Screen warning that computer is locked

Question

I received a loud screen warning that my computer has been locked and that I need to call Microsoft (a number given) to unlock it.

Answer 1

Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

Answer 2

This is a tech support scam, not a legitimate Microsoft message.

Key points and actions:

1. Do not call the phone number
   • Genuine Microsoft error or warning messages never include a phone number to call.
   • Microsoft and other legitimate tech companies do not cold call or ask to be called from pop‑ups to fix a problem.
2. Close the fake warning
   • Try to close the browser tab or window.
   • If it is in full screen or will not close:
     • Press Alt + F4 to close the window, or
     • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser, and choose End task, or
     • Restart the computer if needed.
3. Do not give access or information
   • Do not allow anyone who called or who is reached via that number to remote into the computer.
   • Do not provide passwords, personal data, or payment information.
4. Clear the browser and reduce future risk
   • After closing the pop‑up, clear the browser cache and history.
   • Consider enabling pop‑up blocking and using an ad blocker extension from a trusted source to reduce malicious pop‑ups.
5. Report the scam
   • The scam can be reported to Microsoft using the technical support scam form linked from:
     • https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/threats/support-scams
     • https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/concern/scam

---

References:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• Tech support scams
• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A