Do you know what Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert is?
Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert is a threat that locks the screen and tries to convince the user there was an attack on his computer and now he has to insert his Product key or call the provided number to unlock the device. Unfortunately, if you follow such instructions, you might get scammed by cyber criminals or get your Product key stolen. Therefore, instead of doing what Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert says, we would advise you to learn how to get rid of it with the removal guide available slightly below the main text. Additionally, we would recommend reading the article as well since it can provide more information about the suspicious notification and so help you understand the threat better.
The sample of Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert tested by our researchers did not work correctly as it was unable to lock the screen. Apparently, it opened the fake notification and then immediately closed it. The threat could enter the system with malicious software installers or other questionable data downloaded from potentially dangerous websites. Thus, its launcher could be any recently downloaded executable file. The properly working version of it should lock user’s screen by placing a borderless blue window with Microsoft Windows logo on it. Consequently, the fake alert might look quite convincing. It seems like the message on it should ask to enter the Product Key. The locked screen and the need to submit the mentioned key could be explained as a way of protecting the system from hackers.
However, even if you submit your real Product Key, the screen might remain locked. As a last resort, Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert should provide a telephone number (1-844-212-8344) that is said to belong to the Microsoft Technical Support group. It is possible that contacting the cyber criminals via given phone is their primary goal since it could provide them with an opportunity to scam the user. For instance, they could promise to fix the device if you only reveal your login information or ask to purchase tools supposed to solve the issue. Naturally, we advise you not to take any risks and not to contact these scammers. All you need to do is get rid of this threat, and you will not see Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert ever again.
To unlock the screen, our researchers recommend trying one of the methods mentioned in the instructions provided below this paragraph. They list a couple of usual combinations you can perform clicking specific keys at the same time and a particular password our researchers found on the notification’s source code. The rest of the steps will explain how to delete all data associated with the threat. Users who prefer using automatic tools can also follow the provided removal guide only until they unlock the screen and then install a reputable antimalware tool to erase data belonging to Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert automatically.
Eliminate Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert
- Unlock the screen by pressing ALT+F4, CTRL+ALT+DEL, or entering 85080 - 83080 - 04260 - 27040 – 32290 to the provided box.
- Locate the threat’s launcher (could be any suspicious recently downloaded executable file).
- Right-click this file and press Delete.
- Open File Explorer (Windows Key+E).
- Navigate to %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
- Find a file called taskmanager.lnk, right-click it and select Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
In non-techie terms:
Windows Defender Prevented An Unrecognized Software fake alert might look like a genuine notification from the system, but our researchers have no doubt it only pretends to be one. Therefore, users are encouraged not to submit your actual Product key into the provided box or contact the cyber criminals behind this scam because they could trick you to reveal sensitive data, purchase unnecessary or useless products, and so on. The best way to handle this threat is to eliminate it ether manually while following the removal guide’s steps located above this text or employ a reliable antimalware tool and let it handle the suspicious notification for you. If you need more help or have other questions about it, you can also leave a comment at the end of this page, and we will try to answer your message as fast as possible.