Remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up scam [Virus removal]

The malicious programs from the ad-supported software family that changes the settings of web-browsers usually affects only the FF, Chrome, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge. However, possible situations, when any other web browsers will be affected too. The ad supported software may change the Target property of a web browser’s shortcut, so every time you start the internet browser, instead of your startpage, you will see the annoying Microsoft System Security Alert advertisements.

Thus, it is clear that the presence of ‘ad supported’ software on your PC system is not desirable, and you need to clean up your machine as soon as possible. Follow the step-by-step instructions below in order to remove Microsoft System Security Alert popup scam.

Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up removal instructions

We can help you remove Microsoft System Security Alert from your web browsers, without the need to take your system to a professional. Simply follow the removal tutorial below if you currently have the undesired ‘ad supported’ software on your personal computer and want to remove it. If you have any difficulty while trying to remove the ad-supported software that causes web browsers to show misleading Microsoft System Security Alert popup scam, feel free to ask for our help in the comment section below. Some of the steps will require you to reboot your computer or close the web-page. So, read this guidance carefully, then bookmark or print it for later reference.

How to remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up without any software

Most common adware may be removed without any antivirus programs. The manual adware removal is post step-by-step guide that will teach you how to remove the Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up error.

Uninstall suspicious software by using Control Panel

Some of potentially unwanted applications, adware and browser hijackers can be deleted using the Add/Remove programs utility which is located in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. So, if you’re using any version of MS Windows and you have noticed an unwanted program, then first try to remove it through Add/Remove programs.

1. If you are using Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 then click Windows button, next click Search. Type “Control panel”and press Enter.
2. If you are using Windows XP, Vista, 7, then click “Start” button and click “Control Panel”.
3. It will show the Windows Control Panel.
4. Further, press “Uninstall a program” under Programs category.
5. It will open a list of all programs installed on the system.
6. Scroll through the all list, and delete suspicious and unknown software. To quickly find the latest installed programs, we recommend sort programs by date.

See more details in the video tutorial below.

Fix internet browser shortcuts, changed by adware

Important to know, most anti-malware programs which are able to get rid of ad supported software, but unable to detect and recover changed shortcuts. So, you need to fix the desktop shortcuts for your FF, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge web browsers manually.

Open the properties of the web browser shortcut. Right click on the shortcut of infected web browser and select the “Properties” option and it’ll open the properties of the shortcut. Next, choose the “Shortcut” tab and have a look at the Target field like below.

Normally, if the last word in the Target field is chrome.exe, iexplore.exe, firefox.exe. Be sure to pay attention to the extension, should be “exe”! All shortcuts that have been modified by ‘ad supported’ software usually point to .bat, .cmd or .url files instead of .exe as on the image below

Another variant, an address has been added at the end of the line. In this case the Target field looks like …Application\chrome.exe” http://site.address as displayed on the image below.

In order to fix a shortcut, you need to insert right path to the Target field or remove an address (if it has been added at the end). You can use the following information to fix your shortcuts that have been modified by ad supported software.

Chrome	C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
	C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
Firefox	C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Microsoft Internet Explorer	C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
	C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Opera	C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\launcher.exe
	C:\Program Files\Opera\launcher.exe

Once is finished, click OK to save changes. Repeat the step for all internet browsers which are rerouted to the Microsoft System Security Alert unwanted web site.

Delete Microsoft System Security Alert popup from Internet Explorer

In order to restore all web-browser startpage, new tab and search engine by default you need to reset the Internet Explorer to the state, that was when the Microsoft Windows was installed on your PC system.

First, launch the Internet Explorer, then click ‘gear’ icon . It will open the Tools drop-down menu on the right part of the internet browser, then press the “Internet Options” as on the image below.

In the “Internet Options” screen, select the “Advanced” tab, then click the “Reset” button. The IE will open the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” prompt. Further, press the “Delete personal settings” check box to select it. Next, click the “Reset” button as shown on the screen below.

When the process is finished, click “Close” button. Close the Microsoft Internet Explorer and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This step will help you to restore your internet browser’s newtab, startpage and search engine by default to default state.

Remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up from Firefox

If your FF web-browser is rerouted to Microsoft System Security Alert without your permission or an unknown search engine opens results for your search, then it may be time to perform the web browser reset.

First, open the FF and press button. It will show the drop-down menu on the right-part of the web browser. Further, click the Help button () like below

.

