Blocked computer

Question

My PC has been blocked by a scam saying it's been been blocked by Microsoft for security reasons. How do I get around it?

Answer 1

To kill the stuck browser process, do whichever of the following works:

• Press F11 to exit the browser from full screen mode, then close the tab
• Press Alt + F4 (until the browser process is terminated)
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open Task Manager, locate the browser processes and right click End Task
• Hold the power button down until your computer turns off (this will always work)

After that, clear your browser's cache

For Edge, enter edge://settings/clearBrowserDatainto the URL bar. Select the first three options then press Clear now

For Chrome, refer to https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Install an Adblocker to reduce the likelihood of this happening again. I recommend uBlock Origin

https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak

Suggested reading:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams (microsoft.com)
• Microsoft-Report a technical support scam

Answer 2

Thank you!