How do i remove a Fake pop up virus detection?

Peter Herzog 0 Reputation points
2026-08-05T22:01:01.2166667+00:00

A virus detection alarm came up from McAfee that must be fake as we don't use McAfee. We cannot remove it even if we shut down the computer or go through Microsoft Defender

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Ferdinand Nanalig 32,205 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-05T22:46:46.1966667+00:00

    Hi! Let me help you.

    Can you please send a screenshot of the pop-ups that you are getting?

    Open Edge and copy and paste this into the address bar: edge://settings/privacy/services/search/searchEngines

    Delete anything unusual on the list.

    If all the steps have been done, reset Edge to factory-default settings.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-05T22:01:17.1733333+00:00

    This is usually a fake browser notification, not a real McAfee infection. If Defender scans are clean and McAfee is not installed, remove the site permission that is sending the alerts.

    1. Open Microsoft Edge.
    2. In the address bar, enter edge://settings/content/notifications.
    3. In the Allow list, find any site that is unfamiliar or suspicious.
    4. Select the three dots next to each suspicious entry, then choose Remove or Block.
    5. If the fake alerts continue, turn off Ask before sending to stop sites from requesting notification permission.

    Also check for other unwanted software:

    1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
    2. Look for apps that are unfamiliar or unwanted.
    3. Select the app, then choose Uninstall.

    Run additional malware cleanup steps:

    1. Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
    2. If needed, run the Malicious Software Removal Tool:
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type %windir%\system32\mrt.exe and select OK.
      • Approve the prompt, then follow the scan steps.
    3. Restart the PC.
    4. Install the latest Windows updates.
    5. If the problem persists, run Microsoft Defender Offline.

    If more than one antivirus product is installed, uninstall the unwanted one. Running multiple antivirus or antispyware programs at the same time can reduce performance, cause instability, or trigger unexpected restarts. Removing security software leaves the PC temporarily unprotected, so make sure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled and Windows Firewall is turned on.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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