Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer Scam

What is Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer?

"Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" is a false error message displayed by various rogue sites. Research shows that users often visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission.

In addition to causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements, gather personal data, and run unwanted background processes.

The "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" error states that the system is infected and that malware must be eliminated. Therefore, users must immediately contact certified technicians via a telephone number ["(866) 201-6421"] provided. These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal processes.

Despite these threats and demands, "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" is fake. Cyber criminals claim to be 'certified technicians' and generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into paying for technical support that is not required. The malware simply does not exist.

Therefore, ignore the "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" error and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system. Note that, after re-running the browser, never restore the previous session/tabs, otherwise you will return to the malicious site.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, the ads might lead to potentially malicious websites and run scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, clicking them risks computer infections. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs gather information relating to web browsing habits.

IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, and other collected information often includes personal data that PUP developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue. Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Some PUPs misuse system resources to perform unwanted background processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrencies). In this way, PUPs misuse system resources without users' permission, thereby significantly reducing overall system performance. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" 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. ▼ 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.

There are hundreds of potentially unwanted programs, all of which are virtually identical. All offer "useful" features or functions. In fact, they deliver no real value for regular users.

Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers - they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. Claims provide "useful functionality" are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Developers proliferate PUPs using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps).

Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click 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?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Criminals invest time and resources into intrusive ad design.

Therefore, intrusive ads often seem legitimate, however, distinguishing them is easy, since most lead to untrustworthy websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you continually experience these ads, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" options, closely analyze each step of the download/installation processes, and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer" pop-up:

Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer
Windows Security Essentials was unable to block the virus. Windows detected several potential threats that will compromise your privacy and harm your computer.
Error Code: 0x8024402c, Windows couldn't install the definition updates.
More Information & Support Please Contact (866) 201-6421

YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED
Error # 268D3
Please call us immediately at: (866) 201-6421
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.

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▼ 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 Windows Detected Potential Threats On Your Computer?
• 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 detected potential threats on your computer" 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 detected potential threats on your computer" 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 detected potential threats on your computer" 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 "windows detected potential threats on your computer" 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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