.
  5. Step 5 Select the “No protection” option.
    You’ll see several options under the Safe Browsing header. Click the radio button next to “No protection (not recommended).” Click Turn Off in the warning that pops up to confirm your selection.
    • Try again to download the app or file that triggered the error. If it’s still blocked, proceed to one of the methods below.
    • Once you’ve successfully completed your download, return to the Privacy and security > Security menu and turn your browsing protection back on.
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Section 2 of 4:

Disabling Windows Security

  1. Step 1 Press ⊞ Win and type "Windows security".
    This will open your Start menu and begin a search for what you're typing.
  2. Step 2 Click the "Windows Security" system settings result.
    Settings will open a window to the Windows Security suite.[1]
  3. Step 3 Click Virus & threat protection.
    It has the icon of a shield and is usually the first listing in the menu.
  4. Step 4 Click Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings.
    " You should see this option about halfway down the menu, below the Current threats section.[2]
  5. Step 5 Click the switches under "Real-time protection" and “Cloud-delivered protection” to turn them off.
    You should be able to return to your download and complete it before real-time protection automatically turns back on. If you want to resume using cloud-delivered protection (which helps keep your security as up-to-date as possible at all times), toggle it back on when you’re done.
    • You'll most likely need to repeat this process if you have multiple downloads failing due to the "Virus Detected" error.
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Section 3 of 4:

Adjusting Your Security Settings on Mac

  1. Step 1 Enable apps from known developers.
    Mac’s download protections work a little differently from those in Windows, but you can still run into problems opening downloaded apps and files. If you’re having trouble opening downloads from Chrome on your Mac, there are a few things you can try. Begin by making sure your Mac allows apps from known developers (not just the App Store):[3]
  2. Step 2 Use “Open Anyway” to bypass your Mac’s security on blocked apps.
    If you downloaded an app from an unsigned developer, your Mac will likely block you from opening it. As long as your computer didn’t detect any viruses, you can likely bypass this issue in settings. Here’s how:[4]
  3. Step 3 Bypass your Mac’s Gatekeeper software as a last resort.
    If you still aren’t able to download and open the file or app you want on your Mac, you can override the built-in security system and set it to allow apps from anywhere. This is very risky, so avoid going this route if possible. If you want to try it, here are detailed instructions.
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Section 4 of 4:

Other Solutions

  1. Step 1 Turn off third-party antivirus software.
    If you have a third-party antivirus app or browser extension, it might be preventing you from downloading even legitimate files and apps in Chrome. Try disabling your antivirus, at least temporarily, and see if that resolves the issue.
    • If you think the culprit might be a security extension in Chrome, check out our article on disabling add-ons.
  2. Step 2 Try the “download anyway” option in Chrome.
    Some users report that you might be able to override blocked downloads in the download history. To try this, type chrome://downloads/ in the address field at the top of Chrome and locate the failed download. See if there’s an option to “Download Anyway” or “Keep” the failed download.
    • You might need to click a ••• button or similar next to the download to see this option.
    • This option isn’t always available.
  3. Step 3 Disable download virus scanning in the Windows registry.
    In Windows, you have the option to disable download scanning in the registry. However, be careful, since messing with the registry can destabilize your computer. Always back up the registry before you try something like this. To proceed:
    • Open the Start menu and type in registry editor. Right-click Registry Editor in the results and select Run as administrator.
    • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies.
    • Right-click the Policies key in the left-hand menu bar, then select New > Key.
    • Name the new key Attachments.
    • Right-click the Attachments key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    • Name the new DWORD ScanWithAntiVirus.
    • Double-click ScanWithAntiVirus and enter 1 in the Value data field. Click OK.
    • Restart your computer and try again to download the file or app.
  4. Step 4 Use ad blockers to prevent fake virus alert pop-ups.
    If you see “Virus Detected” pop-ups or pages a lot on Chrome, it’s possible that these are scammy warnings designed to trick you into downloading malware or adware. There are a few things you can do to put a stop to fake virus warnings:
    • Install a good ad blocker or pop-up blocker in Chrome.
    • Make sure your computer’s antivirus software is running properly.
    • Check for browser hijackers and other adware and remove them if you find any.
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Tips

  • When downloading software from the web, always use the developer’s official website if possible. Third-party sites sometimes insert viruses and malware into app downloads. Using them can increase your chances of triggering the “Virus Detected” error or harming your computer.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/virus-and-threat-protection-in-the-windows-security-app-1362f4cd-d71a-b52a-0b66-c2820032b65e
  2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/virus-and-threat-protection-in-the-windows-security-app-1362f4cd-d71a-b52a-0b66-c2820032b65e
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102445
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102445

About This Article

Megaera Lorenz, PhD
Written by:
Megaera Lorenz, PhD
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 54,955 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: January 23, 2026
Views: 54,955
Categories: Google Chrome | Windows 10
Article SummaryX

1. Press the Windows key and type "Windows security."
2. Click the "Windows Security" system settings result.
3. Click Virus & threat protection.
4. Click Manage settings.
5. Click the switch under "Real-time protection" to turn it off.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 54,955 times.

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