On a Windows PC, a fake virus pop-up traps your browser. How can you close it without touching the pop-up?
End the browser task with Task Manager, then scan the device.
- End the browser task with Task Manager ✔
- Call the number shown in the warning
- Click every close button inside the pop-up
Why: A scam page can make the browser seem locked. Use Task Manager to end the browser task instead of clicking inside the page. Then run a malware scan if the pop-up may have been a tech-support scam.
Huh, didn't know that: Microsoft's steps: right-click Start, open Task Manager, find the browser under Apps, and choose End task.
Why did the computer visit the doctor? It caught a virus.
References
Answer: End the browser task with Task Manager. A scam page can make the browser seem locked. Use Task Manager to end the browser task instead of clicking inside the page. Then run a malware scan if the pop-up may have been a tech-support scam.
- How to close a pop-up window if Microsoft Edge isn't responding support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/how-to-close-a-pop-up-window-if-microsoft-edge-isn-t-responding
If you have a persistent pop-up window giving you problems, here's how to use Task Manager to close it:
Checked 2026-10-11.
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