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A pop-up says your computer is infected? Close it safely

Short answer

Don’t call the number or click anything in the warning: real Microsoft warnings never show a phone number. Close the browser window with the X. If it won’t close, end the browser in Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).

Last reviewed October 8, 2026 against Microsoft, Apple and the FTC

On this page

Windows 11 · card W16

How do I close a fake virus warning?

Don’t call the number. Close the browser with the X, or end it in Task Manager if it won’t close. Then run a quick virus scan.

Use this when a web page suddenly says your computer is infected or locked, maybe with a loud voice, a countdown and a phone number.

  1. Don’t call the number or click anything in it. Real Microsoft warnings never show a phone number.

  2. Close the browser window with the X at the top right.

  3. Won’t close? Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc for Task Manager. Under Processes, right-click the browser (for example Microsoft Edge) and select End task.

  4. Open the browser again, then run a quick virus scan (W24 Check for viruses with Windows Security).

SECURITY ALERTYour computer hasbeen locked.Viruses detected! Do notclose this window.Call now: 1-8XX-XXX-XXXXFiles deleted in:04:591Looks official2Says you’relocked3Phone number4CountdownA made-up example of a FAKE warning
Illustration, not a screenshot.

Done when

The warning is gone and your browser opens normally.

Good to know

Edge’s scareware blocker can catch these pages for you: Settings › Privacy, search, and services › Security.

Stop here if…

you already called, let someone onto your computer, or paid — go to S04 If you think you’ve been scammed now.

Written for Windows 11 · versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 · Home and Pro · Microsoft Edge. Checked against official pages on October 8, 2026.

Official sources for this card

Windows 11 · card W24

How do I run a quick virus scan?

Use Windows Security, which comes with Windows 11 at no extra cost: Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan.

Use this when something seems wrong, you clicked something you shouldn’t have, or you want peace of mind.

  1. Select Start, type Windows Security, and open it.

  2. Select Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan. Wait for it to finish.

  3. For a deeper check, select Scan options, choose Full scan, and start it. It can take a long time.

  4. On the Windows Security home page, check the symbols:

    Green check mark
    all fine.
    Yellow
    a recommendation to look at.
    Red
    needs attention now.

Done when

The scan finishes and shows no current threats.

Good to know

Windows Security comes with Windows 11 at no extra cost. You don’t need to buy antivirus because a pop-up or caller says so.

Stop here if…

it finds a threat it can’t remove, or you’re worried someone had remote access — see S04 If you think you’ve been scammed and get trusted help.

Written for Windows 11 · versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 · Home and Pro. Checked against official pages on October 8, 2026.

Official sources for this card

Stay safe · page S03

How can I tell real help from fake help?

Real companies don’t put phone numbers in security warnings, don’t contact you out of the blue about a problem, and don’t ask for gift cards, codes or passwords.

Scammers pose as tech support because everyone needs it sometimes. Here’s how to tell the difference — and how to reach the real thing.

Real companies…

  • never put a phone number in a security warning (Microsoft);
  • won’t call, email or text you out of the blue to say your computer has a problem (FTC);
  • won’t ask you to pay for support with gift cards or cryptocurrency (Microsoft);
  • won’t ask you to turn off a security feature, or to read out a code or password (Apple).

To reach real support

AppleThe Apple Support app, or getsupport.apple.com. By phone: US 1-800-275-2273 · Canada 1-800-263-3394 · UK 0800 107 6285 · Australia (61) 1-300-321-456.
Microsoftsupport.microsoft.com/contactus — sign in, and you can chat with a Microsoft specialist.
Your bankThe number on the back of your card. In the UK, dial 159.
Your helperThe person you listed on R06 My trusted helpers (in the kit).

Don’t search for a support number and call the top result

Scammers pay to appear at the top of search results and run their own ads (FTC). Type the company’s address yourself, or use the numbers above.

Apple’s numbers were checked on Apple’s contact page in October 2026. Numbers can change, and many work only inside their own country.

Stay safe · page S04

I gave a scammer remote access. What now?

Do these as soon as you can: remove what they installed, update and scan, and change your passwords. If you paid or shared a code, see what to do if you already paid.

Let someone onto your computer

Uninstall anything they had you install. Install updates and run a full scan (W24 Check for viruses with Windows Security). Change your passwords and turn on two-factor.

Gave a password or code

Change that password now, from a device you trust, and turn on two-factor (P25 Check your Apple Account is well protected for iPhone).

From the kit’s page S04, checked against the FTC and Microsoft on October 8, 2026.

Keep the steps on paper

These steps come from Plain Steps: 67 one-page fixes like these for everyday iPhone and Windows 11 jobs, to read on screen or print. Every card has the same shape: the path, numbered steps, how to tell it worked, and when to stop.

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