Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads: what it is and how to remove it
'Your Computer Has Been Blocked' is a fake scam alert impersonating law enforcement to extort payment for nonexistent crimes. Real agencies never lock computers; force-close and scan for adware.
Facts checked October 5, 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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Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads: summary
| Distribution | Spam email campaigns, deceptive websites, other malware |
|---|---|
| Name | "Your Computer Has Been Blocked" |
| Type | Scam, adware |
| main file | This computer is blocked.html |
| Purpose | Swindle money from people by tricking them into believing that they have been caught by the government for illegal activities or their device is affected by a hacker or spyware |
| variants | This computer is blocked.html; Error # FXX07 Your Browser Has Been Blocked; Error #268D3 Your Computer Has Been Blocked; The computer has been blocked; etc. |
| 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 8 more facts
| Symptoms | Displays a fake message about privacy or security of your computer, suggests to call "technicians" or pay directly to the "government" |
|---|---|
| Main dangers | Demands money, asks providing personal information, offers to install the fake software |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | Your Computer Has Been Blocked |
| First seen | 10 August 2021 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads dangerous?
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Many functions and features of tech support scam
The virus is rather old, security experts report about a wave of similar viruses used by tech support scammers .
In this case, YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED malware declares that the user's computer system is full of errors that can be fixed only by contacting Microsoft Tech support agents.
The virus usually infects main web browsers and sets them to trigger redirects to specifically designed web pages controlled by online fraudsters. These web pages often resemble Microsoft's Support Page.
Phishing web pages then trigger a pop-up which usually has a title "This site says..." or "From :", which is then followed by a scary message saying that the system has been infected, compromised, hacked, or affected by mysterious errors or viruses such as Zeus virus.
The bogus messages always contain a tech support phone number, which is typically presented as "toll-free." Of course, you should never dial these numbers given in fake ads of such malware because people who are going to pick it up are scammers .
Their aim is to make you believe that the system is heavily infected by super-advanced hackers and that the only way to rescue your PC is to follow commands from "certified technicians."
Typically, such scammers ask the victim to do a list of useless tasks just to confuse him/her, and such commands usually are followed by a request to provide remote access to the so-called technician in order to fix the computer faster.
You should never provide remote access to cybercriminals because they might download and install ransomware or another virus on your computer; scammers who don't get access to the computer frequently seek to sell certain "security packages" to the victim, which usually contain one or two legitimate programs plus several free ones such as Adblocker browser extension.
Of course, scammers sell these packages at an enormous price. Such malicious programs belong to the Tech support scam virus group. An example of deceptive pop-ups urging to call tech support scammers is displayed below.
You can temporarily disable this malicious warning message by closing your web browser. However, a full Your Computer Has Been Blocked removal requires running a full system scan with reliable computer protection software, such as anti-spyware or anti-malware (you can find some suggestions in the Software section, although we usually recommend using or programs).
You should not waste your time with that because malware which is related to this Tech Support Scam can also collect personal and non-personal information about the user. So, although this virus will not lock your files like the ransomware we described earlier, having it installed on your computer can result in a number of privacy violations or even identity theft.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
"Zeus virus detected - Your computer has been blocked"
Zeus virus detected scam has various functions as a browser-based scam which alarms users with fake alerts that their operating system has been compromised.
You might also notice the error message which indicates Error: Virus - Trojan Backdoor Hijack #365838d7f8a4fa5.
The further content of the message warns users not to exit the web page as the supposed Microsoft support group will have to "disable your computer." It is pure nonsense but merely a deception.
The message also contains a 1-888-615-5854 number though it may vary due to an expansive network of these felons. There is no need to meddle with the fraudsters but exit the web page and scan the browser to eliminate the scam web scripts.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
"Your computer has been blocked. Confirm navigation"
This is another version of the browser malware.
In order to scare users, the crooks make up the story that your confidential information is about to be stolen. This type of browser scam also temporarily hijacks the browser, as you may not easily exit the page.
