How to fix browser download error: Virus scan failed

The “Virus scan failed” error is common on Windows 10 systems, especially if you haven’t installed recent Windows updates. And it affects all chromium browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Brave. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the steps to resolve this issue by adjusting a registry setting. Remember to be cautious when editing the Windows Registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues. Let’s get started! 🛠️

Open the Registry Editor:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and hit Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the Specific Registry Key:
- In the Registry Editor, paste the following path into the address bar at the top:
```
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments
```
Modify the “ScanWithAntiVirus” Value:
- Double-click on the ScanWithAntiVirus entry.
- In the dialog that appears, change the value to 1 (which enables virus scanning).
Apply the Changes:
- Click OK to save the modified value.
Restart Your Browser:
- Close and reopen your web browser.
- Try downloading the file again. The “Virus scan failed” error should no longer occur.