In the Help menu, select the “Troubleshooting Information” option. Another way to open the “Troubleshooting Information” screen – type “about:support” in the browser adress bar and press Enter. It will display the “Troubleshooting Information” page as displayed on the image below. In the upper-right corner of this screen, click the “Refresh Firefox” button.

It will open the confirmation dialog box. Further, press the “Refresh Firefox” button. The Firefox will begin a procedure to fix your problems that caused by the ad-supported software that causes intrusive Microsoft System Security Alert pop-ups. Once, it is done, click the “Finish” button.

Remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up from Google Chrome

Reset Chrome settings is a easy way to remove the ‘ad supported’ software, harmful and adware extensions, as well as to recover the internet browser’s home page, new tab and default search engine that have been modified by ad-supported software which cause misleading Microsoft System Security Alert popup to appear.

First run the Chrome. Next, press the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (). It will show the main menu. Further, click the option named “Settings”. Another way to show the Google Chrome’s settings – type chrome://settings in the web-browser adress bar and press Enter.

The internet browser will display the settings screen. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and press the “Show advanced settings” link. Now scroll down until the “Reset settings” section is visible, as displayed in the figure below and click the “Reset settings” button.

The Google Chrome will open the confirmation dialog box. You need to confirm your action, click the “Reset” button. The web-browser will launch the procedure of cleaning. When it’s finished, the browser’s settings including startpage, newtab page and default search provider back to the values that have been when the Google Chrome was first installed on your system.

Remove unwanted Scheduled Tasks

Once installed, the adware can add a task in to the Windows Task Scheduler Library. Due to this, every time when you launch your computer, it will open Microsoft System Security Alert intrusive site. So, you need to check the Task Scheduler Library and delete all malicious tasks which have been created by malicious applications.

Press Windows and R keys on your keyboard simultaneously. It will show a prompt which called Run. In the text field, type “taskschd.msc” (without the quotes) and click OK. Task Scheduler window opens. In the left-hand side, click “Task Scheduler Library”, as on the image below.

In the middle part you will see a list of installed tasks. Select the first task, its properties will be show just below automatically. Next, click the Actions tab. Necessary to look at the text which is written under Details. Found something such as “explorer.exe http://site.address” or “chrome.exe http://site.address” or “firefox.exe http://site.address”, then you need delete this task. If you are not sure that executes the task, then google it. If it’s a component of the malicious program, then this task also should be removed.

Further click on it with the right mouse button and select Delete as displayed in the figure below.

Repeat this step, if you have found a few tasks that have been created by ‘ad-supported’ software. Once is finished, close the Task Scheduler window.

Remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop up with free programs

The ‘ad supported’ software can hide its components which are difficult for you to find out and remove completely. This can lead to the fact that after some time, the ad-supported software once again infect your personal computer and redirect your browser to Microsoft System Security Alert web-page. Moreover, We want to note that it’s not always safe to remove adware manually, if you do not have much experience in setting up and configuring the Microsoft Windows operating system. The best method to scan for and delete ad supported software is to run free malicious software removal applications.

How to remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop up with Zemana Anti-malware

We suggest using the Zemana Anti-malware. You may download and install Zemana Anti-malware to detect ‘ad supported’ software and thereby get rid of Microsoft System Security Alert pop up from the Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge and Internet Explorer web-browsers. When installed and updated, the malicious software remover will automatically scan and detect all threats present on your personal computer.

1. Download Zemana by clicking on the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop.
   
   

   Zemana AntiMalware
   164099 downloads
   Author: Zemana Ltd
   Category: Security tools
   Update: July 16, 2019
   
2. After the downloading process is finished, close all applications and windows on your personal computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.
3. Further, press Next button and follow the prompts.
4. Once setup is finished, click the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the ‘ad supported’ software that causes a huge number of annoying Microsoft System Security Alert advertisements. Depending on your system, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While the utility is checking, you can see how many objects and files has already scanned.
5. After Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) has completed scanning your computer, you’ll be displayed the list of all found items on your PC system. All detected threats will be marked. You can remove them all by simply click “Next”. After the task is done, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

Remove Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up error with Malwarebytes

We advise using the Malwarebytes Free. You can download and install Malwarebytes to find ad-supported software and thereby delete Microsoft System Security Alert popup from your browsers. When installed and updated, the free malware remover will automatically scan and detect all threats exist on the computer.

