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How to Fix the Virus Scan Failed Error for Email Attachments
Question details
The user is unable to open or download an email attachment because their system or email client displays a 'Virus Scan Failed' error.
- Product
- Email Client / Windows Security
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to download or open an attached file received via email.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Defender or another security service flags the attachment as a potential threat and blocks access to the file, triggering a scan failure error.
Before proceeding, ensure you completely trust the sender and are expecting this specific file. Malicious email attachments are a common vector for malware, so you should only bypass security blocks if you have independently verified the file is safe.
Review and Restore via Windows Security Protection History
Check Windows Security to identify why the attachment was blocked, and restore the file only if you are absolutely certain it is safe.
When an attachment triggers a 'Virus Scan Failed' error on a Windows PC, it is usually because Microsoft Defender has quarantined the file upon download. You can review the blocked item in the system's security settings.
Click the Start menu, type 'Windows Security' into the search bar, and press Enter to launch the application.
Click on 'Virus & threat protection' on the left-hand menu, then click on 'Protection history' under the Current threats section.
Look through the list of recent items for the blocked email attachment. Click on the entry to view details about the detected threat.
If you have contacted the sender and verified the file is completely legitimate, click the 'Actions' drop-down menu and select 'Allow on device' or 'Restore'.
Request a Verified Copy via Cloud Storage
If the file is continually blocked or you cannot verify its safety, request the sender to share the file through a safer channel.
Open and Share Office Attachments Safely with WPS Office
If you frequently handle document attachments, WPS Office provides a secure, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It includes built-in cloud sharing to help you bypass email attachment limits and security scan errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
- 2. Install and Set as Default: Run the installer and follow the prompts. You can choose to set WPS as your default application for Word, Excel, and PDF files.
- 3. Open Attachments Securely: Double-click any downloaded safe document attachment to instantly view and edit it in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my email say virus scan failed?
This error happens when your device's antivirus software (like Microsoft Defender) or your email provider's built-in scanner detects a potentially malicious script, macro, or signature in the attached file, causing the system to automatically block the download to protect your computer.
Can I disable my antivirus to download the attachment?
While it is technically possible to temporarily disable real-time protection in your security settings, it is highly discouraged. Disabling your antivirus leaves your system fully vulnerable to malware. Instead, verify the file with the sender and restore only that specific file from your Protection history.
How can I safely send files that keep getting blocked?
If you are the sender and your attachments are being blocked, avoid sending files with complex macros or compressed archives (.zip or .rar) directly via email. Instead, upload your files to a secure cloud service like WPS Cloud and share the file link in your email body.
