Gmail automatically checks for viruses in email attachments, so you don't need to run a manual scan within the Gmail interface itself. The service is designed to detect and block known viruses before they reach you or when you attempt to send them.
Here's how Gmail handles virus checks based on its built-in security features:
Automatic Virus Detection
Gmail's primary method for dealing with viruses is through automated scanning of attachments. This happens behind the scenes during both the sending and receiving process.
Sending Emails with Attachments
When you attempt to attach a file to an email, Gmail scans it for known viruses.
- If a virus is detected: You will receive a "Virus detected!" error message.
- Your option: You will be given an option to send the email without the infected attachment. You cannot send the email with the detected virus.
Receiving Emails with Attachments
When an email is sent to you, Gmail also scans any attached files upon arrival.
- If a known virus is found: Gmail will reject the message entirely.
- Sender notification: The sender will be notified that their email could not be delivered because it contained a virus. The message will not appear in your inbox.
What This Means for You
Since Gmail performs automatic checks, you don't have a button or feature to manually "check" an email or attachment for viruses after it has arrived in your inbox. If an email with a known virus was sent to you, it likely wouldn't even reach your inbox in the first place.
Key Takeaways:
- Gmail automatically scans attachments for known viruses.
- Detected viruses in outgoing attachments trigger an error, preventing you from sending the file.
- Incoming emails with detected viruses are rejected by Gmail and do not reach your inbox.
This built-in security significantly reduces the risk of receiving or accidentally sending virus-infected files through Gmail.
