Your Windows Infected With Viruses Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your Windows Infected With Viruses?
"Your Windows Infected With Viruses" is a fake error message displayed by a malicious website. Research shows that users are redirected to this website by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.
Following successful installation, PUPs cause unwanted redirects and run various processes without consent. They also deliver intrusive ads, and gather various user-system information.
This error states that the system has been infected with a number of viruses - supposedly after the user visited a type of malicious website. It is also stated that the malware must be eliminated immediately to prevent further damage.
Users are encouraged to download a "malware removal tool", however, rather than downloading anti-virus software, this will result in inadvertent download of a malicious program - "Your Windows Infected With Viruses" proliferates potentially unwanted programs. Developers generate revenue by promoting rogue software.
Therefore, never download the software offered. Promoting PUPs is rather uncommon to this type of virus - most encourage victims to contact "certified technicians" (who are, in fact, cyber criminals) and pay for technical support that is not required. The infection simply does not exist. In addition, these people often demand remote access to users' computers.
Once connected, the criminals often install malware or change system settings and claim to find more issues. To resolve these "additional problems", victims are encouraged to pay an additional fee. Research also shows that fake error-displaying websites (and potentially unwanted programs) often perform background tasks (such as mining cryptocurrency) without consent.
By stealthily misusing computer resources, malicious websites and potentially unwanted programs significantly diminish overall system performance. As mentioned above, PUPs deliver various 'malvertising' ads (for example, coupons, pop-ups, banners, etc.) These are displayed via tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, most conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, some redirect to malicious websites and/or execute scripts that download malware. Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.
Another downside is information tracking. Most PUPs record various user-system information that might be personally identifiable. Developers sell these details to third parties (mostly, for marketing purposes) to generate revenue. Potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. They should be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "Your Windows Infected With Viruses" 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) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
The Internet is full of malicious websites that display errors similar to Your Windows Infected With Viruses including, for example, Unable to Locate Windows License Key, Microsoft Warning Alert, and Ransomware Detected.
These viruses claims that the system is infected, missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, their real purpose is to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. Most offer various 'useful features', however, these claims are merely attempts to trick users to install.
Potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Most are useless for regular users - only a small percentage provide the functionality promised. PUPs cause unwanted redirects, diminish system performance, deliver intrusive ads (via the "Pay Per Click" advertising model), and record user-system information.
How did adware install on my computer?
Some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using malicious ads or a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, they often infiltrate systems without consent. Bundling is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps.
Developers hide bundled programs in various steps (usually within the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Many users rush/skip steps and click various advertisements, thus exposing their systems to risk of various infections and compromising their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. Therefore, never rush when downloading/installing software and be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Bear in mind that third party download/installation tools are monetized using the bundling method (they promote unwanted programs). Therefore, we strongly advise you to avoid using these tools. Criminals invest a great deal of time and money into designing malicious ads, and thus it is difficult to determine if they originate from the visited websites.
They are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to gambling, survey, pornography, adult dating, and other similar suspicious sites. If you encounter such ads and websites, uninstall all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.
Text presented within "Your Windows Infected With Viruses" pop-up:
*** VIRUS FOUND! ***
Download and install ANTIVIRUS immediately!
OS Type: Windows 10
Your Windows 10 has been infected with (5) VIRUSES!
Press OK to begin the repair process.
The appearance of "Your Windows Infected With Viruses" pop-up (GIF):
Text presented within the malicious website:
Your Windows infected with (5) viruses!
We detect that your Windows 10 is 58,6% damaged because of harmful viruses from recent adult sites.
Your location: Unites States, Tempe
Strong recommended Install Anti-virus immediately!
Your SECUREd SErVERS LLC license will be blocked if you continue to spread the viruses!
REPAIR PROCESS:
Step 1: Click the button REMOVE VIRUSES NOW and install Anti-virus Scanning Software for FREE
Step 2: To completely remove the viruses required system scanning. Run Anti-virus and remove all viruses immediately.
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is Your Windows Infected With Viruses?
- 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.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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 "your windows infected with viruses" 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, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your windows infected with viruses" 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "your windows infected with viruses" 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 "your windows infected with viruses" 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.
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