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Google Drive Can’t Scan this File for Viruses: How to Fix
Alternative ways to scan Google Drive files for viruses
3 min. read
Updated onAugust 21, 2024
updated onAugust 21, 2024
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Today we’ll show you how to make sure the files you download from Google Drive are safe. The cloud service usually scans files on its own, but it only does it for drivers smaller than 100 MB.
However, there are a few ways to still verify files before downloading them on your computer. We listed and explained all of them below.
How to fix Google Drive “Can’t Scan This File for Viruses”
1. Scan for viruses on your computer
If you already have anantivirus softwareinstalled on your computer, you can use it to scan Google Drive files. This method only applies if you have the Google Drive client installed on your computer.
As you probably know, all files from your Google Drive storage will also appear in the local folder on your computer.
So, all you need to do is to make your current antivirus program scan the content of your local Google Drive folder. If any security threats are found, you’ll be instantly notified.
Windows Defender is pretty good, but if you want to make sure that your Google Drive files or all the other files are perfectly protected, you will need a third-party antivirus. We recommend ESET HOME Security Essential for this.
To get the most out of ESET for your Google Drive files, make sure real-time protection is turned on—this way, any files you download will be automatically scanned.
ESET HOME Security Essential
2. Preview files & check extensions
Malicious files often use deceptive extensions like .exe (executables), .bat (batch files), .scr (screensaver files), or .vbs (VBScript files). Always ensure the file type matches its intended use to avoid potential threats.
Summary
Those are our methods of scanning Google Drive forviruses. Unfortunately, there’s still no major antivirus service that offers full Google Drive integration.
However, installing a powerful antivirus on your PC will ensure that the uploaded files will always be clean.
Adding full security integration for Google Drive will surely benefit both users and antivirus makers. Do you know about some methods we didn’t list here? Let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,Google Drive
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
