Fix it yourself · Security
A "virus detected" pop-up has taken over the screen
A loud page saying your PC is infected, with a phone number to call, that won't close. It's a web page, not a real warning. Here's how to get rid of it.
Before you start: Real Windows and antivirus warnings never ask you to phone a number. Don't call it.
Steps
- Don't click anything on the page — not "Close", not "Scan", not the X inside it.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find your browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) in the list, click it, then click End task.
- If that doesn't work, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the computer switches off. Wait a moment and turn it back on.
- When the browser asks whether to restore pages, say No — otherwise the page comes straight back.
- Open Windows Security (search for it in the Start menu) → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
If that didn't work
- If it comes back on its own, or you did call the number and let them connect, follow the scam call guide and book a visit.
- Pop-ups on a phone: close all browser tabs, then clear the browser's history/site data.
When to stop and call
It keeps returning after a restart, new toolbars or programs have appeared, or you gave anyone access.
Book a visit →Ready when you are
Book a visit.
Tell me what's going wrong and when suits — I'll confirm a time, usually the same or next day.