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> **Documentation Index:** Fetch the complete configuration index at https://browser.yandex.by/help/en/llms.txt




# Protect: check downloading files


{% note alert %}

[Yandex Browser](https://browser.yandex.com/) blocks malicious file [downloads](https://browser.yandex.by/help/en/working-with-files/download-files.md), but it isn't a full-fledged antivirus product. However, Protect technology defends your browser against computer [threats](https://browser.yandex.by/help/en/security/protection.md) that antivirus programs do not block. We recommend using both for full protection.

{% endnote %}


## Scanning downloaded files automatically {#file-checking-automatic}


{% note alert "Restriction" %}

Virus scanning is only available for Windows.

{% endnote %}


Files you download from the Internet may contain [malware](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus) or undesirable programs. They slow down and block your computer, steal your data, send spam, distribute unsolicited ads, and cause unexpected behavior in browsers.

This is why Yandex Browser scans all archives and executable files that are downloaded both directly and in the background. As soon as downloading starts, Yandex Browser selects certain file characteristics and sends them to the Yandex server for review. Only the problematic part of the file is transferred, in order to ensure that the security check goes as quickly as possible. During this time, you can't open the file, and its icon to the right of the [SmartBox](*smart-link) becomes semi-transparent.

After the security check, infected or suspicious files are marked with the ![](../_image/file-virus-icon.png) icon.

![](../_image/file-virus.png)


## Blocking dangerous files {#dangerous}

Malware that has entered a computer slows it down or blocks it, and steals, changes or deletes information. It also intercepts passwords, sends spam and infects other devices in the network.

If a file that's downloading contains [malware](https://yandex.com/support/common/security/virus-security.html), Yandex Browser will block it. An infected file is marked with the ![](../_image/file-virus-icon.png) icon, and you will see a warning if you try to open it.

![](../_image/dangerous-file.png)

Yandex Browser keeps files containing malware and adds the `infected` extension to the file name. The file cannot be opened in this form using Yandex Browser or any other software. This means the infected file can no longer pose a threat, but an antivirus program on your computer might still consider it dangerous.

If you didn't delete the infected file right away, you can do it later:

1. Click **![](../_image/settings-icon.png =22x)** → **Downloads** or press **Ctrl** + **J**.

1. Hover over the file name and click **More** → **Delete malicious file**.


## Suspicious file warning {#suspicious}

Some files and archives install programs and [extensions](https://browser.yandex.by/help/en/security/check-extensions.md#bad-extensions) that show undesirable ads, automatically open third-party pages in the browser, or perform other actions without your knowledge after you open them.

Yandex Browser considers these files suspicious, marks them with the ![](../_image/file-virus-icon.png), and shows you a warning if you try to open them.

![](../_image/suspisious-file.png)

It's not a good idea to open suspicious files. But if you decide to:

1. Click **![](../_image/settings-icon.png =22x)** → **Downloads** or press **Ctrl** + **J**.

1. Hover over the file name and click **More** → **Open unsafe file**.


## Disable protection against malicious sites and programs {#switch-off}

<!--По этому разделу написаны фактовые ответы. Если раздел обновился, не забудьте проверить и обновить ответы в файле fact-answers.yaml.-->

{% note alert %}

If you want to disable downloaded file checks, you will have to disable protection against malware and malicious sites in Yandex Browser completely. We strongly recommend that you don’t do this.

{% endnote %}


To disable downloaded file checks:

<!-- source: en/_includes/reusables/instrukcii/id-instrukcii/turn-off-sending-security-info.md -->
1. Click **![](../_image/settings-icon.png =22x)**&nbsp;→ **Settings**.

1. Go to the **Security** tab at the top of the page.

1. In the **Threat security** section, disable **Run security checks on websites and downloaded files** and **Send information about suspicious files and websites to Yandex** options.
<!-- endsource: en/_includes/reusables/instrukcii/id-instrukcii/turn-off-sending-security-info.md -->

To enable the review of downloaded files, follow the same steps and select the **Run security checks on websites and downloaded files** option.



<a href="en/support/support">
<span class="button">Contact support</span>
</a>


<!-- source: en/_includes/black-button-styles.md -->



<!-- endsource: en/_includes/black-button-styles.md -->

[*smart-link]: You can enter search queries in the address bar and Yandex Browser will understand what you need.