How to Bypass “Virus Detected” Error on Google Chrome

Download the files you need without receiving this annoying error

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 25, 2025

Getting a "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" error by turning off Windows Defender's real-time protection in Windows 10. After you disable Windows Defender, proceed to download the file at your own risk.

How to Get Rid of the “Virus Detected” Error

Open the Windows Start menu and search for “Windows security.” Open the “Windows security” settings and select “Virus & threat protection.” Then, click “Manage settings” and turn off “Real-time protection.”

Steps

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This will open your Start menu and begin a search for what you're typing.
Settings will open a window to the Windows Security suite.

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It has the icon of a shield and is usually the first listing in the menu.
" This is usually the second listing in the menu.
5
Click the switch under "Real-time protection" to turn it off
. You should be able to return to your download and complete it before the feature automatically turns back on.^{[1]
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- 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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Warnings

Download the file only if you know that it does not contain a virus. You can use multiple tools to check a download for viruses.

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