When you download an executable file from the Internet, you may receive the “Operation Did Not Complete” error. This article explains how you can fix the issue yourself.

Troubleshooting the Operation Did Not Complete error in Win 11?

To resolve the issue, check if the file you’re downloading is safe. If it is, temporarily disable Windows defender (or a third-party antivirus tool, if you are using one). In rare instances, repairing corrupt system files may be necessary.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Ensure you’re downloading the file from a genuine, reputable source. The most common cause for the “Operation Did Not Complete” error is virus- or malware-infected files. Downloading a file that has a virus or malware triggers this error. Therefore, start by ensuring the source from which you’re downloading the file is genuine and reputable. In case you downloaded the file from an email or unsolicited link, we recommend you to search for the official source and download the file directly from there.

2. Try downloading the file one more time. In case you’re downloading the file from its original source and are sure it doesn’t have a virus, try downloading the file again. In case the initial download was corrupted for some reason, this could make your antivirus tool flag the file as dangerous.

3. Disable Windows Defender temporarily. Just like any other antivirus software, Windows Defender can detect false positives occasionally. In this situation, it would be best to disable Windows Defender, and then download the file and run it. After which, you should enable Windows Defender again. If you’re using a third-party antivirus tool instead, temporarily disable it.

Here’s how you can disable (or enable) Windows Defender in Windows 11:

• Type Windows Security in the Search bar in the taskbar and hit Enter
• In the Windows Security window, click Virus & threat protection on the left-side pane or the main menu
• Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings
• Toggle Real-time protection to Off

Now, you should be able to download and run the executable file. Don’t forget to turn on real-time protection later, as leaving this option turned off is a bad idea.

If you’re using a third-party antivirus tool, you can disable it from its user interface window. Click the software’s icon in the system tray (where time & date is displayed) or on the desktop to open its user interface and look for the disable option.

4. Add an exclusion to Windows Defender. In case you’re able to run the file after disabling Windows Defender, you don’t need to try the remaining solutions. However, you may want to add the file to your antivirus software’s exclusion list.

Here’s what to do:

• Type settings in the Search bar and hit Enter
• Select Privacy & Security | Windows Security | Virus & threat protection | Manage Settings | Exclusions | Add or remove exclusions and then select your file

5. Run the SFC scan. In rare instances, running the System File Checker (SFC) scan is necessary. If none of the above solutions worked for you, the issue could be related to a damaged or corrupted system file. You can fix the problem by running the SFC scan from elevated Command Prompt.

Here’s what to do:

• Type command prompt in the Search bar in the Taskbar, right-click the Command Prompt entry in the Search results, and select Run as administrator
• In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter
• Wait for the scan to complete, which could take a few minutes to an hour (or even more), depending on the size and health of your hard disk
• Close the Command Prompt window and try downloading and running the executable file now

That’s it! We hope one of these solutions worked for you. Leave us a comment and share this post so others can benefit.

And one last thing…

Make sure your device drivers are up-to-date, as outdated drivers are the biggest cause of sluggish PC performance and system errors. The easiest way to update drivers is by using an advanced third-party tool such as Driver Updater.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

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