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Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus Scam

Also Known As: "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus?

Displayed by a malicious website, "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" is a fake error message that shares similarities with Internet Security Alert, Internet Explorer Critical ERROR, Possible Suspicious Activity, and many others. Research shows that users are often redirected to this website by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

These are known to infiltrate systems without consent. In addition to causing redirects, potentially unwanted programs diminish system performance, deliver 'malvertising' ads (banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.), and record various user-system information.

Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus adware

The "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" error states that the system is infected and encourages users to immediately contact "Microsoft Windows Certified Technicians" via a telephone number ("001-800-741-0438") provided.

Users then supposedly receive help in removing the malware, however, "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" error is fake - a mere scam and nothing to do with Microsoft. Cyber criminals attempt to generate revenue by claiming to be certified technicians and tricking users into paying for technical support that is not required.

The malware does not exist. Furthermore, these people demand remote access to victims' computers to "resolve the issue", however, their real aim is to install malware and/or change system settings. They claim to "detect" more issues and offer help for additional fees. For these reasons, never attempt to contact these people.

"Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" can be removed by closing the web browser or rebooting the system. Be aware that potentially unwanted programs and malicious websites might run various background processes (e.g., mining cryptocurrency) without permission. By stealthily misusing system resources, they significantly diminish computer overall performance.

In addition, PUPs display malicious ads via tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. The displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some redirect to malicious websites and/or run scripts that download and install malware (or other PUPs).

Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections. Potentially unwanted programs continually record various data types (e.g., IP addresses, keystrokes, URLs visited, pages viewed, etc.) that might contain private details. This information is sold to third parties to generate revenue.

Potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. Therefore, we highly recommend that you uninstall all PUPs immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" virus
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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As mentioned above, "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" is identical to dozens of other fake errors that also claim that the system is damaged. In fact, these errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs are also very similar.

Most offer users "useful features", however, such claims are attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Only a small percentage of PUPs provide the features promised.

Most are useless for regular users. They cause unwanted redirects (thereby promoting various websites), misuse system resources, deliver malicious ads (via the "Pay Per Click" advertising model), and gather information.

How did adware install on my computer?

Research shows that some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using the aforementioned ads together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps).

Therefore, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission, or users install them inadvertently, without their consent. Developers conceal all "bundled" programs within the "Custom/Advanced" options or other sections of the download/installation processes.

Many users rush and skip steps. In addition, they often click various advertisements. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading/installing software, and browsing the Internet. Criminals monetize third party download/installation tools by promoting unwanted software (the "bundling" method). Therefore, we highly recommend that you download software from official sources only.

It is also important to carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Be aware that most malicious ads appear legitimate, however, they usually lead to survey, adult dating, pornography, gambling, and other rogue websites.

If you encounter such ads, uninstall all dubious applications and browser extensions. Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented within "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" pop-up:

Your windows license has been corrupted. Enter user and password or contact windows help desk at Toll Free 001-800-741-0438

Malicious website displaying "Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus" error:

Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus website

Text presented within this website:

Windows Has Detected a Malicious Virus On Your System
Do Not Shutdown Or Restart Your Computer
Contact Our Certified Windows Technicians For Immediate Assistance
001-800-741-0438

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Quick menu:

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a malicious virus" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a malicious virus" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "microsoft has detected a malicious virus" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a malicious virus" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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