As common for this tech support scam, the number of the supposed Microsoft technician is provided. Note that no genuine Microsoft alerts display messages with the included phone number. Such browser scams are not able to "disable" the computer as well. More elaborate PC-based tech scams and ransomware are only capable of inflicting such commands.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Error 268D3 - Your computer has been blocked
Error 268d3: Your computer has been blocked version of the malware displays an almost identical alarming message which frightens users that their devices have been compromised with data-stealing malware.
This version of the scam also plays the integrated audio file. An abrupt male voice warns users to call 1-888-375-1978 or another number to "enable" the device again.
Certainly, all these claims are nothing more than deceptive lies. Some sub-versions of this scam may also function under bsodm.exe.
If clicking "Prevent this page from creating additional dialogues" does not work, click ESC+CTRL+SHIFT to launch the Task Manager. Find the command, right-click on it and exit it. It is also recommended to scan the browser.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Error # FXX07 pop-up scam
Error # FXX07 - Your Browser Has Been Blocked is the campaign focused on scamming people with fake alerts and messages on the web browser.
Deceiving redirects and locked screen alerts state about particular issues or risks to your valuable data like logins or passwords and files stored on the device. This warning doesn't differ from any other Your Browser Has Been Blocked scam alerts, except the particular Error code shown on the pop-up.
Remember that all these browser pop-ups and lock screens are not showing the legitimate message and there is no malware on your machine that could steal logins to any accounts, passwords, or banking credentials. However, scammers can aim to steal all these details when you call the provided support team phone number.
Once scammers get contacted they try to get paid for the alleged service or get on the remote access to the targeted PC. Then criminals can either infect the machine further or gather data directly from the victim.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
"YOUR APPLE COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED" scam
APPLE COMPUTER HAS BEEN LOCKED virus is a particular version of this technical support scam that targets Apple devices with fake system messages posing as a warning from Apple support.
Note, that Apple Care or Apple Support are not sending such alerts and especially not delivering any phone numbers or contact information. Calling the toll-free number can only lead to cybercriminals with questionable goals.
These allegedly certified Apple technicians ask victims to either let them fix the problems by accessing the device remotely or suggest installing particular software. Each way scammers infect the machine and can then collect data you enter or steal information stored on the system already.
Credit card credentials and personal details can be stolen when you get asked to pay for the service or purchase tool promoted by these fake technicians.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Your Microsoft Computer has been blocked
Your Microsoft Computer has been blocked is yet another fake alert that has nothing in common with the risk on your computer.
It means that you have installed a piece of malware that displays fraudulent warnings to you, seeking to frighten you and convince you to get in touch with tech support scammers, which deceptively claim that they are "Microsoft technicians."
The "Your Microsoft Computer has been blocked" virus message also includes such alert:
However, all these words are entirely made up, and you will not find a single true statement in them.
The main aim of these programs is to scare the PC user by repetitively mentioning the word virus and telling lies about all possible problems that can happen to the computer, such as hard drive is about to crash, DLL files got corrupted, possible registry failure. These lines can scare an inexperienced computer user, and force him/her to take ill-considered actions.
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Your Computer Has Been Blocked
- Use anti-malware tools for the adware that triggers scam messages removal
- Particular issues with the machine can be fixed using tools like
- Other versions of the false security mesages
- System has been infected due to unexpected error!
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Your computer has been blocked – a false message stating about malware infiltration and risk to private data
Your Computer Has Been Blocked scam is the result of an adware program running on the machine that delivers various pop-ups and other alerts to redirect online traffic.
People get tricked into thinking that their device got infected and personal data or valuable credentials are at risk due to the spyware. This alert states about stolen information, but this data can only be in danger when you let hackers on your device or reveal personal information over the phone.
However, you shouldn't call the provided number because people on the other side are criminals. The virus is a program that displays a system message stating illegal user's actions online to get your money or data. This scam is malevolent software that prevents access to the victim's PC either by locking the screen or triggering numerous alarming pop-ups on web browsers.
It is linked with the "This computer is blocked.html" file which launches scams informing users about illegal activity noticed by such governmental organizations as the FBI. "Your Computer Has Been Blocked" virus can even perform ransomware-type activities like demanding a ransom for the alleged criminal behavior. In most cases, these messages focus on getting users scared and eager to contact the support.
