Pop up ads Keep Reoccuring

Pop-up virus warnings are usually fake security alerts coming from websites, not from Windows itself. They can often be stopped by blocking pop-ups, checking notifications, and scanning for malware.

Do the following in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11:

1. Block pop-ups in Edge
   1. Open Edge.
   2. Select Settings and more (three dots in the top-right).
   3. Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
   4. Select Site permissions > All permissions.
   5. Select Pop-ups and redirects and turn on Blocked (recommended).
2. Check and clean website notifications Some scam sites abuse notifications to keep sending warnings.
   1. In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications.
   2. In the Allow list, remove or block any suspicious sites that you don’t recognize.
3. Close fake “locked” or “virus” pages safely If a page claims the PC is infected and shows a phone number or loud warning:
   • Do not call any phone number shown.
   • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and open Task Manager.
   • End all browser processes (Microsoft Edge, Chrome, etc.) to close the page.
   • If that fails, restart the PC.
4. Run Microsoft’s security tools Repeated pop-ups and strange behavior can be a sign of malware.
   • Make sure Windows is updated via Windows Update.
   • Use the built-in antivirus (Microsoft Defender) or another anti-malware app and run a full scan.
   • If symptoms persist (slow PC, constant pop-ups, browser homepage changed), run additional tools like Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender Offline as described in the malware guidance.
5. Be aware of tech support scams
   • Real Microsoft or Windows error messages never include a phone number to call.
   • Tech support scam pages often:
     • Go full screen to look like a Windows error
     • Continuously display pop-ups and play audio warnings
   • If this happens, close the browser as above and do not provide payment, personal info, or remote access.
6. General protection steps
   • Keep Microsoft Defender or another anti-malware app up to date.
   • Keep SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge turned on to help block malicious sites and downloads.
   • Keep Windows updated and ensure User Account Control (UAC) is on so malicious apps cannot make changes silently.

If the pop-ups continue after blocking pop-ups, cleaning notifications, and running malware scans, review installed programs and browser extensions and remove anything suspicious or recently added.

References:

• Block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge
• Use a screen reader to block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge
• Protect my PC from viruses
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Protect yourself from online scams and attacks
• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Defender Scam or Do I have a virus on my computer - Microsoft Q&A
• Disabled computer - Microsoft Q&A
• How to stop Total add block from popping up in all my apps and banking - Microsoft Q&A