Windows 11 · Windows
How to Remove Fake Antivirus Pop-Ups in Windows
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
To remove fake antivirus pop-ups in Windows, follow the current owner-supported checks below in order. Start with the least destructive action, keep account and save data intact, and verify the result before reinstalling or contacting support.
Treat phone-number alerts as scams
A genuine Microsoft warning does not include a phone number. Do not call, pay, click Allow, install remote-access software, or enter account details in an alarming browser pop-up.
Close the browser safely
Press Alt+F4 to close the active browser window. If it will not close, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select the browser in Task Manager, and choose End task. Do not interact with buttons inside the warning.
Reopen without restoring the bad tab
Start the browser and decline any prompt to restore the previous session. Open its Settings > Privacy and security and remove notification permission for unfamiliar sites.
Remove suspicious extensions and apps
Review the browser's Extensions page and Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Uninstall only software you do not recognize or that appeared with the pop-ups; keep legitimate security software active.
Run Windows Security scans
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection updates, check for updates, then run a Full scan. Use Microsoft Defender Offline scan if pop-ups return outside the browser or Microsoft recommends it.
Change exposed credentials
If you entered a password or allowed remote access, disconnect the device from the network, remove the remote-access app, and change affected passwords from a trusted device. Contact the bank immediately if payment details were shared.
Report and verify
Report the scam through Microsoft's official reporting route and clear the malicious site's browser data. Restart Windows and confirm the pop-up does not return before re-enabling any extension.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If a label differs, update the product and compare the current Microsoft Support article before continuing. Do not guess at hidden files, account links, ports, security controls, or region restrictions.
- If the supported workflow still fails, preserve the full error, timestamp, platform, account region, and completed steps for Microsoft Support instead of repeating destructive resets.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.