Error #31(0x1F) ads: what it is and how to remove it
Error #31(0x1F) is a malicious program that displays a deceptive pop-up window with the message about possible system failure or danger to your sensitive information. However, this is a fake alert, and there is no danger to your system or credentials besides the adware-type virus displaying intrusive content without your approval.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Error #31(0x1F) ads: summary
| Distribution | Software bundles, deceptive websites or advertisements |
|---|---|
| Name | Error #31(0x1F) |
| Type | Adware/Scam |
| Category | Potentially unwanted program |
| Symptoms | Delivers a fake alert message and commercial content, encourages to call suspicious number |
| Main danger | Tricks people into revealing their information, collects keystrokes with the screen overlay |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 6 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | Error #31(0x1F) |
| First seen | 29 January 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is Error #31(0x1F) ads dangerous?
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Error #31(0x1F) is a scam that encourages people to call a fake Windows Support number
Error #31(0x1F) is a malicious program that displays a deceptive pop-up window with the message about possible system failure or danger to your sensitive information.
However, this is a fake alert, and there is no danger to your system or credentials besides the adware-type virus displaying intrusive content without your approval. Typically, the virus is causing a pop-up window filled with a Windows security alert and informing the victim about the presence of malicious programs. Additionally, it encourages people to contact the alleged support via +1-888-905-1666 or other numbers immediately.
Unfortunately, calling the number may lead to cybercriminals or scammers who are seeking to get your personal information or money for their "technical support." Beware that by entering your banking details, you can reveal them to scammers as they can use a fake screen posing a legitimate bank page. You should ignore such alerts and keep in mind that Windows technical support has never asked for money.
Error #31(0x1F) pop-up redirects to a deceptive website which displays a message identified as Unknown System Failure but in reality there is no malicious activity that affects the general system of your device. The adware which infiltrated your system delivers all this content. This potentially unwanted program also causes:
Error #31(0x1F) can also cause slowness of the browser or device in general and this way users get tricked that the system is infected. Nevertheless, your details might be at risk, especially if the message keeps popping up or you contact the suggested number.
Unfortunately, Error #31(0x1F) virus message is not a program you can find nor delete because the main symptom is the delivery of the message that reads:
Researchers note that similar errors like Error #31(0x1F) can indicate various problems with the device, but there is no need to call the provided numbers. Often these tech support scammers talk with a foreign accent and this fact should be a first indicator that the support is not legitimate.
You should employ a reputable anti-malware program and scan the system instead. This way you can remove Error #31(0x1F) from the system and keep on using the machine safely. You should use or any other tool and follow the suggested steps. The program indicates possible intruders and terminates malicious programs.
Automatic Error #31(0x1F) removal is the best option because the program causing these fake system alerts comes without your consent or knowledge and often via software bundles or from deceptive ads. A full system scan eliminates all similar programs and browser extensions or plugins.
- intrusive commercial content;
- advertisements in the form of banners, pop-up windows;
- redirects to deceptive websites;
- in-text links to malicious sites;
- installation of additional browser content.
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Unwanted applications come from visiting suspicious websites
In most cases, potentially unwanted applications like adware, browser hijackers or fake system tools come via software bundles because developers pack their products alongside various freeware and spread these bundles around the internet. When you get freeware from questionable sources, you risk getting additional programs like fake system alerts causing adware.
You can avoid these infiltrations if you choose Advanced or Custom options during freeware installation. By doing so, you get an opportunity to decide what programs get installed on the device. If you skip through these steps and select Default or Quick options, you automatically agree to all additional programs. Also, keep your security software up-to-date, so suspicious websites can be blocked before you enter them.
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Error #31(0x1F)
- Use for a general system cleaning and remove Error #31(0x1F)
- WINDOWS SECURITY ALERT: Your Windows Customer ID: WINDOWS10A182404 Call Official Windows Support Tollfree: +1-888-905-1666 Malicious spyware / riskware detected.
- Error #31(0x1F) Unknown System Failure!
- Please call WINDOWS SUPPORT NO: +1-888-905-1666 (TOLL FREE) immediately Suspicious Connection Was Trying To Access Your IP Address, Logins & Tracking your Banking.
- Your TCP Connection Was Blocked By Your Firewall.
- Your Connection Will Be Suspended Soon.
- Hard Drive Have Trojan Virus!
- Please Don't Try To Fix Manually, It Will Crash Your All Data on the Device.
- Suspicious Connection may trying to access following information: > Banking Information.
