How to stop scam pop-ups on Windows – according to a tech expert

Scam pop-ups are designed to cause panic, using urgent messages, flashing warnings and fake alerts to grab your attention. Click a link, and you risk handing over personal information — so it’s vital to know what to do when one appears.

But our Tech Support experts have found an effective way to keep your data safe. By adjusting your PC settings, you can force-close unwanted notifications and revoke permissions from potentially harmful sites.

Below, we explain how to banish malicious pop-ups for good and other ways to keep your computer protected.

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Each month, we feature one of the most popular questions answered by our Tech Support team.

Question of the month: what's the best way to get rid of scam pop-ups? 

'I keep getting pop-ups on my screen claiming to be from McAfee, saying my PC is at risk and that a virus has been detected.

'I don't have McAfee installed on my PC so I'm sure this is a scam. But every time I try to close the pop-up, it still attempts to open a page on my computer. Could you advise me on how to remove it permanently?'

Which? Tech Support member

Protecting your Windows PC

Charlotte Griffiths, Which? Tech Support team manager, says: 'This isn't from McAfee and we frequently hear from members who have been hit by a scam that puts a pop-up message on their screen. These can be very convincing and usually target Windows users.

'But if you see a pop-up asking you to call a number, even if it looks like it’s from Microsoft, it's a scam.'

Step 1: use Task Manager to close the pop-up

Although some pop-up windows can be closed by clicking on the top-right X in the pop-up window, often, this acts as a link. Instead of clicking this, it can be safer to close your entire browser via the Windows Task Manager.

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager from the options. Click the Processes tab and select your browser (such as Edge or Chrome) from the list of programs running, then choose End Task.

If you’re asked if you wish to restore tabs when you restart your browser, make sure to press No – if you press yes, the pop-up will return.

Step 2: block pop-ups from appearing again

We suggest making changes to your browser settings to prevent future pop-ups – the precise steps you need to work through will vary depending on the browser you're using.

• Google Chrome – go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects > Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups.
• Microsoft Edge – go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects and enable Blocked (recommended).
• Firefox – go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Block pop-up windows.

You can then turn off browser notifications. Head to the Start menu (or press the Windows key on your keyboard), then select Settings > System > Notifications and actions > Turn off notifications related to an internet browser.

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More ways to protect your computer

• Run an antivirus scan – the best antivirus software will fight against viruses, ransomware and phishing attacks. See our guide to the best antivirus software for our top picks.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts – popular services including Amazon, Gmail, Outlook and PayPal all support the feature. See also: 7 phone apps you need to secure right away and What is two-factor authentification?
• Make sure you're using the latest version of your internet browser – ensure you're running the most up-to-date build to avoid bugs and security risks.
• Download and install pending Windows updates – these address security flaws and bugs, ensuring your computer stays protected. In Windows 10, click Start, System and Update & Security. In Windows 11, select Start, Settings and Windows Update.

Still using Windows 10? Find out what you need to do in the run-up to when Windows 10 loses security support in October

Join Which? Tech Support

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Additional reporting by Tom Morgan.