How do I get rid of the Windows Defender Security Notification that is locking up my computer?

Hi Skip,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I'm sorry to hear that you have a malware problem. The Windows Defender Security Notification that is locking up your computer is a scam that tries to trick you into calling a fake customer support number. You should not call the number or follow any instructions from the scammers. Instead, you should try to remove the malware from your computer as soon as possible.

• Restart in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode to prevent any third-party applications, including malware, from running. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support
• Perform a Full Scan with Windows Defender:
  • While in Safe Mode, run a full scan using Windows Defender to identify and remove any malware. To do this, follow these steps: Remove malware from your Windows PC - Microsoft Support
• As a last resort, you may need to do a clean reinstall of Windows to fully remove persistent malware. Be sure to back up any important data first.
• Avoid dubious downloads, email attachments and websites in the future to prevent malware infections. Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated.

Let me know if the malware persists after trying some of these steps. Being locked out by a fake security notification is frustrating, but with some effort you should be able to clean it up and regain access to your computer.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

(Lol) I realize it's not the MS-Edge browser; But, a lot of people use that other company's browser, Chrome.!? If you get locked-up with that fake MS-Defender phone number, and you're in the Chrome-browser; here's what you do..

You hit Cntrl-T which will generate a new "tab" and put you in the new tab. You then "carefully" arrow over to the left, to the tab where the scam has things locked; and you hit the little "x" to close the tab.

(lol) After hitting the Control-T you could go to the vertical 3-dots and just "Exit" the Chrome-browser; BUT but, if you've got your Startup Settings set to reopen the tabs where you "left off"; Then you'll just bring the scammed locked tab right back..??

(lol) I'm sure the MS-Edge browser has a very similar set up or scenario..? The key is to know or remember the keystroke-combination that takes you to a new tab.

Anyhow FWIW

Jim V

I picked up on your response below. Maqnaged to eliminate (i think) and Microsoft Security Error (fake) and knew enough not to response BUT the recorded message/warning plays through my laptop speaker every tijme I accss microsoft Office (what I use mostly. I cannot for the life of me get it stopped. Basically says same thing screen said: Microsoft suspended, call Microsoft at the phone number.

Any thoughts on how I fix that?

Many thanks.

Rick Hulbert, Helena Montana [phone numbe removed] ...rick****@gmail.com.

I think I have malware- Windows Defender Security Notification- that has locked up my computer- how do I get rid of it- I shut my computer down, but it was still there when I started it

<Changed to a question>

I have Windows 11. How to stop this scam or malware or whatever it is?

I tried the safe restart option, but now my laptop is locked out.

My pin doesn't work, nor does my fingerprint.

What do I do now?