Windows PC Repair" virus: what it is and how to remove it

"Windows PC Repair" is a fake security warning informing about unknown malware infection. These notifications are typically triggered by an adware program.

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.

Automatic

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Windows PC Repair" virus: windows pc repair virus scam messages
Windows PC Repair" virus as our 2020 report showed it.

Windows PC Repair" virus: summary

DistributionThese deceptive programs get spread around via misleading sites, other PUPs install then automatically and system applications get added to the software bundles
Name"Windows PC Repair" virus
TypeFake messages caused by adware-type infection
IssuesThese pop-ups trigger promotional material distribution by showing false error alerts. Programs get automatically installed when people trigger the download of a said Repair tool
Detection namesNo Microsoft detection name is known
DamageNot recorded in the old report
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 5 more facts
SymptomsAn unknown program in Installed apps
Evidence6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited
ProgramWindows PC Repair" virus
First seen28 July 2020
Facts checked7 October 2026

Is Windows PC Repair" virus dangerous?

From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since

Fake "Windows PC Repair" - the adware that triggers fake error pop-ups

"Windows PC Repair" is a fake security warning informing about unknown malware infection.

These notifications are typically triggered by an adware program.

"Windows PC Repair" virus mostly affects Windows OS users in the U.S. However, we have received several reports about the same issue on Windows devices in European countries, including Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and others. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) usually spreads with freeware and shareware. Thus, it can infiltrate the system silently. Once it's done, it starts to display intrusive ads, pop-ups, and causes other browsing-related problems.

A few Internet ads here and there do not raise too much concern, but Windows PC Repair ads bring online marketing to another level. And we do not mean that in a positive sense. Thus, allowing it to run on your computer can have some serious consequences. You probably will not lose your files or have your whole operating system rigged since those results are pre-determined.

Nevertheless, this Windows PC Repair virus may sure embitter your browsing experience. Users complain that windows 7 pc repair keeps popping up and they cannot escape this extensive advertising. Indeed, ads will pop up on random sites, disrupting your usual browsing, overlaying the original content of the websites you are visiting and offering you to obtain various products or services.

The message that shows up on those shady scam messages:

Some of these offered goods may be purely legitimate, but practice shows that adware developers often include some questionable parties in the list of their affiliates as well. There is always a risk that these parties offer malicious services that can damage your computer, but the Windows PC Repair removal can help to reduce it.

It goes without saying that you should not be tricked by this scam and just get rid of the annoying adware.

Ads by Windows PC Repair can be injected on every browser that is installed on your computer at the time of infection. Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer can also start working really slow and often crash due to the extra load from the multiple ads they have to display. Also, system malfunction can occur due to the poor programming of the virus.

But the most dangerous aspect of this adware infection is the Windows PC Repair redirect issue. As we have already pointed out, various software, products, or sites can be promoted in the ads this adware generates. But the problem is that instead of transferring directly to a product-related site, the virus often redirects users through completely different domains which can even be infectious.

So, you can never know if you will not be offered to obtain some corrupt version of a completely legitimate product. Having all these risks in mind, we suggest the users who are seeing these pop-ups to remove Windows PC Repair from their computers without hesitation. Also, do not forget about system alterations and tools like that can find and repair some functions.

Windows PC Repair" virus: windows pc repair virus
Windows PC Repair" virus in our 2020 report.

From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since

Infiltration methods of the adware

If you are wondering how this PUP entered your PC, think about your browsing habits.

Downloading freeware and shareware applications or watching some ripped movies once in a while might be the source of your problems. Free applications and peer-to-peer downloads are often bundled with potentially unwanted programs because it is probably the easiest way of spreading them around.

The malware developers are good at hiding these programs in software installers, so the users do not even have to know they agree to install a potentially dangerous program on their computers. But you do not necessarily have to let to malware take over your computer.

You can stop it on the threshold by opting out its installation via the advanced installation settings. When you run the program, choose "Advanced" or "Custom" modes and install your desired programs safely.

From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Windows PC Repair" virus

  • "Windows PC Repair" removal should include proper anti-malware tools
  • Restore functions and proper performance by running the system scan using

How to remove Windows PC Repair" virus

How to remove the Windows PC Repair" virus extension

Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.

  1. Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add

    In Chrome open chrome://extensions, in Edge edge://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 menu with Extensions and Manage extensions highlighted
    Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension

  2. Step 2: Uninstall Windows PC Repair" virus

    Windows PC Repair" virus 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 Windows PC Repair" virus, 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

  3. 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 Settings page with the Reset settings section open
    Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings.

    Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine

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

    A scan finds the parts of Windows PC Repair" 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

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

In order to get rid of the adware from Windows OS manually, you have to follow these steps:

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

Follow the steps below to uninstall all suspicious components that might be related to Windows PC Repair malware:

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

If you suffer from "Windows PC Repair" pop-ups, follow these steps to fix Microsoft Edge.

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 all suspicious extensions from the Mozilla Firefox and reset the browser as shown below.

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

Check Internet Explorer for virus-related entries.

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

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.

While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important - recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.

Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since

"Windows PC Repair" virus removal from Windows

If you cannot escape annoying pop-ups and redirects promoting this questionable tool, you came to the right place.

Our team of experts has already taken a good look at this program and has created a tutorial featuring several methods that can be applied for the Windows PC Repair removal.

These methods are described step-by-step at the end of this article. It doesn't matter if you got infected with windows 10 pc repair virus or you are dealing with adware in Windows 7, 8 or even XP. This PUP can be eliminated using the same methods.

However, if you do not wish to waste your time with this clingy infection which often tends to bounce back to the browser if not deleted properly, have your anti-malware utility to remove it. Select a full system scan option and remove Windows PC Repair once and for all.

Questions about Windows PC Repair" virus

What is Windows PC Repair" virus and why is it on my PC?

Windows PC Repair" virus 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 Windows PC Repair" virus, 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.

How do I stop programs like Windows PC Repair" 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 Windows PC Repair" virus before it reached the app list.

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.

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.

Why didn't my antivirus catch Windows PC Repair" virus?

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.

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.

How did Windows PC Repair get on my computer?

Our report lists the distribution as these deceptive programs get spread around via misleading sites, other PUPs install then automatically and system applications get added to the software bundles. 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 Windows PC Repair" 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 Windows PC Repair" 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

  1. Wikipedia: Adware (read October 7, 2026)
  2. ZonderVirus: ZonderVirus (read October 7, 2026)
  3. Russ Harvey: Shareware & Freeware (read October 7, 2026)
  4. IBM: System malfunction (read October 7, 2026)
  5. Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 7, 2026)

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