Having in mind that the fake alerts are filled with logos and other convincing details, they look legitimate scare people into contacting cybercriminals or paying the demanded money. Typically, such programs aim to force people to call tech support scammers or pay immediately to regain access to the computer.
Unfortunately, contacting malicious people or paying the money can lead you to even more damage, including a data loss. This scam has various ransomware features and this makes it even more dangerous to your personal privacy and the system of your device.
There are many versions of the technical support scams and each of these viruses will provide you with fake information regarding your computer's security, stating that someone violated your privacy by hacking your computer and now you have to get in touch with "certified technicians" to solve the problem.
However, similar messages are used by ransomware developers, and these viruses typically blame the victim for doing something illegal. Of course, these viruses cannot actually detect any illegal activities on the computer, but their purpose is to convince the victim that they are capable of doing it. Accordingly, such viruses seek to convince the victim to pay a smaller fine within several days to "drop the charges."
One of the most widespread variants of this malware belongs to the ransomware category. Once installed, it displays a full-screen fake notification which is expected to scare people into thinking that they have violated several laws of the United States of America and now have to pay the fine for that.
Typically, it blocks the system with a huge alert which seems to be sent by an official government representative (The Federal Department of Justice in this particular case). Besides, it speaks to the victim in the same language where he/she is located.
The sad news is that there are actually Internet criminals behind the bogus notification. They seek to make you pay the supposed fine of $300 by purchasing the Moneypak voucher and sending the code to them.
You should NOT do that! You can unblock your computer and remove Your Computer Has Been Blocked ransomware from the system by following special steps that are listed below or scanning your system with trustworthy anti-malware tools.
How Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads got into your browser
From our report of Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Just like other technical support scams, this virus comes in a form of email attachments, which are usually distributed via massive spam campaigns.
Besides, some users have also reported that they got infected after downloading a free program to their computers.
Speaking of tech support scam viruses, they can reach the system along with freeware or shareware, pirated software, and also via email. To avoid these malicious programs, we highly recommend you to act responsibly when installing free programs downloaded from the world wide web.
Remember, many free programs recommend installing extra programs alongside them, and you have to refuse to do it if you do not want to end up installing adware, browser hijackers, or tech support scam malware.
How to remove Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads
How to remove the Your Computer Has Been Blocked 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
Your Computer Has Been Blocked often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall Your Computer Has Been Blocked
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
Sort the list by install date and find Your Computer Has Been Blocked, then choose Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it (in Windows 10, click the entry and then Uninstall).
Remove anything else installed on the same day that you do not recognise, because such programs usually arrive together in one installer. If the uninstaller opens a browser page with an offer or a survey, close it: the program is removed either way.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
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 Aug 2021 · not reviewed since
Help for the successful Your Computer Has Been Blocked scam removal
Many users do not know how to remove the virus, although all it takes to wipe it off the system is running a professional malware removal software.
However, when trying to remove this or other ransomware from the FBI virus group, the biggest problem is unlocking the system.
First of all, you should restart your computer using the instructions provided below to run it in a Safe Mode with Networking. Once the computer boots, download an anti-malware software or update the one you already have; after that, perform a full system scan with it. You can also try to unlock your screen by opening your Task Manager -> Processes tab and ending black.exe process.
Your Computer Has Been Blocked removal is a long and sometimes difficult process, therefore, to avoid similar attacks in the future, it is advisable to regularly backup of your data and keeps it in an alternative place.
Get rid of the Your Computer Has Been Blocked virus by cleaning all possibly related potentially unwanted programs with anti-malware tools and similar intruders that come via the internet. You can rely on , , or and run the full system scan to eliminate any damaging files.
Questions about Your Computer Has Been Blocked ads
Is 'Your Computer Has Been Blocked' a real security alert?
No. 'Your Computer Has Been Blocked' is a tech support scam impersonating law enforcement (FBI, Microsoft, etc.) to create false legitimacy. The fake alert claims your computer committed crimes, is heavily infected with malware, or that personal data is being stolen, demanding immediate payment or phone contact.
Real Microsoft and FBI agencies never lock computers remotely, contact users through popup alerts, or demand immediate payment. The scam exploits fear of legal consequences and computer security to pressure victims into action. According to 2021 reports, this scam exists in multiple versions, each claiming different illegal activities or system infections.
