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Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus: what it is and how to remove it

"Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" is a scam which belongs to cybercriminals and has nothing to do with Microsoft. It is one of Critical Error viruses which have been urging victims to call "Microsoft at toll-free 1-844-734-4622 for immediate support."

By Alice WoodsPublished Updated 7 min read

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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Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus: microsoft edge critical error scam
Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus as our 2018 report showed it.

Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus: summary

Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DistributionNot recorded in the old report
DamageNot recorded in the old report
NameMicrosoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus
TypeLoader
SymptomsAn 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 3 more facts
Evidence4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
First seen12 March 2018
Facts checked7 October 2026

What Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus does on an infected PC

From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since

Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR is a scam, using red screen just to attract its victims

"Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" is a scam which belongs to cybercriminals and has nothing to do with Microsoft.

It is one of Critical Error viruses which have been urging victims to call "Microsoft at toll-free 1-844-734-4622 for immediate support." Please, do NOT fall for dialing this number because you will be connected to scammers who are seeking to swindle victims' money.

Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR message informs the victim that "there was a dangerous try to get access to personal login & bank information." The message states that data leak could occur due to Trojan or virus on the system, and that is the reason to get "professional" help immediately. Sadly, the aggressive pop-up simply aims to scare inexperienced computer users and make them react without thinking.

Fraudsters behind the "Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" scam seek to swindle money from unsuspecting victims and take control of their computers to install malware. Their techniques to swindle money are very basic. Usually, they tell the victim to perform series of commands and see that the system is corrupted.

In reality, they merely command the victim go into Windows Registry or other system settings' panel and look at entries with names that cause confusion for inexperienced users. Consequently, fraudsters suggest installing anti-malware or anti-spyware product to "fix" these issues. However, they promote overpriced software packs that cost over several hundred US dollars.

Another scenario is to use Microsoft Critical error to trick victims into providing a remote access to their computer via one of legitimate remote access programs, such as TeamViewer or LogMeIn. These programs aren't viruses, but cybercriminals are using them to gain the access to the target computer and install any kind of malware (ransomware, keylogger or Trojan) on it.

Therefore, we strongly recommend you to remove Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR message as soon as you notice these virus alerts on your browser. The 2-spyware team suggests using or software for a quick "Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" removal.

From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since

Ways to run into the described error message

Malware that displays deceptive pop-ups usually travels via email, although users can also unknowingly install it alongside illegal software packs or just by installing a software bundle in a rush.

To prevent installation of scareware, please follow the tips provided by Udenvirus.dk team :

  • When checking your email, bypass messages with attachments or questionable links in them, especially if they were sent by someone you do not know personally.
  • Never install licensed software for "free" from file sharing sites. Such software packs and cracks often contain some unwanted additions that belong to malware category.
  • Protect your machine from malicious attempts to compromise it with anti-malware software. Do not forget to regularly update it (you should do this with all software installed on your computer).

How to remove Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus

A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.

  1. Step 1: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back

    Programs like Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus add a scheduled task so they return after an uninstall or reopen a page at every sign-in. Start Task Scheduler, open Task Scheduler Library and sort by Last Run Time to see what ran recently.

    On the Actions tab, a program in a user folder, a script or a web address is a warning sign; right-click such a task and choose Delete.

    Tasks with names copying Google, Edge or Windows updaters but pointing to an odd folder are typical. The tool looks the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Task Scheduler Library with a task selected and its Actions tab showing the program it starts
    Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows

  2. Step 2: Remove it from startup

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.

    Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in %AppData% or %Temp% deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix

  3. Step 3: Delete the folders left behind

    Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.

    Press Windows + R, type %LocalAppData% and press Enter, then do the same for %AppData% and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.

    Delete those folders, and check C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) too.

    If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows

  4. Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan

    A scan finds the parts of Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus 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 Security Scan options with Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan selected
    Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan

  5. Step 5: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions

    Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus can copy saved passwords, cookies and session tokens and send them out in seconds, so cleaning the PC does not undo the theft.

    Change your passwords on a device that was never infected, starting with the e-mail account, since every other reset goes through it. On each account, end all other sessions and check the recovery e-mail, phone number and forwarding rules.

    Then turn on two-step verification. Sign in on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC again only after the offline scan is clean.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account

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

To get rid of the scam from Windows, follow the guide provided below. If it won't help to identify and remove the problem, consider using anti-malware software to delete the malware causing pop-ups from the system.

