Can’t you open the downloaded file on your Windows 10 because it is detected as a virus-infected file? Want to fix this Operation Did Not Complete Successfully because the File Contains a Virus issue?
Then there are different methods to tackle this problem on your Windows computer. If you want to know more about this error, then read this article until the end.
While browsing the internet, we come across various files. If we require them, then we download those files onto our PCs. In addition to that, we copy various files, such as photos, videos, audio tracks, documents, and others from other devices.
When we try to open the file, our Windows Defender or other antivirus software marks it as the infected one. At that time, it shows an error message in a pop-up window, and that is
Operation Did Not Complete Successfully because the File Contains a Virus
The file may or may not contain the malware, but it stops us to perform actions on it. To resolve this error, you can apply the methods given below.
Problem Overview: Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus
On our Windows computers, there are a lot of files, such as PDF documents, videos, music, photos, and others. Some of them might be downloaded from the websites.
At the same time, we get the files from other sources, like external HDD, pen drives, creating on our own, etc. Whenever we want to access it, we open the file and browse it on our systems.
There are such cases where the file doesn’t open because it was infected with the virus. Since your antivirus software runs continuously on your PC, it detects this infected file.
What if this problem occurs when the file is genuine and completely virus-free? Yes, there are some complaints where the error occurs even though the file is not malware-infected.
Sometimes, Windows Defender or your antivirus software do these mistakes. Whatever might be, you can resolve this Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus issue.
Before that, let’s see the reasons that cause this problem on your Windows 10.
Now, move to the below paragraphs and get in touch with the methods that can fix this issue on your computer.
Related Problems: Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus
Basic Troubleshooting Steps: Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus
Let’s move the basic methods that may solve this Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because the File contains a Virus issue.
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Run the Antivirus Scan
Haven’t you run the antivirus scanner on your computer for so many days? Then your PC might be infected with viruses, malware, etc.
And that’s the reason why you can’t access the file or app on your PC. So, launch your antivirus software and choose the full-screen mode to scan the entire computer. Once you get to know the infected files & apps, repair or remove them from the PC.
After scanning the PC, try to open the file that you want and see the error message still occurs or not.
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Run the Disk Cleanup Utility
We all know that Windows 10 creates temporary files and folders on our PCs. Due to these files, there are chances of showing errors while trying to open them.
In order to avoid these issues and improve the disk space, you need to remove the junk or temporary files from your computer. For that, you have to run the inbuilt Disk Cleanup Utility by using the below steps.
- Press Windows + S to open the Cortana search console -> Type Disk Cleanup -> Press Enter.
- Now, you have to choose the Windows 10 Drive (usually C:) -> Click the OK button.
- The Disk Cleanup for C Drive window appears on your screen with all those areas that consume the memory space.
- Choose all the files, including Temporary Internet Files and Temporary Files by checking the checkboxes.
- Click OK to proceed further.
- In the confirmation window, click the Delete Files button.
- Thus, it starts deleting the selected files from your Windows 10.
After that, check the Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because the File contains a Virus issue is solved or still persists.
Steps To Fix Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus Issue
Now, it’s time to go through the advanced methods that allow you to access the files or apps without these issues.
- Step 1
Disable your Windows Defender Temporarily
Sometimes, the error occurs even when the file is genuine and virus-free. In this case, you can avoid the occurrence of this Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because the File contains a Virus error.
If you want to fix this issue and open the file error-freely, turn off the Windows Defender on your PC. Through Windows Settings, you can disable this Windows Defender Antivirus.
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings -> Select Update & Security.
- On the left-side panel, click the Windows Security tab.
- After that, click Virus & Threat Protection.
- In order to disable the antivirus, click the Manage Settings link.
- In the next step, click the toggle button of Real-time protection to turn off the inbuilt Windows Defender antivirus.
If you want to disable this Windows Defender through Registry, then go through the below-steps.
- Press Windows + R -> Type regedit -> Click OK.
