ByQbittorrent is a popular open-source torrent client that millions of users use to download files. However, many times, users face errors like “Virus Detected”, which can cause fear and confusion. In this article, we will review this problem in depth and detail the accurate and safe ways to fix it.
Why does the “Virus Detected” error appear in Qbittorrent?
Many times when we download a torrent, antivirus software or Windows Defender flags it as a virus or malware. There can be some main reasons behind this:
False Positive Detection: Some files are safe, but their pattern looks virus-like.
Malware hidden in torrent file: Some torrent uploaders hide malicious scripts or software.
The system’s security settings are too strict.
The QBittorrent exe file is suspected.
Solution: How to Fix QBittorrent Virus Detected Error
1. Whitelist Qbittorrent in Windows Defender
If you are using Windows Defender, it may block the main file of Qbittorrent.
Steps:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Select Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings > Add or Remove Exclusions.
Click on Add an Exclusion and select the exe file of Qbittorrent.
This process will help Qbittorrent to be considered safe by Windows.
2. Download Qbittorrent from a trusted source
Always download Qbittorrent from the official website:
https://www.qbittorrent.org/download.php
Sometimes files downloaded from third-party websites are not genuine and contain malware.
3. Use only trusted torrent files
Stay away from fake or cracked torrent files. These files may contain dangerous viruses like Trojans, Ransomware, or Adware. Download torrents only from well-known websites like:
1337x
RARBG
The Pirate Bay
And read the user comments.
4. Install and scan a strong antivirus
If you are repeatedly facing this error, it may also be due to a virus already present in your system.
Recommended antivirus software:
Bitdefender Antivirus
Malwarebytes
Kaspersky Security Cloud
Scan the whole system and remove infected files.
5. Use Sandboxing or Virtual Machine
If you want to open an unknown torrent file, it is better to test it in a sandbox or virtual machine first.
Sandboxie Plus is a great and free tool.
You can do testing by installing a separate Windows in VirtualBox.
This way, your real machine can be protected from any potential damage.
6. Clean Uninstall and Reinstall Qbittorrent
If the Qbittorrent already installed on your system has become infected or is repeatedly giving errors, follow these steps:
Uninstall Qbittorrent by going to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
Delete the C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Local\qbittorrent folder.
Clean the registry with a tool like CCleaner.
Reinstall Qbittorrent from the official website.
Extra Tips: How to Make Your Torrenting Experience Safer
Use a VPN: Always use a VPN while torrenting to keep your identity and activity secure. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN are good options.
Pay attention to the peer and seeder ratio: Torrents with higher seeders usually provide a safer and faster downloading experience.
Turn off live scanning while downloading torrents: Sometimes real-time scanning of antivirus gives false alarms. You can temporarily turn it off while downloading torrents (remember, do this only for trusted files).
What file types should be especially avoided?
Think twice before downloading the following file types:
.exe
.bat
.vbs
.scr
These formats are most commonly used to spread viruses and malware.
Conclusion: Use Qbittorrent safely and wisely
Qbittorrent itself is a safe and reliable software, but user caution matters the most while using it. If you follow the tips given above, errors like “Virus Detected” can be easily avoided.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Qbittorrent a virus?
Answer: No, Qbittorrent itself is a legitimate and open-source software. It is not a virus. However, some antiviruses may mistakenly detect it as a virus (False Positive).
Q2. Why do I get the “Virus Detected” error when I download files from Qbittorrent?
Answer: This error often occurs when you download a suspicious torrent file that may contain a virus, or when a safe file is mistakenly detected as a virus by the antivirus.
Q3. Should I turn off my antivirus?
Answer: No, it is not advisable to turn off the antivirus completely. You can just Whitelist Qbittorrent so that it works normally and your system is safe too.
Q4. How to use Qbittorrent safely?
Answer:
Always download from the official website
Use VPN
Download files from trusted torrent sites only
Check for suspicious files in Sandbox or Virtual Machine
Q5. Are all .exe torrent files dangerous?
Answer: No, not all .exe files are dangerous but there are high chances of them containing viruses. So use them very carefully.
Q6. What to do if a file associated with Qbittorrent is getting deleted repeatedly?
Answer: This can happen automatically by your antivirus. You can add that file to the Exclusion List of the antivirus so that it considers it safe.
Q7. Can Qbittorrent be used on Android or iOS?
Answer: No, Qbittorrent is only available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. There are other torrent clients for mobile users such as Flud or TorrDroid.
