Computer locked up

Question

My computer has been locked and i am to contact support

Answer 1

Hi! I'll be able to help you with this issue.

Can you please take a screenshot of it and paste it here?

I understand you got a pop-up on your screen with a Microsoft technical support number.

The number that showed up on your screen is not an official Microsoft support number. It’s part of a tech support scam. Microsoft does not display phone numbers for you to call on pop-up messages.

Scammers often use pop-up warnings to trick people into thinking their computer has a virus or other issue, prompting them to call a fake support number. Once contacted, scammers may guide victims through steps to gain remote access or install harmful software.

To close that pop-up window, press ALT+F4 on your keyboard.

Or CTRL ALT DELETE and open Task Manager, and close all open applications and browsers on the processes tab.

Answer 2

If the computer is locked and instructs to contact support, use only official Microsoft support channels and avoid calling or trusting any phone number or popup that appeared on the screen, as these are often part of tech support scams.

To get legitimate help from Microsoft:

1. Use the built-in Get Help app in Windows
   • Open the Start menu and search for Get Help.
   • Describe the issue in the app.
   • If self-help steps do not resolve it, choose Contact Support when prompted.
   • Select the appropriate product or service, then follow the prompts and confirm.
   • Choose a contact method such as Chat with a support agent in your web browser or Provide your phone number, and a support agent will call you.
2. Use the official Microsoft Support website
   • Go to the official Microsoft Support site and use the Contact us or Contact Support entry point to reach support.
   • Follow the guided flow to select the product (Windows, Microsoft 365, etc.) and scenario, then choose chat or phone support where available.
3. If the lock is due to a fake “Microsoft Defender” or “Windows support” alert
   • Do not call any number shown in popups or spoken by a voice message.
   • Close the browser tab or window that showed the message.
   • If unsure, contact Microsoft only through the official support channels described above.

If the device is completely unusable or you cannot reach support through the app or web, use another device to access the Microsoft Support site and open a support request from there.

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References:

• Use a screen reader to navigate Windows support tools
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• IVR_ContactSupport_T1
• You cannot download the Microsoft Safety Scanner because of a malware infection
• My computer was locked by Microsoft defender, I was asked to call 1-844-452-2441 to get it unblocked. Could somebody confirm that this is a legitimated Microsoft number rather than a scammer? - Microsoft Q&A
• Who do I call for support? - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to speak with a real person and it seems impossible. - Microsoft Q&A
• Contacting Support