Virus infected files

Donald McDonald 0 Reputation points
2026-09-22T16:43:57.1666667+00:00

Computer is saying Microsoft found infected files will not let me close Computer.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | Windows
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-22T16:44:12.53+00:00

    That message can be a real malware warning or a fake virus alert designed to keep the screen occupied and pressure action.

    1. If the warning is inside Microsoft Edge or another browser, close it with Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser, and choose End task.
    2. Then open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
    3. Under Current threats, select Scan options.
    4. Run a Full scan first.
    5. If threats keep returning or the PC still behaves as infected after restart, run Windows Defender Offline scan from the same Scan options page. Warning: the PC will restart before the scan starts, so save any open work first.
    6. If Microsoft reports a threat is only partially removed, run the Malicious Software Removal Tool:
      • Press Windows key + R
      • Type %windir%\system32\mrt.exe
      • Select OK
      • If prompted, select Yes
      • Follow the prompts to scan and clean the PC
    7. After that, restart the PC and install the latest updates.

    If the browser showed a pop-up claiming the computer is infected, also remove any suspicious browser notification permissions and clear cached files. In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications and remove unfamiliar entries.

    If malware has already caused lasting damage, a PC reset or reinstall may be required. Warning: this can require restoring files from backup, and backups created during infection may also be affected.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. David-M 127.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-22T17:31:02.19+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    This type of behavior is almost always a false alert (a web pop-up designed to look like a system warning) rather than an actual Windows Defender notification.

    To help me identify the exact source, please take a photo of your screen using a smartphone or camera and post it here.

    If you don't have a smartphone or camera available, use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool and take it via Windows.

    Important: While doing this, do not click any buttons on that screen and do not call any phone numbers listed there.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  3. Bence Weiszmann 1,815 Reputation points
    2026-09-22T18:03:15.02+00:00

    Dear @Donald McDonald

    These alerts are commonly displayed by malicious or compromised websites and may try to make you call a phone number, install software, or click a button to “remove” the infection.

    I would recommend the following:

    1. Do not click anything in the warning and do not call any phone number shown there.
    2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    3. Find your browser and select End task.
    4. Reopen the browser, but do not restore the previous tabs if prompted.
    5. Check your browser's notification permissions and remove any unfamiliar websites.
    6. Open Windows Security --› Virus & threat protection --› Scan options and run a Full scan.
    7. If you still suspect that the computer is infected, run Microsoft Defender Offline scan.

    Most importantly, do not provide personal information, install software, or give remote access to anyone who contacts you through this warning.

    Best regards,
    Bence

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