- Copy and paste the following address in the box below the menu items.
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
- Now, double-click on the DisableAntiSpyware registry item.
- In case if the DisableAntiSpyware is not there on the right-side panel, then create it. Right-click on the empty -> Click New -> Select DWORD (32-bit) Value -> Rename the registry item as DisableAntiSpyware.
- By double-clicking the registry item, you will see a pop-up window. Type 1 in the Value Data section to turn off the Windows Defender and Antimalware Service Executable on your Windows 10.
- Close the Registry Editor.
Finally, reboot your Windows PC and check the problem is fixed or not.
- Step 2
Turn Off your Third-party Antivirus
Some users download and install third-party antiviruses on their Windows PCs. If you belong to that category, disable those security suites by using the below instructions.
Most of the Windows users use BullGuard Antivirus, Avast, and Kaspersky, Antivirus on their PCs.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- At the bottom, you will find More Details, so click on it to expand the details of the Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab -> Select your antivirus software -> Click the Disable button.
Restart your Windows 10 and access the files or apps without any errors.
- Step 3
Add the File to your Antivirus’s Ignore List
Want to open the file or folder without facing this error? Then you can add it to the exclusion list of Windows Defender or your third-party antivirus.
- Press Windows + I -> Select Update & Security -> Click Windows Security tab.
- Under the Protection Areas, click Virus & Threat Protection.
- Go to the Virus & Threat Protection settings, click the Manage Settings button.
- Click the Add or Remove Exclusions link under the Exclusions section.
- In the next step, click the + Add an Exclusion -> Choose File or Folder from the menu.
- Choose the File or Folder -> Click the Select Folder button to add it to the ignore list of your antivirus.
Now, you have to run the antivirus scanner and see the file or folder is detected or not. If you still engage with the same issue, then move to the next methods.
- Step 4
Repair the Windows Explorer
Due to issues with File Explorer, you can see these kinds of problems on your PC. So, it is best to repair the File Explorer by using the instructions given below.
- Press Windows + X -> Select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Click the Yes button in the User Account Control (UAC) pop-up window to continue further.
- Now, type the following commands and press Enter after each one.
- sfc /SCANFILE=c:\windows\explorer.exe sfc /SCANFILE=C:\Windows\SysWow64\explorer.exe
- Finally, reboot the Windows PC and check the issue occurs while opening the file or not.
- Step 5
Repair Windows Backup
If the Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains a Virus issue is not fixed, then it might be due to the temporary web files and cache in the backup locations.
By fixing the issues with the Windows Backup, you can fix it and access the file or folder error-freely.
- Press Windows logo on your keyboard -> Type Internet Options -> Hit Enter.
- Under the General tab -> Go to the Browsing History section, click on the Delete button.
- Disable the Preserve Favorites website data, Temporary Internet Files & Website Files, Cookies and website data, History, and Download History option by unchecking their checkboxes.
Now, restart the Windows 10 PC and see that you can open the file error-freely or not.
Tips To Avoid Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus
Let’s try the following tips to avoid the occurrence of this Operation Did Not being Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus issue.
Contact Official Support
From the article, you got to know the methods that can resolve this Operation Did Not Complete Successfully Because The File Contains A Virus problem on your Windows 10.
If the issue is not fixed even after using all the tricks, then reset your Windows 10. If nothing helps, you have to post the query on this problem in some official forums, like Reddit, Microsoft, etc.
When you didn’t get any acknowledgment for your query, you can contact the Microsoft technical team. You can install the Get Help app and communicate with the experts of Microsoft to get instructions that can fix this error.
Final Words: Conclusion
On the whole, Windows users come across various problems while working on their PCs. By installing the best antivirus software or disabling it while accessing the file, you can resolve this issue on your computer.
Have you cracked this issue with your own techniques? Then post your instructions through this article. After fixing it, share the details of those methods that helped in fixing it.
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