I keep getting unwanted web pages that indicate that I have viruses on my device . . .

Question

I keep getting unwanted web pages that indicate that I have viruses on my device . . .

Answer 1

Hello, I'm Quinn and here to help!

Those are most likely are fake virus alerts, and they're designed to scare you. Make sure you haven't clicked to any of it. Depending on what browser you use:

If you use Google Chrome:

1. On top-right, click the three dots > Settings
2. On the left pane, click Privacy & Security
3. Scroll down and click Site Settings > Under permissions, click Notifications
4. Remove suspicious sites (weird names, random URLs), and you can also add the URLs for those webpage to block them
5. Once done, clear your browser cache, go back to Privacy & Security > Delete browsing data
6. Check Cached images and Cookies and other site data
7. Depending on how long is this going, you can choose a time range (e.g., Last 24 hours, 7 days, or longer if needed)
8. Click Delete data

If you use Microsoft Edge:

1. On top-right, click the three dots > Settings
2. On the left pane, search box, type: notification, and hit Enter
3. Scroll down, and under the Privacy, search, and services>Site permissions>All permissions, select Notifications
4. Click Cookies and Site Permissions > Notifications
5. Make sure Ask before sending (recommended) is ON and remove anything suspicious, and you can also add the URLs for those webpage to block them

Once done, make sure to check your own device security too.

1. Press Win + S, type Windows Security, and open it
2. Go to Virus and threat protection
3. Run a Quick Scan
4. Once finished, review the results:
   • If any threats are found, select Start actions or move them to Quarantine
   • If nothing is detected but the issue persists, proceed to a another scan
5. Click Scan options for more advanced scans
6. For a more thorough check, I recommend running:
   • Full scan (checks all files and programs)
   • Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan)

Feel free to let me know if you need further assistance, I'd be glad to help you further.

Answer 2

Those web pages are almost certainly fake “virus alert” or tech support scam pages, not real messages from Windows or Microsoft Defender.

Use these steps to close and clean up safely, and then reduce the chance of seeing them again:

1. Close the fake warning page

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Del → open Task Manager → end your web browser process (for example, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox). This closes the scam page even if it looks like the PC is locked.
• If needed, you can also press Alt + F4 repeatedly to close the browser window, or hold the power button to turn the PC off as a last resort.

2. Clear the browser’s cache and data After restarting the browser normally, clear its cache and site data so the same malicious page is less likely to reload.
3. Run Microsoft’s security tools To be sure there is no real malware:

• Make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned on in Windows 10/11; it provides real-time protection and removes known unwanted software.
• Run Windows Update to get the latest security updates.
• Optionally run an on-demand scan such as Microsoft Safety Scanner or Windows Defender Offline if malware is suspected.

4. Check for unwanted software or extensions

• Go to Start → Settings → Apps → Apps & features and uninstall any apps you don’t recognize or didn’t intend to install, especially those installed recently.
• Remove suspicious browser add-ons or extensions from your browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).

5. Be cautious with future pop‑ups and websites

• These scam pages often come from malicious or compromised websites or ads. Avoid sites that:
  • Have misspelled domains (for example, swapping letters with numbers).
  • Aggressively open pop‑ups or show misleading buttons.
• Use Microsoft Edge with SmartScreen enabled to block many malicious or phishing sites and downloads.
• Keep User Account Control (UAC) turned on so unexpected system changes require approval.

6. General protection practices

• Download software only from official websites or the Microsoft Store.
• Pay attention to Windows SmartScreen notifications and be wary of running unrecognized apps from the internet.
• Keep Windows updated so security fixes are installed.

If a page ever shows a phone number claiming to be Microsoft support, do not call it and do not allow anyone remote access to the PC. Microsoft does not lock the browser and display a phone number this way.

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References:

• Unwanted software
• Protect my PC from viruses
• Prevent malware infection
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Getting started with Microsoft Defender
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A
• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• How can I remove McAfee Norton Pop Ups on Windows 11? It is not showing up on Apps or Task Manager. - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A