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Dave Thesing 0 Reputation points
2026-09-10T20:07:57.5133333+00:00

Windows defender security has disabled your computer. Please don’t access this system……,

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-10T20:08:13.1933333+00:00

    This is typically a fake security alert or tech support scam shown in the browser, not Windows actually disabling the computer. Do not call any phone number shown, do not enter credentials, and do not allow remote access.

    Try these steps to regain control:

    1. Close the browser tab or window
      • Press Ctrl+W to close the tab.
      • Or press Alt+F4 to close the browser window.
    2. If the browser is frozen, force-close it
      • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and open Task Manager.
      • Find the browser process, such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox.
      • Select each browser process and choose End task until it closes.
    3. If needed, restart the PC
      • As a last resort, hold the power button until the PC turns off, then turn it back on.
    4. After the PC is usable again
      • Reopen the browser.
      • Clear the browser cache and site data so the malicious page does not reload.
      • Avoid reopening the same site or link that triggered the alert.
    5. Check protection status
      • Open Windows Security and review the protection status.
      • Be aware that Windows Security and Microsoft Defender Antivirus use related but separate services. Disabling Windows Security services does not disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, but it can cause stale or inaccurate protection status to appear.

    If no number was called and no software was installed or permissions granted, the issue is typically limited to the browser session.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Bence Weiszmann 1,555 Reputation points
    2026-09-10T20:18:05.8166667+00:00

    Dear @Dave Thesing

    This looks like a fake Windows Defender security alert. These scams usually appear as a browser pop-up or a malicious webpage. Do not call any phone number shown in the warning, and do not give anyone remote access to your computer.

    1. Try closing the browser using Alt + F4. If that doesn't work, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end the browser process.
    2. Open Windows Security --› Virus & threat protection --› Protection history and check whether Microsoft Defender has actually reported a threat.
    3. Run a Full Scan from Windows Security after making sure Windows and Defender security intelligence are up to date.
    4. If the warning appears again when you open the browser, clear the browser's cache and site data and check the browser's notification permissions. Remove any unfamiliar websites that are allowed to send notifications.

    If you entered your Microsoft account password, or any other credentials, into a page associated with this warning, change those passwords immediately. If you reused the same password on other websites, change it there as well. It would also be a good idea to review your Microsoft account's recent sign-in activity for anything you do not recognize and enable or verify multifactor authentication.

    Best regards.
    Bence

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  3. EmilyS726 264.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-10T20:42:33.2566667+00:00

    Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full-screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

    Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

    You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

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