Message on laptop states Windows Defender Security Has Disabled Your Computer

Question

Voice announcement states Windows Defender has temporarily disabled your internet connection and computer for suspicious activity from Facebook

Answer 1

Welcome Joanne Hirsch,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum.  

I understand how frustrating it can be when you received a warning message and voice alert claiming that Windows Defender disabled your computer and internet connection due to suspicious Facebook activity. 

Regarding your case, I can see that QA Assist has already provided some helpful troubleshooting step. Besides, you could also consider the follow options below:  

• Step 1: Open Windows Security from Start > select App and browser control, and make sure SmartScreen is turned on for apps and browsers 
• Step 2: Open your web browser settings and review installed extensions or add-ons, then remove any you do not recognize 
• Step 3:  Reset the browser settings back to default to remove unwanted site permissions or startup pages. 
  • Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge > Click the three dots (⋯) in the top‑right corner >  Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default value > Confirm with Reset 
  • Chrome: Open Chrome > click the three dots (⋮) in the top‑right corner > Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset settings 
• Step 4: Check Startup apps  
  • Open Task Manager > Startup 
  • Disable any unfamiliar or suspicious entries  
• Step 6:  Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan: 
  • Open Windows Security 
  • Go to Virus & threat protection 
  • Select Scan options 
  • Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and start the scan 

I really hope that the information I gave above was helpful to you. Please feel free to reply below and let me know if you have further concern on this matter.   

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Answer 2

This is a tech support scam message, not a legitimate Windows Defender or Microsoft 365 Defender alert. Microsoft and Windows Defender do not lock the computer or tell users by voice that the device is disabled due to Facebook activity, and they do not display phone numbers to call in such pop‑ups.

Do the following to safely recover the device and avoid future scams:

1. Close the fake warning
   • Try pressing Alt + F4 repeatedly to close the browser tab or window that shows the message.
   • If that does not work, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the web browser process (for example, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox), and choose End task.
   • If the system is still stuck, hold the power button down until the PC turns off, then turn it back on.
2. Do not call any phone number or click links in the message
   • Microsoft does not provide support phone numbers in pop‑up warnings and does not ask users to call to unlock a computer.
   • Do not give remote access, payment, or personal information to anyone who contacted through this message.
3. Clear the browser cache after restart
   • Open the browser again and clear browsing data (cache and cookies) so the malicious page is less likely to reload.
   • For Edge, follow the steps in the browser’s settings to clear cached images and files.
4. Run a security check with Windows Security
   • Open Windows Security from Start.
   • Go to Virus & threat protection and run a Full scan to check for malware.
   • Windows Security provides real‑time malware detection, prevention, and removal with cloud‑delivered protection.
5. Protect against future scams
   • Be wary of pop‑ups or pages claiming the device is infected and telling to call “Windows support” or “Microsoft support.” These are typical tech support scams.
   • Do not open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages or on social media.
   • Keep Windows and all software up to date and use a modern browser such as Microsoft Edge, which can help block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running.
   • Review Microsoft’s guidance on how to protect yourself from tech support scams and protect yourself from phishing scams.

If there is any doubt that malware remains, consider getting help through official Microsoft support channels only, starting from the Microsoft Support website, not from any phone number or link shown in a pop‑up.

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References:

• Keep your computer secure at home
• App & browser control in the Windows Security App
• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A