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows
Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2
Remove from Microsoft Edge

To fix Microsoft Edge web browser, make sure you eliminate suspicious browser add-ons. In this case, you should pay attention to their developer, whether you can remember installing them on the system, etc.

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2
Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari
Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since

Remove "Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" malware

To wipe the malware from your system, use "Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" removal guidelines provided below.

Such deceptive programs are designed to root into the computer system so that the victim could not delete them that easily.

If you are interested in ways to remove "Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus automatically, consider using one of the programs tested by the 2-Spyware team. You can find a list of them below.

After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention

Secure your accounts after the clean-up

Assume that whatever was saved in the browsers on this PC while the PC showed microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus in the list of installed apps has been copied:

  • passwords
  • cookies
  • autofill data

Work from a clean device, or from this PC once the offline scan finds nothing.

Start with your main e-mail account, because it can reset everything else, then banking and payment, then social and gaming accounts. Change each password, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account.

The full order, including crypto wallets and card replacement, is in securing your accounts after malware.

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.

Questions about Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus

Is Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus a virus?

Most programs that appear the way Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus 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.

How do I stop programs like Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus from being installed again?

Most unwanted programs arrive through installers, so the fix is in how you install software. Download programs from their official sites or the Microsoft Store, not from download portals or ads above search results. During setup, choose Custom or Advanced installation and untick every extra offer, including browsers, toolbars and optimizers.

Decline update prompts that appear inside other programs unless you know them. In Windows Security, turn on reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking. These steps would most likely have stopped Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus before it reached the app list.

How do I know if my PC has Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus?

Often you do not, which is the point of a trojan. Possible signs are an antivirus alert naming Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus or a generic trojan detection, unknown programs or scheduled tasks, processes with random names in Task Manager, browser extensions you did not add, security settings turned off, slower performance, or account alerts about logins from unknown places.

The reliable check is a full scan followed by Microsoft Defender's offline scan. If you recently ran a crack, a fake installer or a command a website told you to paste, scan even without symptoms.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus?

Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus in the list of installed apps again. A reset is the safer choice if an attacker had remote control, if security tools were switched off, or if detections come back after every clean-up.

Windows 11 can reset itself without a USB stick under Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Copy documents and photos out first and scan the copies. A reset does not change passwords or undo stolen data, so the account steps still apply.

My antivirus was on. How did a trojan get past it?

Antivirus programs see a file only when it is written or run, and criminals test each new build against popular scanners before release. Detection catches up within hours or days, which is often after the first victims ran it.

Archives with passwords, installers that fetch the malware later, and scripts run through PowerShell make the job harder. That is why behaviour such as downloading cracks or pasting commands matters more than any setting. Keep Windows and Defender updated, and turn on Reputation-based protection in App & browser control.

Is Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus a known trojan?

Not as a documented family, at least not yet. What is known is the visible sign, microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus in the list of installed apps, which matches a hidden program working for someone else.

New threats are often seen by victims weeks before researchers publish anything about them. Treat Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus as you would any trojan:

  • remove what starts it
  • run an offline scan
  • change passwords from another device

If a scan reports a detection name, keep it; it usually reveals the family and whether it is known to download other malware. We update this guide when an analysis appears.

Should I report Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus?

Report it if you lost money, if accounts were taken over, if you are a business, or if the trojan came through a scam call. A police or national cybercrime report gives you a reference number for your bank and insurer and helps link cases.

You do not need to report a trojan that antivirus blocked before it ran. Before reporting, write down the dates, the detection name, file names and any messages or transactions linked to the attack; screenshots of antivirus alerts are useful evidence. The country list is in the report section above.

Should I check my other computers too?

Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus itself usually stays on one PC, but the download that carried it may have been copied to other computers, shared drives may hold the same installer, and an attacker who had access could have tried saved passwords on other devices.

Run a full scan on every Windows PC in the home or office, check shared folders for the original download, and change Wi-Fi and router passwords if they were stored on the infected machine.

Can I keep using the PC while Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus is on it?

Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus in the list of installed apps runs, it can see what you type and what the browser stores, and it may download more malware.

Disconnect the PC from the internet while you remove it, and do your banking, e-mail and password changes from another device. Once the offline scan finds nothing and the sign does not return after a few restarts, normal use is fine.

If the scan keeps finding new items, or you cannot remove the startup entry, a reset of Windows is the safer choice.

Will Fortect remove Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus?

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 Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR" virus, 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

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