Google Chrome Critical Error ads: what it is and how to remove it
Google Chrome Critical Error is a fake pop-up alert that may appear when you're browsing the internet. Visually, the red page resembles a legitimate warning that appears when users try entering a dangerous domain.
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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Google Chrome Critical Error ads: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Google Chrome Critical Error |
| Type | Adware extension |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| 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 4 more facts
| Evidence | 7 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| Program | Google Chrome Critical Error |
| First seen | 4 June 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is Google Chrome Critical Error ads dangerous?
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Google Chrome Critical Error – is the message that is a part of a tech support scam campaign
Google Chrome Critical Error is a fake pop-up alert that may appear when you're browsing the internet.
Visually, the red page resembles a legitimate warning that appears when users try entering a dangerous domain. Instead, users are presented with a lengthy message, claiming that a trojan horse may have already damaged their hard disk and some of their personal data is at the risk of compromise.
To "fix" the issue, victims are then prompted to call the "Help Desk" via the provided phone number. No matter how convincing the Red screen virus seems, you should never fall for dialing the number given in the fake alert because scammers behind it can trick you into installing malware, paying for useless services, or giving them remote access to your PC.
Google Chrome critical error red screen virus is a technical support scam that belongs to the group of Critical ERROR scam category that targets Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Hence, Chrome users are also in the target eye of tech support scammers.
Just like many other online scams, this red screen error also aims to trick users into calling fake technicians due to computer infection or possible threats to their private information. Authors of this scam use the +1(888)-562-5234 phone number. However, security specialists from Los Virus warn that crooks might use countless other numbers.
Most of the time, users encounter Red screen virus when their machines are infected with adware. The ad-supported application, which may have arrived on the system in a software bundle, might also:
However, the main task of this potentially unwanted program is to open the affected browser's tab and shows the following error message:
However, calling the authors of this scam will bring you even more computer-related problems. Crooks might want to sell you useless security software, get remote access to your PC, install malware or steal personal information.
The main goal of tech support scams is to make victims call the provided number, and then it is relatively easy for crooks to convince users that their computer and personal safety is in grave danger.
If redirects to this site keep reappearing, you should remove Google Chrome Critical Error virus immediately. Keep in mind that this PUP may have arrived in your system as a browser extension or any other potentially unwanted program, so system investigation is highly recommended for the full virus removal.
Possibly the most convenient way to get rid of unwanted apps and malware is by scanning the device with powerful security software, such as or .
Additionally, you should eliminate the damage that was caused by the virus to your computer. For that, scan it with . This could save you hours of work when trying to deal with constant system crashing, severe lag, and other issues.
Keep in mind that the Red screen virus alert can occur due to a random redirect from a malicious website, so you can land on it at any time. Likewise, accidental clicks on suspicious pages would result in the same result.
Therefore, if you encountered the scam, it does not necessarily mean that your computer is infected, although it is highly recommended to check it using the methods we listed below.
- redirect to other commercial or potentially dangerous websites;
- display ads, pop-ups or banners;
- turn random texts into hyperlinks;
- provide fake shopping offers or discounts;
- spread malware-laden ads.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Incorrect software installation leads to PUP infections
Users typically call fake tech support because they get scared that their computer and personal data may be at risk, especially if they never death with such a fake screen before (mind that some scams might lock the screen to make it more believable).
Victims typically have no idea that the fake pop-up message came from adware that infiltrated their machines via software bundling. That is why such scams can be hugely successful, and crooks will continue to abuse naive individuals.
Nevertheless, it is relatively easy to protect yourself from adware and other PUPs. Despite freeware developers' recommendations, never pick Recommended/Standard/Quick installation settings. Instead, opt for Advanced/Custom mode. This way you will be able to remove all the tick marks next to optional installs before the process is complete.
Additionally, we advise users to learn about scams, how to recognize them and how to avoid them if the skimming attempt was made (as we already mentioned, people may be redirected to phishing sites even without their PC being affected by adware).
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Ways to identify the tech support scam
Google Chrome Critical Error scam is not the only hoax of such type that has been plaguing the worldwide web - ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999, Windows Error Code: DLL011150, and Microsoft Warning Alert, among others, are great examples of how cybercriminals exploit users' psychology and lack of technical computer knowledge in order to steal from them.
There have been several raids and arrests made, particularly in India, where the illegal operations of scam call centers are mostly operated from. Unfortunately, there's a myriad of such organizations that preventing the scam schemes from running is almost impossible. As a result, scams such as Google Chrome Critical Error prevails on the web.
There are several ways on how such schemes can be recognized, however. Here are the main things to look out for to be scammed in the future:
- Microsoft, Apple, or any other reputable tech company will never provide you a contact number within an error or warning message. If you need to contact support, go to the official website and retrieve the number from there;
- Tech support scams are often operated by non-English-speaking individuals, so expect grammar and/or spelling mistakes;
- There is no way a browser-based alert could detect the security status of your machine - only anti-virus software installed on your computer can do that;
- Every logo, wording, and other attributes can be easily imitated;
- Always look at the URL (address bar) where the message is coming from. Typically, the delivery address is coming from a randomly-name URL, although crooks often use words that are familiar to users (e.g., "Microsoft," "Google," etc.)
