Share this article
Improve this guide
Fix: Operation Did Not Complete Successfully [Virus, PUP]
Check simple solutions that work for all users
5 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
An average home computer stores many files, sometimes in millions. Some are a part of Windows, while others are manually added. And when trying to run the latter, users often come across theOperation did not complete successfullyerror.
The complete error message readsOperation 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-inWindows Defender. So, let’s find out all about the problem and the solutions that work.
Secure your devices with award-winning cybersecurity technology.
Maximize your PC’s security and performance with top-notch digital threat detection.
Keep secure with groundbreaking AI detection and prevention technology.
Browse the web securely for up to 3 devices across Windows, Mac, iOS or Android systems.
Best security tool for intense browsing activity.
Why does Windows sayOperation did not complete successfully?
Here are a few reasons you might be getting the error:
How do I fix theOperation did not complete successfullyerror?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these:
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 theOperation did not complete successfullyerror message again for it.
2. Disable Windows Defender
If you are facing theOperation did not complete successfullyerror with several files, manually adding exclusions would be time-consuming. Instead, an easier option is to temporarily disable Windows Defender. Just make sure not to download any files in the meanwhile.
3. Run the SFC scan
If this scanning method doesn’t seem to solve the issue, you should consider an advanced antivirus like ESET HOME Security Essential.
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.
⇒Get ESET HOME Security Essential
4. Use Disk Cleanup
In many cases, theOperation did not complete successfullyerror appeared due to problematic temporary files on the PC, so clear them to fix things. And make sure to delete theTemporary Windows installation files.
5. Perform an in-place upgrade
That’s it! An in-place upgrade should help you fix theOperation did not complete successfullyerror for good. But how do you ensure that it doesn’t appear again?
Also, before you leave, find out how tomake Windows 11 fasterand get the best performance. And if you happen to encounter theWindows error code 0x800700E1: Virus Detected, our guide will help you too.
If you have any queries or want to share a solution not listed here, drop a comment below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
