It may also put your browser in full-screen mode, where you can’t see other tabs. Their website is unresponsive, making it seem like your computer has frozen. However, these are nothing more than scam tactics, and your computer should be totally fine. It will only be a problem if you dial the scammer’s support number and give them access to your computer. These scams are triggered mainly by visiting shady websites, downloading software from unknown sources, and opening suspicious links.
How to Remove Windows Defender Security Warning?
Depending on whether this pop-up appears inside or outside your browser, you would need to perform different methods to remove this warning. However, you might want to try all the methods on this list just to be on the safe side.
Force Quit from Task Manager
When you face this fake security warning, you should first remove it from your display. For browser-based warning messages, you can simply close the scammer’s website. For pop-up messages outside your browser, you can force quit them from Task Manager. Additionally, if the scammer’s website refuses to close, you can force quit your whole browser. Here’s how you can do it:
Reset Browser Settings
While closing the website will remove this pop-up, it won’t permanently solve the issue. You can try resetting your browser settings to restore the default settings configuration. If misconfigured settings were allowing such pop-ups to easily infiltrate your browser, it will fix those issues. Follow the steps below to do so in different browsers:
On Chrome & Edge
On Firefox
Disable Pop-ups & Redirects
These fake error messages usually utilize pop-ups and site redirects to display their warning. You can simply disable them to remove these kinds of fake errors from ever popping up. Follow the steps below to do so:
On Chrome
On Edge
On Firefox
Disable Site Notifications
Fake websites can trick you into scams by sending legit-looking notifications if you have enabled notifications for them. Just like pop-ups, fake phishing websites can even send error messages as notifications from their fake support website. Here’s how you can disable these:
On Chrome
On Edge
On Firefox
Check for Viruses and Malware
If the security warning pop-up appears outside your browser and even has an icon in the system tray, the malware is already on your computer. You can run the actual Windows Security and scan your computer to detect and remove such malware. Here’s how you can do so:
Uninstall Suspicious Software
Malware that causes this security warning issue can come bundled with software you install from unreliable sources. So, you should never download anything from shady sites. Furthermore, Windows may show several prompts asking whether you want to install such software. They carry additional information, and if Windows shows unknown manufacturers or other red flags, do not install that software. Additionally, you can also try uninstalling suspicious software or software you don’t remember downloading. Follow the steps below to do so:
