how do I get rid of a popup

The pop-up described is a fake antivirus alert coming from a malicious or compromised website, not from real Norton or McAfee software. It behaves like a browser-based notification or deceptive software rather than a traditional virus, which is why Microsoft Safety Scanner and Bitdefender did not detect it.

Use these steps to stop it and prevent recurrence:

1. Close the malicious browser session

• If the pop-up has effectively locked the browser or keeps reappearing:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Select the browser that shows the pop-up (for example, Microsoft Edge or Chrome).
  • Select End task to close all instances of that browser.

2. Clear the browser cache and site data

• After closing the browser via Task Manager, reopen it.
• Clear browsing data (history, cookies, cached files) so the malicious page and its scripts do not reload from history. Use the browser’s settings to clear cache and cookies.

3. Remove malicious notification permissions These fake alerts often come from websites that were allowed to send notifications.

• Open the browser’s site/notification settings.
• Find the list of sites allowed to send notifications.
• Remove or block any suspicious or unknown sites (such as the domain seen in the small print).

4. Check for unwanted or deceptive software If the pop-up appears even when the browser is closed, there may be deceptive software installed.

a) Use Programs and Features (Apps)

• Go to Start > Settings > Apps (or Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features on some versions).
• Look for programs that are unfamiliar or that appeared around the time the pop-ups started.
• Select the unwanted app and choose Uninstall, then follow the prompts.

b) Use the built-in program remover If the program is not listed in Apps/Programs and Features:

• Open File Explorer and go to:
  • C:\Program Files
  • C:\Program Files (x86) (on 64-bit systems)
• Look for a folder with the name of a suspicious program or a name related to the unwanted behavior.
• If such a folder is found, open it and run the uninstall file (for example, Uninst.exe, Uninstall, or similar) if present.
• Do not manually delete the folder or its contents if no uninstall file exists, as this can adversely affect system stability.

5. Run Microsoft security tools again

• Ensure Windows is fully updated via Windows Update.
• Run Microsoft Safety Scanner again to check for common malware issues.
• Ensure Microsoft Defender (or the chosen security solution) is active and updated.

6. Harden browsing and avoid malicious sites

• Use a modern browser such as Microsoft Edge, which can identify phishing and malware websites and check downloads for malware.
• Avoid sites that aggressively open pop-ups or show misleading buttons.
• Be cautious with sites that offer pirated or suspicious content, as they are often used to distribute malware and intrusive adware.

If the pop-ups stop after removing the site from notification permissions and/or uninstalling any suspicious software, no further action is typically required beyond maintaining up-to-date security software and safe browsing practices.

References:

• How to close a pop-up window if Microsoft Edge isn't responding
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Protect my PC from viruses
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Prevent malware infection
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