- > Email / Facebook Logins.
- > Photos stored on this device.
- Consequently, We are performing additional security check to verify our existing customers.
- Please Call OFFICIAL WINDOWS TOLL FREE NUMBER +1-888-905-1666 to reactivate your Connection.
- Please mention the Your YOUR WINDOWS CUSTOMER ID: WINDOWS10A182404 when you are calling.
How to remove Error #31(0x1F) ads
How to remove the Error #31(0x1F) extension
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
Error #31(0x1F) often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall Error #31(0x1F)
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
Sort the list by install date and find Error #31(0x1F), then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
Windows system can be affected by Error #31(0x1F), make sure to clean the system thoroughly:
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
Check your browser for any Error #31(0x1F) related content and delete those extensions or add-ons:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
From our report of Jan 2019 · not reviewed since
Get rid of Error #31(0x1F) and related alerts or commercial content
Remove Error #31(0x1F) and forget about those deceptive alerts and commercial content constantly delivered to your screen.
You can do so by scanning the system entirely using reputable antivirus tools. If you have a program that you can trust make sure to follow the suggested steps.
If you need a software suggestion for Error #31(0x1F) removal, we have listed a few programs that we as security researchers can trust and recommend. This method of virus termination takes less than 15 minutes and gives you an advantage of eliminating all possible threats.
You should also remember that Error #31(0x1F) virus may install additional content on your browser, so you should check your Chrome, Firefox or Excel browser for suspicious extensions or toolbars and change settings to default on every one of them.
Questions about Error #31(0x1F) ads
Is Error #31(0x1F) a virus?
Most programs that appear the way Error #31(0x1F) did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:
- real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
- changes browser settings
- starts with Windows
Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.
Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.
Error #31(0x1F) came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If Error #31(0x1F) still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
My scan found nothing, but the ads continue. Why?
Because the source may not be a file a scanner looks for. Browser notifications are a permission stored in the browser, and many adware extensions are not flagged because they come from an official store.
Some ad-supported programs are only reported if you enable detection of potentially unwanted apps. So a clean scan does not mean the job is done. Check each browser's notification permissions and extension list by hand, and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security before scanning again.
Why is my browser so slow since the ads started?
Each page now does extra work. An adware extension reads the page, decides where to put ads, loads them from ad servers and reports your visit, and that happens on every tab. Ad-supported programs add their own background activity.
Removing the extension or program usually makes the browser fast again at once. If it stays slow, open the browser's own task manager with Shift+Esc in Chrome or Edge and look for extensions using a lot of memory or processor time.
Can an adware pop-up infect my PC just by appearing?
No. A pop-up, a notification or a new tab is only a web page or a message. It cannot run programs on Windows by itself, provided the browser and Windows are up to date. Infection needs a step from you:
- running a downloaded file
- installing an extension
- giving a stranger remote access
That is why scam pages work so hard to make you click. Close such pages with the tab's X or by closing the browser, not with buttons inside the page, which may start a download.
Did Error #31(0x1F) collect my data?
Adware typically collects what it needs to choose ads:
- the sites you visit
- search terms
- approximate location
- browser and system details
Extensions with permission to read and change data on all websites can technically see everything on those pages, including forms. That is a privacy problem rather than proof of theft.
If you typed card details or passwords while it was active, changing the most important passwords is a reasonable precaution. Clearing cookies after removal ends the tracking sessions it may have started.
I let a "support technician" from an ad connect to my PC. What should I do?
Act quickly but calmly. Disconnect the PC from the internet first, so the connection ends. Uninstall the remote access tool they asked you to install and check Installed apps for anything else added during the call.
Run a Microsoft Defender full scan and offline scan. From another device, change your e-mail and banking passwords and sign out of all sessions.
If you paid by card, bank transfer or gift card, contact your bank or the card issuer immediately, and report the scam to the police. Do not answer if they call back.
Do I need to reset my browser after removing Error #31(0x1F)?
A reset is a good last step, because it undoes settings that the program changed. A reset restores the home page, new tab page and default search engine, and turns off extensions.
It does not delete your bookmarks or saved passwords in the main browsers. Add back only the extensions you trust, one at a time.
Will Fortect remove Error #31(0x1F)?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Error #31(0x1F), follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Howtogeek: PUPs explained (read October 7, 2026)
- Support: Protect yourself from tech support scams (read October 7, 2026)
- ZDNet: After Microsoft complaints, Indian police arrest tech support scammers at 26 call centers (read October 7, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)