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Google Chrome Critical Error
- Red screen virus; Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR; Mozilla Firefox Critical ERROR; Internet Explorer Critical ERROR
- Money loss, personal data exposure to cybercrooks
- Google Chrome Critical ERROR There was a dangerous try to get an access to your personal information & bank information.
- Luckily, your Firewall managed to block this suspicious connection.
- There is a great threat of leaking of your personal data.
- So, you need to respond swiftly!
- Trojan Virus may have already hurt your hard disk and its data.
- That is why we are checking and verifying your current system security.
- Do not waste your time and consult one of our service centers or call us.
- Contact number + 1 (888) 563-5234 (TOLL-FREE) Your urgent response is needed.
- To deal with this problem, contact our network administration.
How to remove Google Chrome Critical Error ads
How to remove the Google Chrome Critical Error 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
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall Google Chrome Critical Error
Google Chrome Critical Error is removed like any other program, from the list of installed apps. In Windows 11 that is Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and in both you can also use Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Select Google Chrome Critical Error, click Uninstall and follow the uninstaller to the end. Then look at the entries just above and below it when the list is sorted by date: bundled programs install at the same minute.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
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
A scan finds the parts of Google Chrome Critical Error that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
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
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
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.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Get rid of the Google Chrome Critical Error Red Screen by removing the infection
Redirects to technical support scams will stop when you remove the virus from the affected machine.
For that, you have two options. The first one suggests locating and terminating adware manually by following the steps below. Beware that this method requires your full attention as the incorrect procedure might hurt your computer instead of fixing it. Also, be patient, as manual elimination of red screen virus requires some time to complete.
The second removal method is more straightforward than the first one. It requires obtaining an anti-malware program and scanning the device with an updated tool. If you have adware on your system, it would not be surprising if there would be other PUPs installed as well. Thus, automatic removal can also help you find additional unwanted applications quickly and get rid of them for good.
If you have already contacted cybercriminals, you can report the fraud to your local authorities. Additionally, in case you paid for something, contact your bank and ask if reverting payment(s) is possible.
Questions about Google Chrome Critical Error ads
What is Google Chrome Critical Error and why is it on my PC?
Google Chrome Critical Error is a program that was installed on the PC, most likely together with something else you downloaded. Free software sites and many installers add extra programs on setup pages with pre-ticked boxes, so the extra install looks like your choice even though nobody read the page.
Check the install date in Settings, Apps, Installed apps: the program you installed that day is the probable carrier. If you do not need Google Chrome Critical Error, uninstall it. If it belongs to your hardware or to a program you use, search its exact name and publisher first, because drivers and their tools can have unfamiliar names.
Google Chrome Critical Error 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 Google Chrome Critical Error 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.
Can adware slow down my PC?
Yes. Adware runs in the background, loads ad scripts, opens extra tabs and contacts its servers, all of which use processor time, memory and bandwidth. Ad-heavy extensions also slow down every page, because they inspect and change it before you see it.
The effect is strongest on older PCs and when several adware programs arrived together. After removal, restart the PC and check Task Manager for anything still using a lot of resources that you do not recognise. Speed usually returns to normal once the ads stop.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
An ad showed a phone number and I called it. What now?
The number belongs to scammers, not to Microsoft or an antivirus company. If you only talked, hang up and do not call back. If you let them connect to the PC, disconnect it from the internet, uninstall the remote access program they used, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect or UltraViewer, and run a full and offline scan.
If you paid or gave bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card. Change any passwords you typed while they were connected, and report the call.
Does adware steal passwords?
Ordinary adware is built to show ads, not to steal logins, and most of it never touches saved passwords. The line is blurry, though. Extensions that can read every page could capture what you type, and adware ads sometimes lead to phishing pages that ask for passwords directly.
If you entered credentials on a page reached through an ad, change that password from a clean device and turn on two-step verification. Otherwise, removing adware extension and clearing cookies is usually enough.
Why didn't my antivirus catch Google Chrome Critical Error?
Many security products do not block adware or notification sites by default, because users often agreed to them, even through a misleading prompt. Notification spam installs nothing at all, so there is no file to detect.
In Windows 11 you can make Microsoft Defender block potentially unwanted apps: open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking. If notifications caused the pop-ups, no scanner will report them; the fix is in the browser's site settings.
How did Google Chrome Critical Error get on my computer?
The ad-supported application, which may have arrived on the system in a software bundle, might also:. Software of this kind often comes bundled with free programs, fake updates or downloads from unofficial sites.
It can also arrive through a browser extension or a notification you allowed on a spam page. Think back to what you installed or allowed just before the first ad or redirect appeared.
Will Fortect remove Google Chrome Critical Error?
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 Google Chrome Critical Error, 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
- Los Virus: Los Virus (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Adware (read October 7, 2026)
- HowStuffWorks: How to Detect Online Scams (read October 7, 2026)
- CTV News: 32 arrested at Indian call centre that targeted Canadians (read October 7, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 7, 2026)