Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses?
"Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" is a fake error message displayed by various deceptive websites. Research shows that many users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads displayed by other dubious websites.
Potentially unwanted programs are notorious for infiltrating systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, they deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, and, in some cases, misuse system resources to run various unwanted processes.
This error message states that the system is infected with a number of viruses that pose a direct threat to stored data and track personal information. In other words, the presence of these viruses can lead to permanent data loss and serious privacy issues.
Users are encouraged to immediately eliminate these errors by downloading one of proposed system optimization tools (e.g., System Keeper). Be aware, however, that this error is a scam - your system is likely to be safe. Criminals attempt to promote various fake system optimization tools.
Therefore, "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" should be ignored and you should never download promoted tools. This error can be removed simply by closing the deceptive websites, however, note that some employ scripts that prevent users from closing web browsing tabs/windows.
In these cases, close the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browsers, do not restore the previous session, otherwise the malicious sites are re-opened.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious sites and even execute scripts that download/install malware (or other PUPs). Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking.
Potentially unwanted programs gather IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar information relating to browsing habits. Collected data usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
These people are likely to misuse the information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking applications might lead to serious privacy issues. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs often misuse system resources to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unwanted processes in the background.
In this way, potentially unwanted programs significantly reduce overall system performance. We strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately and scan the system with a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite.
| Name | "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 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. |
"Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" is virtually identical to Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR, Windows Is Resetting Itself, Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert, and dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, none can be trusted.
Unlike "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses", most fake errors do not promote potentially unwanted programs. They encourage users to call fake technical support numbers, where "certified technicians" will attempt to trick unsuspecting users into paying for assistance that is not required.
Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering 'useful features', PUPs often trick users to install, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted programs are often proliferated using "bundling" method and intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs with regular (typically free) apps/software. Criminals do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes.
In addition, many users rush and skip these procedure steps. They also click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. 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. The key to safety is caution. Pay close attention when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Ensure that you carefully analyze each window of the download/installation steps and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Note that criminals monetize third party downloaders/installers by promoting rogue apps. Therefore, you are advised to download your apps from official sources only, using direct download links.
It is also important to note that criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design - they may seem legitimate, however, the ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites.
If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. We also encourage you to have a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running.
The appearance of "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" pop-up (GIF):
Text presented in "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" scam:
WARNING!
Your Windows 10 is infected with Viruses and other malicious applications Viruses must be removed and system damage repaired.
It is necessary to run the Virus removal procedure immediately, please proceed.
If you leave this site your computer will remain damaged and vulnerable.
Your WINDOWS 10 is infected with (3) Viruses!
Your Windows 10 is infected with (3) Viruses. The pre-scan found traces of (2) malware and (1) spyware. System damage: 28.1% - IMMEDIATE REMOVAL REQUIRED!
The removal of (3) Viruses is required immediately to prevent further system damage, loss of Apps, Photos or other files.
Traces of (1) Spyware were found on your computer. Personal and banking information are at risk.
Step 1: Click on the "Proceed" button to check your computer for viruses.
DOWNLOAD REQUIRED
Windows is heavily damaged! (28.1%)
Please download and install antivirus software to remove (3) Viruses from your computer.
VIRUS INFORMATION
Virus Name: Tapsnake; CronDNS; Dubfishexe
Risk: HIGH
Infected Files: /Windows/apps/hiden/system32/X/snake.exe; /Windows/local/conf/keyboard/retype.exe; /Windows/remote/conf/services/defrag.exe...
Step 2: Click "Proceed" then on the next page click "Download" to download and install the antivirus software.
Screenshot of fake scan displayed by malicious sites that display "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" error:
"Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" promoting System Keeper potentially unwanted program:
Update November 25, 2019 - Crooks have recently released an updated variant of "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" pop-up scam which now promotes PC Cleaner application instead of System Keeper.
Screenshot of the initial page:
Text presented within this page:
Windows Security Scan
Your Windows 10 is infected with (3) Viruses! 25 November 2019Your Windows 10 is infected with (3) Viruses. The pre-scan found traces of (2) malware and (1) spyware. System damage: 28.1% - IMMEDIATE REMOVAL REQUIRED!
The removal of (3) Viruses is required immediately to prevent further system damage, loss of Apps, Photos or other files.
Traces of (1) Spyware were found on your computer. Personal and banking information are at risk.
Step 1: Click on the "Proceed" button to check your computer for viruses.
2 minutes and 42 seconds
Proceed >>
Screenshot of fake scan result:
Text presented within this page:
Windows Security Scan
DOWNLOAD REQUIRED
Windows is heavily damaged! (28.1%)
Please download and install antivirus software to remove (3) Viruses from your computer.
VIRUS INFORMATION
Virus Name: Tapsnake; CronDNS; Dubfishexe
Risk: HIGH
Infected Files: /Windows/apps/hidden/system32/X/snake.exe;
/Windows/local/conf/keyboard/retype.exe;
/Windows/remote/conf/services/defrag.exe...
Step 2: Click "Proceed" then on the next page click "Download" to download and install the antivirus software.
Proceed >>
Appearance of updated "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" variant (GIF):
Screenshot of PC Cleaner download page:
Yet another variant of "Your Windows 10 Is Infected With 3 Viruses" pop-up scam:
Appearance of this variant (GIF):
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 10 Is Infected With 3 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.
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 "your windows 10 is infected with 3 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your windows 10 is infected with 3 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 10 is infected with 3 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 10 is infected with 3 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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