How to remove Windows Defender security warning scam in 2024

Windows Defender security warning is one of the most annoying pop-ups concealing clever scamming ploys. It’s a kind of malware you can catch clicking on infected links or an ad, even on reputable websites. Falling prey to this phishing scam is incredibly easy, but removing it is possible with several means.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of Windows Defender security warning scam, you came to the right place. In this article, we’ll waltz you through the best methods of removing it. Our team of experts tested and compiled tips and tricks, so you’ll leave with a solution in your hands. And no more pesky pop-ups disrupting your browsing experience.

What is Windows Defender security warning?

Windows Defender security warning is a multi-level scam. The clever phishing attack pops up on your screen as a legit-looking Windows Defender security center Trojan spyware warning in most cases. At times, it could be a different virus. First, the user clicks on the pop-up requesting permission. Then, in the absence of reliable antivirus software, they’re directed to a site where true malware infection happens.

The scammer behind this clever social engineering ploy made the message appear realistic. That’s why it’s so dangerous and persists through the years. A number of users may dismiss the notification, but some still fall prey to it. Primarily because the pop-up directs you to customer support or the call center, which is a scam setup.

Sometimes, you’ll run into the most annoying kind, which is the Windows Defender security warning – computer locked. Seeing that your Windows computer has been locked can cause a panic in people who had fewer dealings with such scams. Sadly, it gravely impairs the computer usage experience.

This scam is used either to gain monetary profit or harvest user data. In the latter case, the cybercriminal may use the information for ransomware or personal nefarious use. Or sell it off to some third-party advertising company, if not shady vendors.

Why am I keep getting a Windows security alert pop up?

You’ve probably caught this malware interacting with an infected website or a link. Scammers like hijacking cookie deal banner buttons or ads on reputable websites. It’s beneficial for cybercrooks since people relax on legit web pages, clicking buttons and URLs with their guard off.

Here’s how the malware could have nested inside your device:

• Redirect to or landing on a third-party website. Less-known websites with flashy buttons and banners are the first sign that something is off. Especially if you seek to download pirated content like free songs or videos. Clicking anything on such a site can get you a surprise gift, which later appears as a Windows Defender security warning.
• Interaction with a hijacked ad button or URL. This can occur on even legit websites. Scammers choose one specific element, whether a cookie consent button or an ad link and infect it with their malware. It happens without any signs and just in seconds.
• Download of an app with corrupted hardware. Some apps contain malware or adware that carries the Windows Defender security warning scam. It’s widespread when downloading software from unauthorized third-party websites.

Sadly, ridding yourself of the malware won’t be easy. Closing the window each time the Windows Defender security notification pops up doesn’t make it disappear. It will just keep opening up each time you head to a browser.

You can also check if the Windows Defender security alert is real in the PC protection logs. Just do the following: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Virus & Threat Protection> Protection History.

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What do I do if I get a Windows Defender security warning?

It’s essential to pinpoint that the pop-up sneaks up on you only when you visit browsers. First, we advise refreshing your browser. If the issue persists, the next step would be restoring your default browser to factory settings. If all that fails, could be you caught PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), like the Windows Defender alert. In that case, the most straightforward and guaranteed way to remove Windows Defender security warning is with an antivirus.

Our research concluded that the removal investigation with TotalAV was the best solution to the pop-up scam. In fact, like any good software, it terminates the malicious code instantly after a system scan. And it doesn’t matter how you caught it in the first place or where in your device the virus resides.

Here’s a lowdown of what to do if you get the Windows Defender security notification:

1. Subscribe to a reliable antivirus service. Our #1 recommendation is TotalAV, removing nearly 100% of malware
2. You’ll be directed to either log in or sign up, proceed with your account accordingly
3. Download the application to your device
4. Continue with the installation process
5. Launch the client, then start a full system malware scan
   
   
6. Give permission to terminate found malware with Windows Security alert among them

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How to get rid of windows defender security warning in different browsers?

You can remove Windows Defender security warning scam from the browser if the problem is an infected extension. Below, we provide a step-by-step breakdown of dealing with the pop-up on each browser.

How to remove Windows Defender security warning in Chrome?

1. Select the three dots in the top right corner of the Chrome window
2. Click on Settings
   
   
3. Hit the Reset settings on the left side of the window
4. Choose Restore settings to their original defaults button
5. Confirm your choice on the pop-up

How do I get rid of fake Windows Defender security warning in Firefox?

