Security Message

Question

Security Message from Microsoft Support :

Windows Security has locked up my computer. How do I fix this?

Answer 1

Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

Answer 2

The behavior described matches a fake “Windows Security/Windows Defender” or “Microsoft Support” alert shown in the web browser, not Windows actually locking the computer.

To close the fake security message and regain control:

1. Close the browser that shows the alert
   • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select Task Manager.
   • In Task Manager, find the web browser process (for example, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox).
   • Select each browser process and choose End task until the browser closes.
   • Alternatively, press Alt+F4 repeatedly to close the browser window, or Ctrl+W to close the active browser tab.
   • If nothing else works, hold the power button until the PC turns off, then turn it back on.
2. Clear the browser cache and site data
   • After the PC is back to normal, reopen the browser.
   • Clear browsing history, cookies, and cached files so the malicious page does not reload from history.
3. Avoid interacting with the scam
   • Do not call any phone number shown in the message.
   • Do not allow remote access or install any software requested by the pop‑up.
   • If no number was called and no software was installed or permissions granted, the computer is typically not compromised; the issue is limited to the browser session.
4. Reduce the chance of future pop‑ups
   • Install and enable a reputable ad blocker extension in the browser to reduce malicious or misleading ads that can cause these pop‑ups.
   • Review Microsoft’s guidance on tech support scams to recognize and avoid similar messages in the future.

If Windows Security itself reports issues (for example, firewall off, antivirus off), run the Windows Security troubleshooter to automatically check and enable key protections:

1. Download and run the Windows Security Troubleshooter from the “Automatically fix Windows security issues” article.
2. Follow the steps in the troubleshooter to verify and enable features like Windows Firewall, antivirus protection status, and updates.

---

References:

• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• Disabled computer - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• Automatically fix Windows security issues
• Stay protected with Windows Security
• Protect yourself from tech support scams