Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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.
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.
| 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) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
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:
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
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:
- What is Microsoft Has Detected A Malicious Virus?
- 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 "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.
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 "microsoft has detected a malicious virus" 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 "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, 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 has detected a malicious virus" 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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