⚠️ 3 verified solutions available for Error 226 — Last updated 2026-03-13
Error 226 📋

How to Fix ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED (Error 226)

The ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED error occurs when a file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software, preventing it from being opened. This error is triggered by Windows' security features to protect your system from malicious software. To resolve this issue, you'll need to remove the virus or unwanted software from the file.

🏷️ Code: 226 📛 ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED 📅 Updated: 2026-03-13 ⏱️ 3 Solutions

🎮 Common Scenario: Are you experiencing Error 226 while launching or installing Valorant? The solutions below directly address the system interactions specific to this application.

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💡 What is Error 226?

The ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED error is a security measure implemented by Windows to prevent the execution of files that contain viruses or potentially unwanted software. When a file is detected to have a virus, Windows will flag it and prevent it from being opened, thereby protecting the system from potential harm. This error can be triggered by various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and spyware. The impact of this error on the system is that the file cannot be accessed or executed until the virus or unwanted software is removed. In some cases, the file may be deleted or quarantined by the antivirus software to prevent further damage. It's essential to address this error promptly to ensure the security and integrity of the system. Windows provides various tools and features to help detect and remove malware, including Windows Defender and the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Additionally, third-party antivirus software can also be used to scan and clean infected files. By understanding the causes of this error and taking the necessary steps to remove the malware, users can resolve the ERROR_VIRUS_DELETED error and ensure their system remains secure.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Malware infection from downloading files from untrusted sources
  • Opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders
  • Infected software installations or updates

Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Run a virus scan
  1. Open Windows Defender or your installed antivirus software
  2. Select the scan option to detect and remove malware
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the scan and remove any detected threats
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Show Advanced Solutions (2 more)
2 Use the Microsoft Safety Scanner
  1. Download and install the Microsoft Safety Scanner
  2. Run the scanner and select the scan option to detect and remove malware
3 Manually remove the virus
  1. Identify the infected file and delete it
  2. Restart your system in safe mode to prevent any malware from loading

🛡️ Prevention Tips

  • Keep your antivirus software up to date
  • Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources
  • Use strong passwords and enable firewall protection
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Last updated: 2026-03-13
📖
Based on Official Microsoft Documentation
Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11
Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-13.
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