Microsoft Support POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
"Microsoft Support" removal instructions
What is "Microsoft Support"?
"Microsoft Support" is another fake error similar to "Microsoft Security Tollfree", "We Couldn't Activate Windows", "WARNING! 41 Threats Found!!!", and many others. Generally, this error is delivered by deceptive sites that visitors arrive at inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted apps or intrusive ads. Most potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, these rogue apps deliver intrusive advertisements and gather information relating to browsing activity.
This error message essentially states that the system is blocked for the following reasons: the Windows registration key is illegal; the system is using pirated software; the computer is proliferating viruses, and; the system is being used from an undefined location or has been hacked. Users are encouraged to immediately contact 'tech support' via a telephone number ("+1-877-286-9666") provided. Certified technicians then supposedly help victims resolve all issues. This is a scam and Microsoft is certainly not responsible. In fact, criminals claim to be tech support employees and attempt to trick users into paying for services that are not needed (the computers are often safe and virus-free). Therefore, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. Ignore the "Microsoft Support" error. It can be removed by leaving the deceptive websites, however, some use scripts that disable closing of browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After reopening the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise the deceptive sites will also be reopened.
Potentially unwanted apps deliver various intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, clicking intrusive ads can result in various system infections, since some redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts designed to download/install malware. Potentially unwanted apps are also notorious for data tracking. Most record information such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc. Furthermore, collected data usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties. Thus, the presence of information-tracking apps might result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are advised to uninstall all unwanted apps immediately.
| Name | "Microsoft Support" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
As mentioned, "Microsoft Support" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted applications are all very similar. Most claim to enable "useful features". In fact, these claims are false - potentially unwanted applications usually have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the features promised, PUAs cause unwanted redirects, gather information, and deliver ads.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Most unwanted apps infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods (installation of third party apps with regular software). Developers do not adequately disclose installation of rogue applications and hide them within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures, skip steps, and click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior leads to inadvertent installation of rogue apps.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Analyze all steps of the download/installation processes and opt-out of additionally-included programs. Never use third party download/installation tools, since most are monetized by promoting ("bundling") apps. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Intrusive ads may seem legitimate, but they redirect to dubious websites. If you experience suspicious redirects, uninstall all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Microsoft Support" pop-up:
Microsoft Support
Microsoft Security Tollfree:
+1-877-286-9666
VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
This computer is BLOCKED
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
This window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the Internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact Microsoft helpline to reactivate your computer.
Windows Support Alert
Your System Detected Some Unusual Activity.
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.
Please report this activity to +1-877-286-9666
The appearance of "Microsoft Support" pop-up (GIF):
Deceptive websites downloading an HTML file ("This computer is BLOCKED.html"):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes 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:
- What is "Microsoft Support"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
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.
Mac OSX users:
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.
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 application, 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:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft support" 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft support" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "microsoft support" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft support" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove "microsoft support" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!