Windows Defender Security

Question

My laptop keeps telling me

Windows defender security has disabled your computer. Please contact Microsoft Windows support. 1-844-505-0369

I was not sure if this was a scam or not

Answer 1

Hi, this is a definitely a tech support scam. Microsoft (or any other legitimate company) will never lock up your computer with a popup banner asking you to contact them for assistance. The computer is not frozen, it's just a maximized browser window that you need to close.

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) or Ctrl + W (to close the tab)

• 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/clearBrowserData into the URL bar. Select the first three options then press Clear now

For Chrome - https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?sjid=15486707136132768444-AP

Firefox - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-clear-firefox-cache

To minimize the likelihood of this happening again, install an Adblocker.

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

https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/adblock-plus-free-ad-bl/gmgoamodcdcjnbaobigkjelfplakmdhh

Further reading -

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/concern/scam

Answer 2

The message is a tech support scam.

Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call, and Microsoft does not proactively disable devices and ask to call a support number. Tech support scammers commonly:

• Show fake "Windows Defender" or "security" alerts in the browser
• Put the browser in full screen and play alarming audio
• Display a phone number and claim the computer is blocked

What to do now:

1. Do not call 1-844-505-0369 or any number shown in the alert.
2. Close the browser showing the message:
   • Try pressing ALT + F4 to close the window.
   • If that fails, restart the computer.
3. Do not click any links or allow anyone remote access to the device from that message.
4. Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus and install all security updates.
5. If any software was installed or access was granted to a “support” person, uninstall what they asked to install, consider resetting the device, change passwords, and monitor accounts and sign-in activity.
6. If any payment was made, contact the bank or card issuer immediately.
7. Report the scam to Microsoft at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam.

For future protection:

• Remember that any communication with Microsoft must be initiated by the user; Microsoft does not cold call or send unsolicited messages asking for payment or remote access.
• Download software only from official vendor sites or the Microsoft Store.
• Use Microsoft Edge with Windows Defender SmartScreen and keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled.

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References:

• Tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A