What happens if I call the provided number?
Calling the fake support number connects you with criminals who will attempt to convince you that your computer is infected, requests for personal information and credit card details, sell fake 'security packages' for $100-$300+, direct you to download remote access software granting complete device control, or trick you into logging into phishing websites that steal credentials.
Scammers use social engineering tactics like asking you to open programs and fabricate 'evidence' of infection through confusing technical instructions. Once you provide information or remote access, criminals can install ransomware, steal financial data, or commit identity theft. Never grant remote access to callers.
Is the error code real?
No. Error codes like 'Error #FXX07' or 'Error #268D3' displayed in these scams do not exist in any operating system. Real operating systems use specific, documented error codes with genuine explanations. Scammers invent error codes that sound technical but are completely fabricated.
If you research the error code online, you will find it appears only in scam alerts, not in legitimate Microsoft or Apple documentation. The nonexistent error code is itself proof of the scam. Legitimate system warnings come from your operating system's control panel or settings, not from browser popups, and display real, searchable error codes.
Can a computer lock itself from a virus?
Browser-based ransomware-type scams can display full-screen popups that appear to lock your computer, but this is purely a browser display manipulation, not a true system lock. Your device remains fully functional; only the browser appears frozen. Restarting your device, force-closing the browser, or using Task Manager to terminate the browser process will always restore control.
Real ransomware does exist and can encrypt files, but it rarely displays popups with phone numbers—it instead shows payment demands with cryptocurrency wallets. The presence of a phone number is itself evidence of a tech support scam rather than actual ransomware. True system infections may require professional recovery, but this scam is purely psychological manipulation.
Why do they threaten me with FBI and Microsoft?
Scammers impersonate government agencies and major corporations because these names carry authority and trust, making threats seem credible. Users are more likely to comply with demands from apparent official entities than unknown sources. FBI and Microsoft logos appear professional and legitimate, exploiting brand recognition to create urgency.
Additionally, many users have heard of FBI prosecutions and Microsoft support, making the impersonation believable. The scam preys on legitimate fears of legal consequences and computer security. Scammers knowingly exploit fear of these institutions; the more credible the impersonation, the higher the victim completion rate and revenue.
What payment methods do they request?
Scammers request untraceable payments including cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero), gift card codes (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon), wire transfers, or MoneyPak cards. These methods are essentially irreversible and provide scammers anonymity. Real companies and government agencies accept credit cards, checks, or bank transfers with official receipts and documentation.
The demand for cryptocurrency or gift cards is strong evidence of criminal intent. Real fines or fees from legitimate entities come through verifiable official channels with proper documentation, payment verification, and legal due process—never through anonymous payment methods requested via popup.
How should I respond if I see this alert?
Do not call the provided phone number or click any buttons on the popup. Force-close your browser immediately using Task Manager (Windows: Ctrl-Alt-Delete > Task Manager > End Task) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
Restart your computer. Try accessing your browser again to confirm normal operation; the alert should disappear. If redirects to the scam page continue, adware is installed on your system.
Download anti-malware software from a different browser and run a complete system scan to remove adware. After scanning, reset your primary browser to default settings. Delete any unfamiliar programs from your applications list.
What if the alert persists even after restarting?
If the scam alert continues after device restart, an adware program is installing malicious browser extensions or modifying system files to display the alert repeatedly. Use Task Manager to check for suspicious processes running in the background.
Download reputable anti-malware software (using a different browser if necessary) and perform a complete system scan. Most legitimate anti-malware tools can remove adware completely. After removal, reset all installed browsers to factory settings.
If standard anti-malware fails, consider seeking professional technical support from authorized repair centers. However, never use support numbers provided in the scam itself; always contact legitimate services independently.
Will Fortect remove Your Computer Has Been Blocked?
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 Your Computer Has Been Blocked, 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
- Microsoft TechNet Blogs: Breaking down a notably sophisticated tech support scam M.O. (read October 5, 2026)
- ZDNet: We talked to Windows tech support scammers. Here's why you shouldn't (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft: Ransomware (read October 5, 2026)
- Malwarebytes Labs: Tech support scams and Google Chrome tricks (read October 5, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 5, 2026)