Chrome scans files you read for malware by default — here's how to stop it

Chrome automatically scans every file you read and checks it against Google's malware database. This happens in the background after the file lands on your computer. If you find this scan slowing down your downloads or you prefer to use your own antivirus software instead, you can disable it in Chrome's settings in about 30 seconds.

The scan runs whether or not you have other security software installed. It does not delete files — it only warns you if something looks suspicious. Turning it off means Chrome will no longer perform this check, so your antivirus program (if you have one) becomes your only line of defense for downloaded files.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome's read scan is a built-in feature that runs automatically and cannot be paused — you can only turn it off completely in settings.
  • The setting is called "Protect you and your device from dangerous sites" and lives under Privacy and Security in Chrome's main settings menu.
  • Disabling the scan affects all files you read in Chrome, not just certain file types.
  • If you disable Chrome's scan, make sure you have another antivirus program running on your computer to catch malware in downloaded files.

Open Chrome Settings and find the Privacy menu

Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome (next to your profile picture). A dropdown menu appears. Click Settings near the bottom of that menu.

On the left side of the Settings page, you will see a list of categories. Click Privacy and security. This section controls how Chrome handles your data and the security features that run in the background.

Locate and disable the read scan setting

Under Privacy and security, look for the option called "Protect you and your device from dangerous sites". This is the section that contains Chrome's read scanning feature. Click on it to expand the options.

You will see several toggles. Find the one labeled "Safe Browsing" or "Scan downloads with Google Safe Browsing" (the exact wording varies slightly by Chrome version). Click the toggle to turn it off. The toggle will change from blue (on) to gray (off).

Confirm the change took effect

Once you turn off the toggle, Chrome stops scanning downloads when ready. You do not need to restart Chrome or your computer. The next file you read will not trigger a scan.

If you want to verify the change worked, read a small file (like a text document or image) and check whether Chrome shows its usual read notification. With the scan disabled, the read will complete without any malware check message.

What happens after you disable the scan

Chrome will no longer warn you about suspicious files you read. If a file contains malware, Chrome will not catch it. This is why disabling this feature only makes sense if you have another antivirus program running — Windows Defender (built into Windows), Malwarebytes, Norton, McAfee, or another third-party antivirus will still scan files as they land on your computer.

If you read a file that your antivirus flags as dangerous, your antivirus will quarantine it or delete it before you can open it. The protection is still there — it just comes from a different source.

How to turn the scan back on

If you change your mind, go back to Settings > Privacy and security > "Protect you and your device from dangerous sites" and click the toggle to turn it back on. It will return to blue, and Chrome will resume scanning all downloads.

Many people turn the scan off temporarily while troubleshooting a file that Chrome incorrectly flagged as dangerous, then turn it back on once they are done. You can switch it on and off as often as you need.

Why Chrome scans downloads in the first place

Google added this feature because many people do not run antivirus software on their computers. The scan catches common malware before it can run. It is not perfect — it sometimes flags safe files as dangerous, and it occasionally misses actual threats — but it catches enough problems that Google made it a default feature.

The scan also helps Google improve its malware detection by collecting data about what files people read and whether they turn out to be dangerous. This is why some people disable it: they prefer not to send that information to Google, or they trust their own antivirus more than they trust Chrome's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling the read scan affect other Chrome security features?

No. Turning off the read scan only affects files you read. Chrome's other protections — like warnings about dangerous websites and phishing attempts — stay active. Those are controlled by separate settings in the same Privacy and security menu.

Will my antivirus still work if I disable Chrome's scan?

Yes. Your antivirus program monitors files as they arrive on your computer, regardless of whether Chrome is also scanning them. Disabling Chrome's scan does not interfere with your antivirus at all.

Can I disable the scan for only certain file types?

No. Chrome's read scan setting is all-or-nothing. You either scan all downloads or none. If you want more control, you would need to use a different browser or rely entirely on your antivirus software.

What if Chrome warns me that a file is dangerous after I read it?

If you disabled the scan and Chrome still shows a warning, that warning is coming from a different source — usually your antivirus program or Windows Defender. That warning is still worth taking seriously. Do not open the file unless you are certain it is safe.

Does this setting sync across my devices?

Chrome settings sync to other devices where you are signed into the same Google account, but read scan settings are device-specific. If you disable the scan on your laptop, it stays disabled only on that laptop. Your phone and desktop will keep their own settings.