Windows Has Been Shutdown Scam

What is Windows Has Been Shutdown?

"Windows Has Been Shutdown" is another fake error similar to Bad Rabbit Attack, Deceptive Site Ahead, Your Device Is Under Threat, and many others. It is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

As well as displaying fake errors, some malicious websites stealthily mine cryptocurrencies. In most cases, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission. Furthermore, they deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.), gather sensitive data, and, sometimes misuse system resource to run unnecessary processes.

The "Windows Has Been Shutdown" error states that the system has been infected and detected an error. The aforementioned website detects the current web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and displays a different message accordingly.

In all cases, however, users are encouraged to immediately contact "certified technicians" via a telephone number ("1-800-431-357") provided. These people then supposedly resolve all listed issues. Be aware, however, that the "Windows Has Been Shutdown" error is a scam. It is fake and has nothing to do with Microsoft.

Cyber criminals generate revenue by tricking users into calling and paying for services that are not required. All claims regarding a corrupted system are false. In some cases, cyber criminals demand remote access to users' computers. After connecting, they stealthily install malware and change essential system settings.

They then claim to "discover" additional issues and offer further support for an extra fee. For these reasons, never attempt to contact these people. "Windows Has Been Shutdown" can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via "Task Manager") or rebooting the system.

Note that after re-running the web browser you should not restore previous closed tabs/session, otherwise you will return to the malicious site.

Potentially unwanted programs are used to generate fraudulent advertising revenue. They continually deliver intrusive advertisements. These are generated using various tools (e.g., a "virtual layer") that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. Furthermore, they redirect to malicious websites and even execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections.

Another downside is information tracking. Potentially unwanted programs commonly gather information that typically includes private details. The data is sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing confidential information.

The presence of data-tracking apps might lead to suspicious websites. Some potentially unwanted programs mine cryptocurrencies or run other unnecessary processes in the background.

By misusing system resources, PUPs significantly diminish overall system performance. You are advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs and scan the system with a legitimate anti-virus suite.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Windows has been shutdown" virus
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Symptoms	Manipulated Internet browser(s) settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). User's are forced to visit hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

"Windows Has Been Shutdown" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (for example, infected, missing files or similar), however, these errors are designed only to extort money from unscrupulous users. Rogue applications also share many similarities.

By offering a wide range of "useful features", PUPs often trick users to install, however, since potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, they deliver no real value for regular users. In fact, they pose a direct threat to users' privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs are available for download at their official websites, however, most infiltrate systems without permission. The reasons for this are the careless behavior and lack of knowledge of many users. Potentially unwanted programs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", together with the aforementioned intrusive ads.

Developers are aware that many users rush download/installation processes. Therefore, "bundled" applications are hidden within various sections (most likely "Custom/Advanced" settings) of these procedures. By skipping download/installation steps and clicking various advertisements, many users expose their systems to risk of infection.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very careful when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

It is also important to download applications from official sources only, using a direct download link (third party downloaders/installers often proliferate rogue apps and, therefore, should not be used).

Intrusive advertisements often look legitimate, but are distinguishable, since most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all dubious apps/browser plug-ins. Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is paramount.

Screenshot of "Windows Has Been Shutdown" Internet Explorer variant:

Text presented on Internet Explorer variant website:

***************************


A problem has been detected and windows has been shutdown.
Call now: 1-800-431-357 (Toll Free)
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: BFEBFBFF0031246V
If this is first time you've seen this screen, contact windows technician: 1-800-431-357
Being dump of physical memory.
Immediately contact technical support to prevent further damage.
A problem has been detected and Windows has been crash

***************************

Screenshot of "Windows Has Been Shutdown" Mozilla Firefox variant:

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Quick menu:

• What is Windows Has Been Shutdown?
• 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 programs:

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 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 "windows has been shutdown" 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 "windows has been shutdown" 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 "windows has been shutdown" 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 and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.

In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.

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 top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage and new tab settings:

Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".

Change your default Internet search engine:

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "windows has been shutdown" 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:

A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.

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