My HP laptop's virus scan is preventing downloads, This only appeared two weeks ago.

[kfull5]

2 weeks ago, my laptop's anti-virus software or settings started to prevent downloads. There are no specific download failure codes simply "virus scan failed". Tried more than one internet browser to no avail.

[Alden4 · Accepted solution]

Hi @kfull5,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your antivirus software is blocking downloads and showing a "virus scan failed" message, there are several steps you can take to address this issue.

1. Update Antivirus Definitions: Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date. Outdated virus definitions might cause false positives, preventing legitimate downloads. Check for updates and perform a full system scan.

2. Adjust Antivirus Settings: Look for settings related to real-time scanning or download scanning in your antivirus software. You may be able to temporarily disable these features or add exceptions for trusted sites and files.

3. Use a Different Browser: Since you mentioned trying multiple internet browsers, it's less likely that the issue is browser-specific. However, you could try a different browser just to rule out any browser-related problems.

4. Check Firewall Settings: Firewalls can also block downloads. Make sure your firewall settings are not overly restrictive. You may need to create exceptions for the applications or websites you are trying to download from.

5. Scan for Malware: Run a thorough malware scan using a reputable anti-malware tool. Sometimes, malware can interfere with antivirus programs and cause issues. Make sure to use a different anti-malware tool than your regular antivirus for this scan.

6. Reinstall Antivirus Software: If the issue persists, consider reinstalling your antivirus software. Uninstall it, restart your computer, and then install the latest version from the official website.

7. Contact Antivirus Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to the customer support of your antivirus software. They may provide specific guidance or updates to address the problem.

8. Check System Integrity: Run system file checker (SFC) to check and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow.

9. Update Operating System: Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Sometimes, compatibility issues between the OS and antivirus software can cause problems.

Remember to create backups of important data before making significant changes to your system, such as reinstalling antivirus software.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support