1. Open Firefox and click the three dots in the top right corner
2. Hit Help in the menu window
3. Another window opens, click More troubleshooting information
4. On the right side of the screen select Refresh Firefox
   
   
5. Firefox will close the refresh itself, providing all the troubleshooting data

How to stop Windows Defender pop-ups in Microsoft Edge?

1. Hit the three dots in the top right corner of the Edge tab
2. Select Settings in the menu
3. On left side, click the Reset settings
4. Select the Restore settings to their default values
5. Confirm your choice in the pop-up to freshen up Edge browser

How to remove Windows Defender security warning in Safari?

1. Press command + space to open the spotlight, type terminal into search bar and hit enter to open the terminal
2. Copy each command and paste into the terminal, then press enter. Here they are:
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.WebKit.PluginProcess;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/Metadata/Safari;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebKit.PluginProcess.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/Apple - Safari - Safari Extensions Gallery;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.RSS.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebFoundation.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Safari/*;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebKit.PluginHost.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.LSSharedFileList.plist;
   rm -Rf ~/Library/Saved Application State/com.apple.Safari.savedState;
3. Execute only one command at a time
   
   

How can I protect my PC from viruses?

The Windows Defender security warning scam is not the only kind of malware going around. Cybercrooks are growing bolder and smarter with their nefarious campaigns, so you must be ready in advance. And what better defense than prevention? Here’s how to protect your PC from viruses:

• Mindful browsing. Shady websites or unauthorized domains could harm your device or compromise data just because you visited it. Some cybercriminal ploys are clever enough to require no actions from you for the infection to happen.
• Relying on an antivirus. You’ll hardly get better protection than an antivirus. Modern providers keep up with the latest malware and release frequent updates to combat them effectively. Besides, they offer far more features like parental controls, reliable VPNs, ad blockers, and more.
• Downloads from legit sources. One must play nice to dodge the malware bullet online. That entails downloading apps, files, and extensions only from online retailers or generally confirmed sources. For example, an APK file download to Android could host a whole swarm of problems.
• Not interacting with suspicious emails. Phishing scams like the Windows Defender security alert may lurk in emails. Even if an email looks legit, don’t open the links without checking them with online tools like nordvpn.com/link-checker.
• Avoiding clicking on unnecessary links. This leads us to the whole URL clicking beyond emails. Malware tends to hide in links on even official and respected websites. Thus, it’s best not to click on links that clearly lead you outside the site you’re visiting.
• Using a good ad blocker. Online ads and adware in your apps may be another source of viruses or scams. Rely on an ad blocker to block them and avoid any mishaps.
• Keeping devices up to date. Though not foolproof, running the latest version of your OS contributes heavily to having proper defenses against malware.

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Bottom line

Windows Defender security alert is a clever kind of malware that only evolves with years. People catch it unknowingly in seconds, and removing it costs time and nerves. The scam typically nests inside your browser, popping up each time you open it. That is, unless you rely on an antivirus to prevent this—or any kind—malware from even entering your device.

TotalAV is the best way to remove Windows Defender security warning. Our experts found this antivirus the fastest and most successful for dealing with such malware. All you have to do is launch a full-system scan and consider it gone in a puff. Moreover, all your future ventures won’t trouble your peace of mind due to this protective beast towering behind you.

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FAQ

Is Windows Defender security center legitimate?

No, Windows Defender security center is not legit. It's a scam hiding behind the fake warning to steal user data or corrupt their device altogether. The stolen information could result in identity theft or it could be sold off to shady online vendors. Either way, we advise fighting it with TotalAV.

How do I know if a Microsoft security alert is real?

The Microsoft security alert comes from an email address with @accountprotection.microsoft.com domain. If you see it, the warning is legit. It will provide you account details and direct you to perform the two-step verification instead of asking you to click on suspicious links.

What will happen if you call the provided Windows Defender Security Center phone number?

You'll either hear a machine-generated response or hear nothing at all if the call even picks up. But if you do call the provided number, your data is definitely stolen at this point. Remember that Microsoft never directs users to call centers in any scenario. Prevent such cases with TotalAV antivirus.

How do I get rid of fake Microsoft security warning?

You can get rid of the Microsoft security warning with an antivirus. Services like TotalAV are the best and quickest ways of identifying the malware on your device and removing all traces of it. Alternatively, you can try removing it from your browser by doing a factory reset. But it rarely helps.

Does Windows Defender lock your computer?

Yes, Windows Defender security warning locks your computer. You’ll see a full-screen message about locking your device – Microsoft never blocks or locks PCs. Restart your device instead of interacting with it. Our experts advise installing an antivirus to remove it. The best one is TotalAV.