Unlock this Page to Continue (virus) - 2021 update
Unlock this Page to Continue Removal Guide
What is Unlock this Page to Continue?
Unlock this Page – a scam seeking to scare its victims by locking their devices
Unlock this Page is a scam campaign using social engineering to redirect users to specific websites filled with surveys and fake offers. While you may think that the virus mimics ransomware[1] as it can lock your web browser, it is a survey scam that has been spread by PUPs.
To unlock the screen, you need to cancel your locked web browser with the help of a Task manager. Alternatively, disable this screen locker by uninstalling all suspicious apps installed on your computer behind your back. This virus can also have different names, so watch out for similar activity.
Keep in mind that each of these offers is false, and all you need to do is ignore the fake warning message on your browser. After canceling it, carefully check your system for potentially unwanted programs typically spread in a bundle of freeware.
| Name | Unlock this Page to Continue virus |
|---|---|
| Type | PUP, scam, fake alert |
| Danger level | High. By using social engineering, the virus can steal the victim's money, personal data, etc. |
| Distribution | Freeware, corrupted websites, fake links |
| Main signs of infection |
|
| Elimination process | You can delete the PUP responsible for showing alerts with the help of anti-malware tools |
| System repair | Infections can leave your system damaged beyond repair. To avoid this, you can attempt to fix malware-created issues with the help of tools like FortectIntego |
Unlock this Page virus has primarily been targeting Windows OS; however, other operating system versions might be affected as well. Usually, crypto-malware[2] uses different algorithms to encode victims' data and then demands money in exchange for deciphering it. However, even if this app might seem like one, it acts more like the PORNOGRAPHIC VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT scam and does not encrypt any documents or files.
Talking about the functionality of “Unlock this Page to Continue!” virus, it does not lock the entire computer. However, inexperienced computer users might be terrified while finding themselves disabled while trying to bypass the lock screen. They might start panicking and think that the computer system might experience severe damage while it is only a lie. Thus, terrified users follow hackers' demands.[3]
This scam has several variants of text that might be prompted on the affected computer’s screen. Typically, this cyber threat asks to complete a survey to close the page. Once such a questionnaire earns a dollar or two for the crooks, hundreds and thousands of such locked computers collect quite a sheer amount of money. Nevertheless, personal information that is provided might be misused for carrying illegitimate actions and relate to identity theft.
Additionally, the scam might also redirect to unsafe websites, install various toolbars,[4] or complete similar actions by claiming that “after completion, this page will unlock!”, for instance:
Unlock this Page to Continue!
This page will immediately unlock and restore normal access upon your participation in an offer below. Please use valid information!
Your desktop was locked.
Complete an offer below to unlock your desktop.
(…)
Complete an offer to continue.
It might also tempt you into completing the survey by offering discount coupons:
Breakfast on Us with a Gift Card!
Receive FREE pair of Headphones!
Go on a shopping spree!
Get FREE Food Delivery!
Once you complete the survey or install some toolbar, you might receive another prompt asking to install 1 more app to unlock this page. Such awaiting messages will remain on the screen until crooks get what they want or the user finally performs the removal of the PUPs responsible for such an activity.
To bypass the lock screen and remove the virus, victims have to reboot the PC or at least cancel web browsers with the help of the Task Manager. Then, make sure you reset the affected web browser. If closing the page filled with this scam does not prevent it from appearing again, you should continue with reputable software to eliminate malicious freeware from the system.
We advise using dedicated apps, such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to find rogue content injected in your system and web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Edge, and Safari, and remove them. Afterward, a system tune-up is in order, at the best results are achieved when the FortectIntego PC repair software is used. It will delete tracking cookies and fix system irregularities.
Scams similar to the article's culprit
This is a scam used to terrify users on the web. Beware that there are numerous types of the same fraud spreading around that have been created and released to scare and convince people to complete some types of actions. The beforementioned scam app also relates to some other ones such as:
Complete 1 more offer(s) to unlock this page
This is an almost identical scam related to the article's culprit. It appears to lock the user's computer screen or only a web browser. It might interrupt you when you enter a suspicious third-party website or install a potentially unwanted program provoking the lock screen. The scam might offer to complete some steps, e.g., provide some personal details, in order to “unlock the page.” Please, ignore such an offer to protect yourself from fraud.
Complete 2 more offer(s) to unlock this page
This scam is related to Potentially unwanted programs. After such a program infiltrates the system, it modifies its settings and also alters the web browser to lock it down. As a result, the victim is interrupted by the fake message asking to complete a questionnaire or perform similar steps to close the locked page.
However, this information provided in Complete 2 more offer(s) to unlock this page alert is false. It might only cause you problems if you decide to give some details about yourself or your computer system. Please do not fall for believing in things that it claims, and be aware of redirects that might take you to malware-laden pages.
After completion this page will unlock!
After completion this page will unlock! is a survey scam that has mostly been appearing on iPhones. The scareware is also created to scam people into adding their personal information to the recommended survey. However, this is the easiest way to become a victim of identity theft.
To prevent this scam, install an adblocker. If your Chrome, Firefox, or other web browser is locked, cancel its task via the Task Manager. Don't forget to remove the cause (potentially unwanted program, such as adware) from the system to forget about this survey scam in the future.
PUPs are responsible for lock screens, and survey scams are appearing on your browser
Potentially unwanted programs are closely related to survey scams. Typically, they appear on the system through software packages. Because of that, don’t forget to use Advanced/Custom installation settings instead of Quick/recommended. The latter method does not openly disclose third-party apps that might be malicious or have other harmful features. During advanced installation, you have to unmark ticks from all pre-selected entries.
According to technology experts from NoVirus.uk,[5] potentially unwanted content can also come injected into questionable-looking hyperlinks, advertising posts, and similar content. By keeping a distance from such directories, you will do a great job at increasing your computer's security level and preventing various threats and PUPs from entering your computer system.
Thus, you have to pay attention even to the minor details when enabling new content or running an app. Additionally, restrain from visiting illegal or potentially insecure file-sharing domains. Last but not least, get a reliable anti-malware program that will provide complete computer protection and display alerts when you try to enter an unsafe website.
Eliminate “Unlock this Page to Continue!” virus from your PC
The first “Unlock this Page to Continue!” removal step requires rebooting the PC in Safe Mode. Just restart your computer and, as soon as your PC becomes active, start tapping F8. Now choose the Safe Mode with Networking option using your keyboard. Find detailed instructions below.
We do not recommend wasting your time with manual malware removal. There are few chances that you will succeed in eliminating all elements. It is wiser to remove the virus automatically with robust security software that will take care of all infections within a couple of minutes and protect your device in the future, so similar perils don't occur.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Unlock this Page to Continue. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
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.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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.
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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Unlock this Page to Continue registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ Robert Gibbons. Lessons learned from a ransomware infection. Betanews. Technology News and Analysis.
- ^ Dealing with ransomware threat and attacks. Deccan Chronicle. Latest India News and World News.
- ^ Jocelyn Baird. Customer Service Survey Scams: Don’t Fall for Them!. HuffPost. The latest headlines, news stories, and opinion from Politics, Entertainment, Life, Perspectives, and more.
- ^ Valentine’s Day-centric fake apps surge, increase security risks: Norton Mobile Survey. Tech2. Latest Technology News, Analysis, Reviews, Comparison.
- ^ Jeanne Rose. NoVirus.uk. NoVirus. Technology news.