Windows 10: Unable to download any files. I get the Virus Scan Failed message.

Unable to download any files. I get the Virus Scan Failed message. I have updated the registry, removed Mcafee but it still doesn't solve the problem.This problem has started since I upgraded to Windows 11

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Downloading files - VIRUS SCAN FAILED

Hi Everyone,

I keep getting the message VIRUS SCAN FAILED when I try and download files from all sites on the internet.

However can download Windows Updates.

Any suggestions would be extremely welcomed.

Thank you in advance,

John

 

'Virus scan failed' message

Yes, I use Chrome. I've received several emails with Word doc attachments or google docs attached and I get the message "Failed - Virus scan failed"

I tried to go through the steps described by typing in regedit and going through the steps provided but that didn't solve the problem.

 

Error: Couldn't download - virus scan failed message when trying to download a program

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you receive an error, 'Couldn't download - virus scan failed message' when trying to download a program. I'll certainly assist you with this.



However, please let us know:

• May I know the program that you are trying to download?
• Which browser are you using?
• Are you able to download any other programs?

I would suggest you to try using a different browser like Microsoft Edge and see if that helps.



If you are receiving this error while using Google Chrome, I would suggest you to refer the section
"Virus scan failed" or "Virus detected" in the article Fix file download errors
and see if that helps.



Note: Important this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow
these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs.



Refer the article How to back up and restore the registry in Windows



I would also recommend you to create a system restore point.



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator