What do I do if a loud "Virus Detected" pop-up freezes my Windows computer?
Direct Answer
DO NOT CALL the 1-800 number on the screen. It is a 100% fake scam. Press Alt + F4 or Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to close your browser, or restart your computer.
🚨 Emergency Rule: Stop & Do Not Send Money
If someone contacted you asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or Zelle, or asking for verification codes, hang up or do not reply. Real banks and government agencies never ask for payment this way.
📞 Call family on trusted known number: Never call back the incoming caller ID number. Call your relative directly using the number in your phone contacts.
🛡️ Free Senior Fraud Helpline: AARP Fraud Watch Network: 1-877-908-3360
Immediate Action Steps If You Were Contacted
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1
DO NOT call the toll-free phone number
No matter what the screen or robotic voice claims, never dial the phone number displayed. Real Microsoft engineers never operate through browser pop-ups.
👀 Red banner claiming "Critical Alert - Call Microsoft." IGNORE IT.
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2
Press the Escape key (Esc) once or twice
Press the "Esc" key in the top-left corner of your keyboard to exit full-screen mode so you can see your browser tabs.
👀 Top-left "Esc" key on keyboard.
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3
Press Alt + F4 to close the browser window
Hold down the "Alt" key (near the spacebar) and tap the "F4" key at the very top of your keyboard. This forces the browser window to shut down immediately.
👀 Alt + F4 keyboard shortcut.
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4
If frozen: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
If the window does not close, press "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Esc" together. In the list of apps, click on "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge," then click the "End task" button in the top-right corner.
👀 Task Manager window with "End task" button.
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5
Reopen your browser and do NOT restore pages
When you open your browser again, if it asks "Restore pages?," click the "X" or "No." Your computer is completely safe.
👀 Do not click "Restore."
Emergency Steps: If You Already Sent Money or Shared Passwords
1. Call Your Bank Fraud Department Now: Call the number on the back of your card immediately to freeze transfers or cancel your card.
2. Change Passwords on a Different Device: Change your email and bank passwords immediately.
3. File a Report with IdentityTheft.gov: Official free recovery plan from the Federal Trade Commission.
If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting
If you already called the number and let them into your computer
Immediately turn off your computer by holding down the physical power button for 10 seconds. Call your bank from a different phone to freeze your accounts, and contact a trusted local computer technician.
Good to Know
- Windows 10 and 11 come with free, automatic Microsoft Defender antivirus built in.
- Scammers purchase misleading ads on recipe and search sites to trigger these pop-ups.