Windows notification alerts continually prompt about virus infection

Windows 10 notifications can occur that prompts users of a virus being detected with options to Scan or Remove the virus from your computer.

These are not real virus alerts from your anti-virus software, rather Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web push notifications that have been allowed while browsing the web - that aim to mislead users to download software to remove the alleged virus.

It is known as Notification Spam and are a little more prominent in Windows when they occur within Microsoft Edge as this browser displays web push notifications via the System Notification system, making them seem more legitimate.

When confronted with the type of alert, it is important not to click the options provided.

To remove these alerts from your Windows 10 device, follow the below steps.

Microsoft Edge

1. Close all Microsoft Edge browser windows, then open a new Microsoft Edge browser window.
   
   
2. Browse to edge://settings/siteData then click on the Remove all button to clear all cookies and site data from the browser.
   
   
   
   
3. When the list of sites on this page is clear, browse to edge://restart. This will close the Microsoft Edge browser and perform a complete restart of the app.

When complete, Microsoft Edge will reload with no cookies or site data that usually prompts these alerts.

Google Chrome

1. Close all Google Chrome browser windows, then open a new Google Chrome browser window.
   
   
2. Browse to chrome://settings/siteData then click on the Remove all button to clear all cookies and site data from the browser.
   
   
   
   
3. When the list of sites on this page is clear, browse to chrome://restart. This will close the Google Chrome browser and perform a complete restart of the app.

When complete, Google Chrome will reload with no cookies or site data that usually prompts these alerts.

Note: These alerts affect Windows 10 computers via web browsers that have 
been allowed to send notifications to the user from a malicious site. 
It can appear on MacOS based computers via web browsers as well.

Know your installed anti-virus product

Become a little more familiar with the threat protection products used in your organisation's Windows devices. In many instances, with will be Microsoft Defender (which comes with Windows) or if purchased and supported by Real World Technology Solutions, Bitdefender (which is managed from cloud services).

These threat protection products do not send continual Windows Notification alerts asking to user to perform an action in most cases. They will provide an alert, however, of any action they have performed against a detected known threat to the computer.

Where unsure, lodge a Support Case with Real World

If ever unsure of an alert or unexpected behaviour that your computer may perform, submit a Support Case with Real World Technology Solutions.