How to Fix Chrome’s “Failed – Virus Detected” Error on Windows
Chrome is a popular web browser that most people use on Windows, but sometimes users face a strange error message that says “Failed – Virus Detected.” This error can be frustrating and confusing, and it is not always clear how to fix it. If you are experiencing this error, there are a few steps you can take to resolve it.
Step 1: Disable Automatic Downloads
One of the most common causes of this error is automatic downloads. To disable automatic downloads, follow these steps:
1) Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
2) From the drop-down menu, click on Settings.
3) Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Advanced.
4) In the Privacy and security section, click on Content settings.
5) Scroll down to the Automatic downloads section and toggle the switch to the off position.
Step 2: Clear Your Download History
If you have recently downloaded a file that triggered the virus detected error, clearing your download history can help. To do this:
1) Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
2) From the drop-down menu, click on Downloads.
3) Click on Clear all at the top of the page.
Step 3: Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes your antivirus software can interfere with Chrome’s ability to download files, causing the error message to appear. You can try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if this resolves the issue.
Note: This step should only be taken if you are confident in your ability to protect your computer without antivirus protection.
Step 4: Check Your File Name and Extension
Occasionally, Chrome may misinterpret the file name or extension as a virus. If the file you are trying to download has a name or extension that may trigger this error, try renaming the file or changing the extension to something that is less likely to trigger the error.
Step 5: Install a Fresh Copy of Chrome
If none of the above steps work for you, try uninstalling Chrome and downloading a fresh copy from the website. This can help to clear out any settings or extensions that may be causing the issue.