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Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

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

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

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.

  1. Not Advised

    This script should only be used by advanced users.

    This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

    Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

  2. Security Trade-off

    This action prioritizes privacy over certain security features. It's not recommended and should only be used by advanced users after understanding its implications.

    Increased Privacy

    Enhanced privacy through reduced data collection and tracking

    Decreased Security

    Some security features will be disabled or limited

    This script can be reversed, this action allows you to can restore the system security.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
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"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable notifications to antivirus programs for downloaded files" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

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These scripts configures Attachment Manager included in Windows that takes further actions for files that you receive or download such as storing classification me...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Another guide in Configure how downloaded files are handled 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable saving of zone information in downloaded files

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process