Home laptop infected

The pop-up and 813 support number are a tech-support scam—hang up immediately, do not call back, and do not install anything or permit remote access.

Microsoft security warnings do not include telephone numbers. Scam sites commonly freeze Edge or switch it to full-screen mode to pressure users into calling fake support personnel.^1^ The callers’ nationality is not relevant; the unsolicited number in the browser warning establishes that it is not legitimate Microsoft support.

Secure the laptop now

1. End the call and disconnect the laptop from the internet if the callers are still connected remotely—turn off Wi-Fi or unplug Ethernet.
2. Close the scam page. Press Alt+F4. If that fails, restart the laptop. Microsoft recommends closing the browser immediately when frightening pop-ups appear.^2^
3. When Edge reopens, do not restore the previous tabs or session, because that could reopen the scam page.
4. Open Start → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan, and start the scan.
5. After that completes, save open files and run Microsoft Defender Offline scan from the same screen. The computer will restart, scan outside normal Windows, and restart again. Review the result under Windows Security → Protection history.^3^

Seeing the webpage alone does not prove that malware was installed. The greater risk arises if the callers were given remote access, credentials, payment information, or permission to install software.

If they accessed the laptop or you installed their software

Treat the device and accounts as compromised:

1. Keep the laptop disconnected from the internet.
2. From a different, trusted device, change passwords for:
   • Email and Microsoft accounts
   • Banking and payment services
   • Any account whose password was entered or displayed during the session
3. Enable multifactor authentication where available.
4. Remove every application they instructed you to install. Microsoft specifically advises uninstalling scammer-requested applications and considering a Windows reset when remote access was granted.^1^
5. If they had unattended remote access, performed unknown administrative changes, or the warnings continue after scanning, back up personal documents and use Windows recovery/reset. A reset removes applications and may remove files depending on the option selected, so back up important data first.

If money or personal information was provided

• Contact the card issuer or bank using the number printed on the card or an official statement. Ask it to stop or dispute the payment and replace affected cards.
• Monitor the affected accounts for unauthorized activity.
• Do not provide verification codes, passwords, Social Security numbers, or further payments if the callers contact you again.
• Report the incident at https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam. Microsoft also recommends notifying local law enforcement in urgent cases.^1^

Windows 10 security status

Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025 and normally no longer receives security fixes. A Windows 10 computer can continue operating, but it has increased exposure unless covered by the Consumer Extended Security Updates program.^4^ After securing this incident, upgrade to Windows 11 if the laptop supports it, enroll in Consumer ESU if applicable, or replace the device with a supported one.

References

1. Protect yourself from tech support scams | Microsoft Support
2. Protect yourself from online scams and attacks | Microsoft Support
3. Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support
4. Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft Support