Receiving a Microsoft alert

If the alert included a phone number, told you to call support, or appeared as a pop-up that blocked the screen, treat it as a scam. Genuine Microsoft error messages do not include a phone number to call.

What to do:

1. Do not call any number and do not click links in the alert.
2. Close the browser or app showing it. If it will not close, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find the browser, and select End task.
3. When reopening the browser, do not restore the previous tab or session, or the scam page may reopen.
4. If the pop-up keeps returning, clear the browser cache/cookies or reset the browser settings. One documented path is Settings > Apps > Installed apps > select the browser > Advanced Settings > Reset.
5. Run a Windows Security / Microsoft Defender scan for reassurance.
6. If the alert was an email claiming to be a Microsoft account security alert, verify it carefully before acting. Hover over links and buttons to confirm they reference Microsoft, and review message headers or tracking details if available.
7. If the alert was a real Windows Security notification, open Windows Security > Protection history and check the alert type:
   • Threat blocked: the threat was blocked and removed; no action is necessary.
   • Remediation incomplete: open the card and follow the additional steps shown.
   • An important service is off: open the card and turn the feature back on under Actions.

If the alert was only a warning bar inside an Office app, it may be a security alert or policy tip that can be managed from Office Message Bar settings.

• Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams
• Protection History in the Windows Security App
• You receive a Microsoft account security alert email message in Office 365 Dedicated/ITAR (vNext)
• .How can I remove scam Windows Defender security alert from screen? - Microsoft Q&A
• Turn on or off security alerts and Policy Tips in the Message Bar for Office