A pop-up says your computer is infected. Slow down first.

Do not use the contact information in the pop-up

A frightening page can appear even when the computer itself is not infected. The warning may use a company logo, an alarm sound, or a full-screen browser window to look official.

Close the page without interacting with it

1. Try closing the browser tab with the X on the tab itself.
2. If the page fills the screen, press F11 to leave full-screen mode, then close the tab.
3. If the browser will not respond, press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc to open Task Manager.
4. Select the browser and choose End task. Reopen it without restoring the suspicious page.

Check the computer using tools you already trust

Open Windows Security from the Start menu, check for protection updates, and run a scan. Do not install a scanner advertised by the warning. If you are concerned, contact a support provider using contact information you already know or reach through the provider’s official website.

If you called, paid, or allowed remote access

• Disconnect the computer from the internet.
• Contact your bank or card company using the number on the card or official statement.
• Change affected passwords from a different trusted device.
• Remove remote-access software you were told to install.
• Report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Get help checking the computer before using sensitive accounts again.

Acting quickly can limit the damage. There is no benefit in spending time feeling embarrassed before asking for help. These warnings are designed to create exactly that kind of pressure.