1. Download MalwareBytes Free by clicking on the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop or in any other place.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware
   326454 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: April 15, 2020
   
2. Once the downloading process is finished, close all applications and windows on your computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named mb3-setup.
3. Further, press Next button and follow the prompts.
4. Once installation is finished, click the “Scan Now” button for checking your computer for the adware which cause intrusive Microsoft System Security Alert pop-up advertisements to appear. This procedure can take quite a while, so please be patient. When a malicious software, ad supported software or PUPs are detected, the count of the security threats will change accordingly.
5. Once the scan is finished, MalwareBytes Free will open a screen which contains a list of malware that has been detected. All found threats will be marked. You can get rid of them all by simply press “Quarantine Selected”. After the task is finished, you can be prompted to reboot your computer.

The following video offers a guidance on how to remove browser hijackers, ad-supported software and other malware with MalwareBytes AntiMalware.

Get rid of Microsoft System Security Alert pop up scam from web browsers with AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a free removal utility that may be downloaded and run to delete ad-supported software that created to display misleading Microsoft System Security Alert popup error within your web-browser, hijackers, malware, potentially unwanted applications, toolbars and other threats from your machine. You can use this utility to find threats even if you have an antivirus or any other security application.

1. Download AdwCleaner from the link below.
   
   

   AdwCleaner download
   225298 downloads
   Version: 8.4.1
   Author: Xplode, MalwareBytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: October 5, 2024
   
2. Select the directory in which you saved it as Desktop, and then press Save.
3. Once the download is done, run the AdwCleaner, double-click the adwcleaner_xxx.exe file.
4. If the “User Account Control” prompts, click Yes to continue.
5. Read the “Terms of use”, and click Accept.
6. In the AdwCleaner window, press the “Scan” to perform a system scan for the adware which designed to redirect your internet browser to various ad web-pages like Microsoft System Security Alert. This process may take quite a while, so please be patient. When a malware, ‘ad supported’ software or potentially unwanted applications are detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
7. Once the scanning is finished, the results are displayed in the scan report. Review the report and then press “Clean”. If the AdwCleaner will ask you to restart your system, click “OK”.

The instructions shown in detail in the following video.

Stop Microsoft System Security Alert pop ups and other annoying web-pages

It is also critical to protect your internet browsers from harmful web-pages and advertisements by using an ad blocker program such as AdGuard. Security experts says that it will greatly reduce the risk of malicious software, and potentially save lots of money. Additionally, the AdGuard can also protect your privacy by blocking almost all trackers.

Installing the AdGuard adblocker application is simple. First you’ll need to download AdGuard on your system from the link below.

After the downloading process is finished, double-click the downloaded file to launch it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen like below.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick instructions like below.

Press “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick guidance that will allow you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your PC, AdGuard will launch automatically and block pop up ads, Microsoft System Security Alert pop-ups, as well as other malicious or misleading web pages. For an overview of all the features of the program, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, which can be found on your desktop.

Tips to prevent Microsoft System Security Alert pop-ups and other unwanted software

Probably adware get installed onto your personal computer when you’ve installed certain freeware like E-Mail checker, PDF creator, video codec, etc. Because, most commonly, the adware can be bundled within the install packages from Softonic, Cnet, Soft32, Brothersoft or other similar web-pages which hosts freeware. So, you should start any files downloaded from the Internet with great caution! Always carefully read the ‘User agreement’, ‘Software license’ and ‘Terms of use’. In the process of installing a new program, you need to select a ‘Manual’, ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ installation mode to control what components and third-party programs to be installed. Nevertheless, even removing the program which contains adware, does not help you remove unwanted Microsoft System Security Alert pop up scam from your web-browser. Therefore, you must follow the step by step instructions above to remove adware and thereby remove all annoying pop-up advertisements and redirects to unwanted sites.

Finish words

Now your machine should be clean of the ad-supported software that causes unwanted Microsoft System Security Alert advertisements. Delete AdwCleaner. We suggest that you keep AdGuard (to help you stop unwanted popup advertisements and undesired malicious web-pages) and Zemana (to periodically scan your computer for new adwares and other malicious software). Probably you are running an older version of Java or Adobe Flash Player. This can be a security risk, so download and install the latest version right now.

If you are still having problems while trying to remove Microsoft System Security Alert popup from the Google Chrome, FF, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, then ask for help in our Spyware/Malware removal forum.