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Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer Scam

Also Known As: "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer?

"Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" is a false error message displayed by various rogue sites. Research shows that users often visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.

In addition to causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements, gather personal data, and run unwanted background processes.

Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer adware

The "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" error states that the system is infected and that malware must be eliminated. Therefore, users must immediately contact certified technicians via a telephone number ["(866) 201-6421"] provided. These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal processes.

Despite these threats and demands, "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" is fake. Cyber criminals claim to be 'certified technicians' and generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into paying for technical support that is not required. The malware simply does not exist.

Therefore, ignore the "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" error and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system. Note that, after re-running the browser, never restore the previous session/tabs, otherwise you will return to the malicious site.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, the ads might lead to potentially malicious websites and run scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, clicking them risks computer infections. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs gather information relating to web browsing habits.

IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, and other collected information often includes personal data that PUP developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue. Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Some PUPs misuse system resources to perform unwanted background processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrencies). In this way, PUPs misuse system resources without users' permission, thereby significantly reducing overall system performance. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" 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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There are hundreds of potentially unwanted programs, all of which are virtually identical. All offer "useful" features or functions. In fact, they deliver no real value for regular users.

Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers - they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. Claims provide "useful functionality" are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Developers proliferate PUPs using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps).

Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click 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?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Criminals invest time and resources into intrusive ad design.

Therefore, intrusive ads often seem legitimate, however, distinguishing them is easy, since most lead to untrustworthy websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you continually experience these ads, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" options, closely analyze each step of the download/installation processes, and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" pop-up:

Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer
Windows Security Essentials was unable to block the virus. Windows detected several potential threats that will compromise your privacy and harm your computer.
Error Code: 0x8024402c, Windows couldn't install the definition updates.
More Information & Support Please Contact (866) 201-6421

YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED
Error # 268D3
Please call us immediately at: (866) 201-6421
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted programs:

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.

Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer 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 rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer 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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "windows detected potential threats on your computer" 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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer  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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "windows detected potential threats on your computer" 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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer 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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "windows detected potential threats on your computer" 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 "windows detected potential threats on your computer" 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.

QR Code
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