possible hack

Question

I now have a notification of to install updates after calling number requested but haven't done for fear of uploading malware

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 notification to install Windows updates is legitimate only if it comes from Windows itself (for example, through Windows Update or the built‑in Update Assistant) and does not show a phone number to call.

Key points from Microsoft guidance:

1. Tech support scam pop‑ups
   • Scammers often freeze the browser and display fake Microsoft or Windows Defender messages with a phone number to call.
   • Microsoft error and warning messages never include phone numbers.
   • These pages are scams designed to get remote access or install malware.
2. What to do about the earlier call
   • If remote access was not granted and no software was installed at their request, the device is usually not compromised; it was just a scam pop‑up.
   • If any remote access tool or software was installed, uninstall it and run a full security scan.
3. Handling the current update notification
   • Windows 10 and later can legitimately show notifications that security updates or feature updates are required, especially when a version is near or past end of service.
   • These built‑in notifications do not ask to call a number and are part of the normal Windows Update process.
   • To be safe, do not click unknown web pop‑ups. Instead, go directly to:
     • Settings → Windows Update, and start the update from there.
   • Keeping Windows up to date is important for protection against malware and other threats.
4. If the screen locks again with a “call this number” message
   • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del → open Task Manager → end the browser process to close the fake page.
   • Do not call any number shown in a pop‑up.

For additional protection, run a deep scan using Microsoft Defender Offline from Windows Security.

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References:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Some versions of Windows 10 display a notification to install the latest version
• Three easy steps to improve your cybersecurity
• How malware can infect your PC
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I report a possible scam from Microsoft? - Microsoft Q&A
• why can't you block AnyTech365.com....they are a scam company posing as Microsoft supported, stealing information? - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A