windows warning screen

kathleen martin 0 Reputation points
2026-07-02T17:06:28.8+00:00

turn on pc get screen telling me to call Microsoft; don't know if it's really Microsoft

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy
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  1. Bulldog 3,355 Reputation points
    2026-07-02T17:29:30.52+00:00

    Not from Microsoft ... it's a hoax.

    Microsoft will never pop up a screen on your monitor that asks you to call them.

    Do not interact with the screen in any way. Instead, close it from Task Manager - "End task".

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  2. EmilyS726 251.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-02T17:40:38.85+00:00

    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/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

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