Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script prevents Windows from sending file attachments to antivirus programs for scanning when opened 1 2.

Windows registered antivirus programs for downloaded files from Internet or through e-mail attachments 1. If multiple programs are registered, they will all be notified 1 3. This is disabled by default, so even if you do not configure run this script, Windows does not call the registered antivirus programs when file attachments are opened 1.

If it is enabled, Windows blocks file from being opened when antivirus program fails 1. It is the recommended setting by Microsoft 1.

Preventing calling antivirus:

• Increases privacy by not sharing your file data proactively with installed antiviruses.
• Decreases by detecting and mitigating potential malicious software. Disabling it has Moderate criticality as it is not an appropriate antivirus configuration according to US government 4.

An updated antivirus program must be installed for this policy setting to function properly 4.

It is configured using ScanWithAntiVirus value in \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments\ registry subkey 1 2 3 4 5. 3 enables the scans 1 2 3, 1 disables it 1 3, and 2 leaves it optional 1.

In clean Windows 10 and 11 installations, this key by default comes with 3 value in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments\ScanWithAntiVirus 5, and key is missing for HKCU.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

• Language: batch

• Required Privileges: Administrator rights

• Compatibility: Windows only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories

Configure how downloaded files are handled

This action belongs to Configure how downloaded files are handled category. These scripts configures Attachment Manager included in Windows that takes further actions for files that you receive or download such as storing classification metadata and notifying other software. Read more on category page ▶

Privacy over security

This action belongs to Privacy over security category. This category configures Windows using 254 scripts. These scripts are organized in 57 categories. The category includes 3 subcategories that include more scripts and categories. Read more on category page ▶

Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files.
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

HELP: Step-by-step guide

1. Click on Start menu

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

2. Type cmd

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

---

Windows 11

Windows 10

2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes

:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments!ScanWithAntiVirus"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments' /v 'ScanWithAntiVirus' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"

3. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
4. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code

:: Set the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments!ScanWithAntiVirus"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$revertData = '3'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments' /v 'ScanWithAntiVirus' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$revertData"^"" /f"

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