The complete error message reads, Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software. While the error does put you in a fix, there’s a high chance that the concerned file is completely safe and has been incorrectly identified as a virus or PUS by the built-in Windows Defender. So, let’s find out all about the problem and the solutions that work.

Why does Windows say Operation did not complete successfully?

Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:

File behavior matches a known malware: You often get the error when a file similar to the one you are trying to run is malware. File downloaded from an unreliable source: If the file has been downloaded from an unreliable source, it could rightly be flagged, and you should not run it without verifying the same. Issues with Windows Defender: Often, the problem arises due to corrupt system files, which leads to issues with Windows Defender and, thus, the error.

How do I fix the Operation did not complete successfully error?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these:

Your primary approach, when faced with the error, should be to verify if the file is indeed safe. A quick way would be to scan it using a reliable third-party antivirus or check the Internet. If there are any Windows updates available, install them. Maybe Microsoft Defender has a bug and needs a patch. If the error appears only when running files of a particular program, update it. Disable all third-party antivirus installed on the PC and, for a while, just rely on Windows Defender. If you don’t get the Operation did not complete successfully error anymore, your antivirus was responsible for it.

If these don’t work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Add an exclusion

That’s it! After the file has been added as an exclusion, you shouldn’t see the Operation did not complete successfully error message again for it. SPONSORED

2. Disable Windows Defender

If you are facing the Operation did not complete successfully error with several files, manually adding exclusions would be time-consuming. Instead, a simpler option is to temporarily disable Windows Defender. Just make sure not to download any files in the meanwhile.

3. Run the SFC scan

4. Use Disk Cleanup

In many cases, the Operation did not complete successfully error appeared due to problematic temporary files on the PC, so clear them to fix things. And make sure to delete the Temporary Windows installation files.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

That’s it! An in-place upgrade should help you fix the Operation did not complete successfully error for good. But how do you ensure that it doesn’t appear again? The only way out is to use an advanced antivirus like ESET Internet Security. It has an advanced machine learning AI feature that continuously scans for signatures and blocks them the moment they look suspicious, besides providing security over the network. Also, before you leave, find out how to make Windows 11 faster and get the best performance. If you have any queries or want to share a solution not listed here, drop a comment below.

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