Having reliable antivirus software on your computer can help detect malicious files and threats before they penetrate and infect your device. However, not all files your antivirus detects are risky. Your security software suite may continue to block them despite wanting to download them anyway on Google Chrome web browser.
If your antivirus system blocks a file you want to download on your desktop or laptop computer, you may encounter the error message, “Failed: Virus Detected.” Fortunately, you can bypass the infected warning and pursue downloading the file with several solutions you can do.

How to Bypass Failed Virus Detected Download Error on Google Chrome Browser for Windows 10/11 PC
Getting the Failed Virus Detected Download error message on Windows 10 or 11 PC is prevalent on the Google Chrome web browser. It may be a relief knowing that your antivirus is working tremendously. But, it also blocks the file you may want to download and detect it falsely. You can resolve the false security issue detected by following the methods below.
Method #1 – Verify if your Downloaded File is Safe
You can check if the file you want to download is free or virus and threat. Go to several Online Virus Scanners like VirusTotal, SafetyDetectives, or Norton Power Eraser. Enter the URL of your downloaded file and scan for viruses.
Method #2 – Disable Google Chrome Safe Browsing
- On your Google Chrome browser, click the three-dotted icon in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security.
- Select Security.
- Choose No Protection (Not Recommended).
Method #3 – Allow your File in Windows Defender
- Launch Windows Defender.
- Navigate to Protection History.
- Look for your downloaded file and click the menu next to it.
- Select Actions.
- Choose Allow.
Method #4 – Turn Off Windows Defender
- Open the Settings menu.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Windows Security.
- Click Open Windows Security.
- Choose Virus & Threat Protection.
- Look for Virus & Threat Protections Setting.
- Click Manage Settings.
- Go to Real-Time Protection.
- Toggle the button to Off.
Method #5 – Switch to a Different Browser
If you have another web browser on your device, you can try downloading the file from there. Instead of compromising your time trying to download something blocked by your antivirus, it is better to do it from another web browser.
Method #6 – Exclude the Download Folder from Windows Defender
- Launch the Settings menu.
- Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Look for Virus & Threat Protection Settings.
- Select Manage Settings.
- Look for Exclusions.
- Select Add or Remove Exclusions.
- Click Add an Exclusion.
- Choose Folder.
- Select the Download Folder.
- Click Select Folder.
- Choose Yes.
Do you have other solutions to resolve the Failed Virus Detected error message when downloading files on Windows 10 or 11 computers when using the Google Chrome browser? You can share them in the comment section below.