Share this article
Improve this guide
Fix: This Type of File Can Harm Your Computer Chrome Alert
Settings can be pretty overwhelming, but not on all browsers
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Online security is an invaluable part of the everyday web-browsing experience. Chrome, for example, has a quite strict policy on downloads, especially the EXE files, which are mostly installation packages.
Speaking of which, sometimes yourantivirus blocks EXE files, in order to prevent malicious files from affecting your PC.
It’ll make sure to inform you that, well, the program you’re trying to obtain is possibly a virus and can cause inexplicable damage to your system.
But, the ”This type of file can harm your computer” message can get on your nerves after some time, especially when you’re certain that the installation file comes from a trusted source.
If you’re downloading files frequently and the file’s extension triggers an annoying prompt message, this might help you. So make sure to check out the explanation below.
The fixes listed in this article will also prove helpful if you are experiencing any of these issues:
What is file might be harmful?
This is just a security warning that appears when you try to open certain files. Usually, this happens when you try to open files that you downloaded or transferred from another PC.
This issue occurs due to your security settings, and it can be fixed simply by adjusting them.
Quick Tip:
Use a browser that offers strong online security without annoying, false alerts. Opera One is a great option, with built-in website filtering.
Not only that, but the browser is able to detect potentially harmful files and boosts your privacy using its anti-tracking and VPN features.
Opera One
How do I fix this file can harm my computer?
Change the download settings
That way, won’t get theThis type of file can harm your computermessage with every new download.
Sadly, this is more of a workaround (even that’s doubtful) than a solution. However, all other browsers are having the same procedure with downloads.
Especially if you’re downloading EXE (executables, mostly installers for various applications) files.
And adding a trusted website won’t help with it. So, it seems you can’t fully trade your security for leisure of not seeing the prompt every time.
Bottom line is, you can’t disable this feature. You can merely tweak the download settings in order to avoid it.
But, then again, it might be easier to confirm that the suspected file is indeed non-harmful than to enableAsk where to save each file before downloading. If you’re downloading multiple files in a succession, this isn’t the way out.
With that, we can conclude this article. We hope that you managed to fixThis type of file can harm your computeron Windows 10/11.
Users also reported aThis site may harm your computer in Google Chrome, and we covered that issue in a separate guide, so be sure to check it.
Did you find this guide helpful? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.
More about the topics:All the Windows 10 tips you need to Know,Chrome Guides,Google Chrome Errors
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
User forum
4 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
