Virus-infected data
File type: Various data file
Files using the vir file extension are typically associated with antivirus software. A vir file usually contains, or is, an infected file that the software has quarantined.
The extension can be added when antivirus software renames the original file to prevent other programs from accessing it.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 6, 2026
The vir file extension has been used by antivirus programs including Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Avira AntiVir Personal, Avira AntiVir Premium and Avira Premium Security Suite.
A vir file is usually a virus-infected file that has been moved to quarantine and renamed. Replacing the original extension with .vir helps prevent the infected file from being opened or run normally, although some antivirus products use their own quarantine storage instead.
This is not a standardized document format. The file may contain the original infected data or quarantine-related data, depending on the antivirus product that created it. The software associated with this record runs on Microsoft Windows.
Do not open a vir file manually or rename it back to its original extension. It may contain active malware. Use the antivirus program that created it to inspect the quarantine, restore the file only if it is confirmed to be safe, or delete it.
On Microsoft Windows, relevant programs include Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Avira AntiVir Personal, Avira AntiVir Premium and Avira Premium Security Suite.
A vir file cannot be meaningfully converted to another file format. It is normally a quarantined infected file rather than an independent document.
Manage it through the antivirus program that created it. If the file is a false positive, the program may be able to restore the original file; otherwise, it should be removed using the program's quarantine controls.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving vir files:
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