Have you recently downloaded a file on your PC but can’t open it due to the Operation Did Not Complete error? Well, the issue usually appears with executable files (.exe). However, it can appear with any other program as well. While most users believe it to be a system error, usually, it is the virus that bothers the operation.
In some cases, when the file is partially downloaded, re-downloading it works. However, if this doesn’t help and you get “Operation did not complete,” it is usually a virus-related issue that may prove to be dangerous for the OS.
Fortunately, there are ways to resolve the issue before it gets too late. By the end of this post, you will be able to identify the reasons for the “Operation did not complete” error and how to deal with it.
So, let’s begin!
Reasons for the Operation Did Not Complete Error on Your PC
Your PC’s security program is designed to stop any sort of unidentified files from running. The operation did not complete prompt is a reflex action of your protection program resisting a file that is either not from a trusted source or contains a malicious script that may be harmful to the PC. Since the error appears in executable files, prevention is as important as running a wrong .exe file, which may not end well for your PC.
Sure, sometimes the issue may arise when trying to run a file you trust. But that is OK, considering you believe in the source of the file, but the PC does not. Some of the core reasons why your PC is resisting the execution of a file with Operation Did Not Complete error are –
- The file footprint resembles a virus or malware.
- Your current security program is outdated.
- The overstrict policies of your antivirus firewall may cause errors with safe files.
- Corrupt system files may also cause false triggers if the operation does not complete the error prompt.
- The file you have downloaded is from an unknown source.
In all situations, your antivirus program must work fine. The security of your PC depends more or less on it. Hence, you should not take any risks. Check out the steps to fix the error without harming your computer, as choosing to open the wrong file may also cause havoc.
Ways to Fix the Operation Did Not Complete Error on Windows
Before jumping to the fixes, restart your computer to ensure that it is not just a temporary glitch that is stopping your computer from opening the file. After restarting, try launching the file and check if the operation did not complete the error appears. If it does, try the fixes below.
Fix 1 – Scan the PC for Existing Errors
If the error has appeared, it gives a direct signal that either your PC is affected by a virus or the file you are trying to use is malicious. In both cases, we recommend scanning your PC with perfect antivirus software. You can run a quick scan using the Windows Security application. However, that may not be enough, as such errors require a larger and regularly updated database of threats to compare the files and detect the issue.
Hence, we recommend downloading and installing the T9 Antivirus on your PC. The cool thing about this tool is that it offers different protection shields, scanning modes, and much more.
Step 1 – Download the T9 Antivirus and finish the installation.
Step 2 – Run the application and give it all the permissions.
Step 3 – Enable all the firewalls for complete protection.
Step 4 – Run a quick scan and check the PC for viruses.
Step 5 – If the scan finds the virus in the file not opening, you have your answer right there! The file will be quarantined. However, if the file causing the “Operation did not complete” error is not detected as infectious, go ahead and open the file.
Fix 2 – Add the File to the Windows Security Exclusion List
Now that you have scanned your PC with the T9 Antivirus and understood that the files are safe, you can run the file easily. However, if the file is still not opening and the error keeps appearing, there are chances that something is triggering the firewall.
Hence, adding the file to the exclusion list will remove the error and give your consent to the firewall that you want to open the file.
Step 1 – Go to the Windows Security using the Start Menu. You can also search for the same.
Step 2 – Go to Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security menu.
Step 3 – Scroll down to find the Manage Settings option in the Opened menu. Click on it to open.
Step 4 – After opening the settings, scroll down to find exclusions.
Step 5 – Click on Add Exclusions, choose File, and browse to find the problematic file.
After adding the file to exclusion, exit the security program, return to your downloads (or wherever the problematic file is), and launch it.
Fix 3 – Run SFC Scan for System File Errors
If the file shows the error prompt despite being added to the exclusion list, there may be an error in your system files. Get rid of the error using the SFC scan command. It will check all the system files for errors and eliminate any.
Step 1 – Go to the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
Step 2 – Launch the Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 3 – Use the Command SFC/Scannow and hit enter. 
This will run the process. Let it run and finish. After it finishes restart the PC, and your issues should be resolved.
Many users have shared that removing the temporary files has also helped them. You can try that too –
Step 1 – Use Ctrl+R to open the Run search.
Step 2 – Use the command %temp% and hit enter to open the folder that contains temporary files.
Step 3 – Press Ctrl+A to select all the files and delete them.
After removing temporary files, your PC will function as newly booted. Hence, it might help you resolve the Operation did not complete error on your PC. Let us know which fix worked the best for you in the comments section. That is all for this one. Good luck!
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