Windows desktop locked

Question

My desktop has need locked by windows defender with instructions to call Windows support. How do I do that?

Answer 1

This is most likely a tech support scam, not Windows Defender actually locking the PC. Microsoft warning messages do not include a phone number to call, and unsolicited pop-ups claiming to be Microsoft or Windows Support are scams.

Do this instead:

1. Do not call the number shown on the screen.
2. Try Ctrl+Alt+Del.
3. Open Task Manager and end the web browser process that is showing the alert.
4. Reopen the browser and, if prompted, select No for Restore Previously Open Pages so the scam page does not reopen.
5. If the browser will not close, force a restart by holding the Power button for at least 10 seconds until the PC turns off, then start it again.

If remote help is needed from someone trusted, Windows Remote Assistance can be enabled from:

1. Press the Windows key and type remote assistance.
2. Select Allow RemoteAssistance invitations to be sent from this computer.
3. On the Remote tab, select Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.
4. Select OK.

If support from Microsoft is still needed, use Get Help in Windows:

1. Press Windows+I to open Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Navigate to the Get Help link and open it.
4. Enter the issue in the search box.
5. If needed, select Contact Support in the app to reach an agent.

Only allow remote access if the support request was initiated directly through Microsoft support channels.

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• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks | Microsoft Support
• How do I report a possible scam from Microsoft? - Microsoft Q&A
• Unwanted pop up security alert claiming to be Microsoft - Microsoft Q&A
• Solve PC problems remotely with Remote Assistance | Microsoft Support
• [Windows 10)
• Contact Microsoft customer support | Microsoft Support