How to delete fake Windows screen with virus warning

Question

My Windows 10 PC now displays a Windows screen dated 31 Dec. 2024 and with a fake Windows virus warning at bottom right. I have run a Windows scan showing no virus threats. I shut down and restarted the PC, but it's still there. The real Windows task bar (right side) opens and the PC still seems to run okay.

The fake screen and virus warning remains, however. Very disturbing and unsettling! Please help!

I have a screenshot of the current screen. Can I upload it?

Thanks so much!

John Weaver

Answer 1

Hi,

Aside from the things mentioned in the AI answer, your default browser could be sending you fake notifications from websites you've accidentally allowed. If you're not aware, websites can send you fake/scam alerts disguised as virus warning. If you're using Edge, go to the browser settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications. If there are websites under the allowed section, remove them by clicking the three dots next to them and block/remove.

Answer 2

The on‑screen virus warning is almost certainly a tech support scam or deceptive software overlay, not a legitimate Windows message.

To remove it and secure the PC, follow these steps:

1. Do not call any phone number or click any links/buttons in the warning
   Microsoft error or security messages never include a phone number and do not ask to call support directly from a pop‑up.
2. Close the fake screen if possible
   • Try pressing Alt + F4 to close the active window.
   • If that fails, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find any unfamiliar browser or app window that looks like the fake warning, and End task.
3. Check for deceptive or unwanted programs
   1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
   2. In Uninstall or change a program, look for programs you do not recognize or that appeared around the time this started.
   3. Select suspicious entries and choose Uninstall, following the prompts. You may need to restart the PC.
4. Use built‑in or vendor uninstallers if needed
   If the program is not listed in Programs and Features:
   • Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files and (if present) C:\Program Files (x86).
   • Look for a folder matching the name of the suspicious program.
   • If found, open the folder and run its Uninstall, Uninst.exe, or similar file.
   • Do not delete the folder manually if there is no uninstaller, as this can damage Windows or other software.
5. Run Microsoft malware tools
   Because these fake warnings are often caused by malware or deceptive software:
   • Make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows Security) is enabled and run a full scan.
   • Additionally, run the Microsoft Safety Scanner to detect and remove common malware and support‑scam components. The scanner is a one‑time tool that can be downloaded and run to clean infections.
6. If the fake screen persists or system behavior is still abnormal
   • Follow the guidance for deceptive software and malware removal: use antivirus software, automated removal tools, and, if necessary, consider resetting or recovering Windows if malware has made irreversible changes.
   • Before a reset, back up important files to an external location (for example, OneDrive or an external drive) created before the infection.
7. If any information was given to scammers
   If at any point personal, account, or payment information was shared:
   • Uninstall any remote‑access or other applications scammers asked to install.
   • Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
   • Change passwords (especially email, Microsoft account, banking).
   • Contact the bank or credit card provider to contest any charges and request new cards.
   • Monitor accounts and sign‑in activity for anything unusual.
8. Report the scam
   Once the PC is stable, report the scam or unsafe website to Microsoft using the Report an unsafe site form or the www.microsoft.com/reportascam page referenced in the guidance.

Screenshots cannot be analyzed or uploaded through these instructions, but the steps above apply to the type of fake Windows virus warning described.

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References:

• How to remove the PC Repair virus
• Tech support scams
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• How to spot a tech support scam