While launching any kind of third-party software or any executable file, users get stuck with “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus” error message on Windows 10.
When this error appears on a particular file or program, users are not able to carry out certain operations. This error mostly appears if the system files get corrupted or damaged due to any malware or virus invasion.
If you are confronting this situation, then you need to get rid of the virus as soon as possible.
Fixes for “Operation did not Complete Successfully Because the File Contains a Virus” on Windows 10
Here are the effective fixes that you can try in order to remove the “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus” error message. So, take a look below.
Method 1: Execute a Clean Boot
As a primary fix, we suggest you execute a clean boot to eliminate the error message. To execute a clean boot, follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Press the combination of the Windows logo + R key to launch the Run window. On the Run dialog box, write “msconfig” and hit the Enter key to execute the command.
Step 2: In the next screen, scroll down and go to the Services tab. Under the Services tab, locate the “Hide all Microsoft services” option. After you locate the option, put a tick mark to the checkbox to select it.
Step 3: Afterwards, choose “Disable all” from the appeared menu. Next, navigate to the Startup tab and hit “Open Task Manager”. Once you access the Task Manager, a list appears where all the startup applications and services are enlisted.
Step 4: Now, right tap on each application and hit the “Disable” button. Thereafter, repeat the same process for each application that is present on the list. Once done, close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window again.
Here, you need to choose the Apply as well as the OK button in order to save the changes that you made. After you save the changes, reboot your device.
If disabling the startup application and servicers resolve the error, it indicates that there is a problem in certain applications. Otherwise, a few services might interfere with the operations and influence the error.
Method 2: Try to Start your Device in Safe Mode
Several affected users claim that after they access their device in Safe Mode, the error message gets removed. So, you can also try this method.
- Go to the Start menu and press the Power button while holding the Shift key.
- From the appeared menu, select the “Restart” button.
- In the next window, scroll through and choose the “Troubleshoot” option.
- Go to the “Advanced Options” and launch the Startup Settings.
- Afterward, hit the “Restart” button until your device boots up.
- After booting your device, choose any of the Safe Mode options by choosing the corresponding key.
Once your device starts in Safe Mode, verify whether the error still appears or not
Method 3: Scan your Device for Malware or Virus
After accessing your device in Safe Mode if the error persists, then certain malware or viruses might trigger the error. While your device is in Safe Mode, you can run a reliable antimalware scan to remove the malicious components.
Therefore, open the Settings app and go to the “Update and Security” section. Here, you need to locate the Windows Defender, which is a built-in antimalware utility.
Now, navigate to the Windows Defender Security Center and scroll down the available options to choose “Virus and threat protection”.
To begin the scanning process in common locations, hit the “Quick Scan”’ or “Scan Now” button.
From the confirmation window, hit the OK button. When the scanning is over, Windows Defender will report the results.
Method 4: Uninstall the Third-Party Antivirus
Third-party antivirus applications tend to conflict with the device and create various issues including “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus”. To avoid such occasions, we suggest you uninstall those interfering applications. Follow the steps below to try this fix.
- On your device, launch the Settings app.
- Then, go to the “Apps and Features” section that is present on the left pane of the window.
- In this section, scroll through and locate specific applications that belong to the third-party sources.
- If there is more than one application, then choose them one by one and hit the “Uninstall” button.
- From the pop-up window, hit the OK button twice to confirm the uninstallation process.
Once done, reboot your device to let the new changes take effect.
Method 5: Disable the Windows Defender Temporarily
At times, Windows Defender can also prevent you from accessing certain files. As a result, it may keep repeating the error notification “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus”. To resolve this error, it is recommended you disable the Windows Defender temporarily.
- Tap the shield icon in the taskbar and right tap on it.
- Now, hit the “Open” button and go to the “Windows Defender Security Center”.
- From the appeared menu, press the Shield icon and open the “Virus & Threat Protection” section.
- In the next window, choose the “Real-time Protection” and drag the option from “On” to “Off”
- To confirm the new modifications, click the Apply as well as the OK tabs.
After disabling the Windows Defender, check whether the error message has been resolved or not.
Note- Make sure that you enable Windows Defender after the error gets eliminated. Otherwise, your device might get infected by viruses or malicious components.
Method 6: Repair Problematic File via Command Prompt
Due to the malware or virus infection, system files often get corrupted and exhibits the error message. In that case, you need to repair those problematic files via Command Prompt.
- On the Run dialog box, type “cmd ” and hit the OK button.
- Right-tap on the Command Prompt and choose the “Run as administrator”.
- When Command Prompt appears in Admin Mode, enter “sfc /SCANFILE=C:\windows\explorer.exe” and press the Enter key.
- After executing this command, write again “sfc /SCANFILE=C:\Windows\SysWow64\explorer.exe” and tap the Enter key.
After running these commands, the corrupted system files will be repaired automatically.
Method 7: Resolve Windows Backup Error
If you face the error message while executing the Windows backup, then we suggest you delete the browsing history. To proceed with this method, follow the under mentioned instructions.
- Inside the Run window, write “Control” and hit the Enter key.
- Once the Control Panel window invokes, press the “View by Large icons” option and select “Internet Options”.
- Go to the General section and select the Browsing history option.
- Check the particular history you want to remove.
- Now, choose the “Delete” button and close the Control Panel window.
Once done, reboot your device to apply the new changes.
Method 8: Perform System Restore
When all the above methods fail, then performing the system restoration process can be the ultimate solution. To proceed with this method, follow the steps underneath.
- Press the combination of the Windows logo + S key.
- In the search bar, write “System Restore” and tap the Enter key. From the context menu, select “Create a restore point”.
- When the System Properties window pops up on the screen, hit the “System Restore” button.
- In order to proceed further, tap on the “Next” button. From the available list, select the restore point where your device didn’t display this error.
- Now, follow the instructions shown on the screen to execute the system restore procedure.
Hopefully, after performing these methods, you will be able to eliminate the “Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus” error on your own.
