Pop-up says my computer has a virus or is locked
Take a breath: this is almost always a scary-looking web page, not a real virus, and you can close it safely.
Be careful: Real warnings from Microsoft, Apple or your antivirus never show a phone number and never ask you to call. Never call, pay, or let anyone connect to your computer.
What to do
Step 1: Don't call the number, click anything on the page, or type anything into it.
Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together to open Task Manager. (If you only see a small box, click More details.)
Step 3: Click your web browser in the list, for example Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
Step 4: Click End task. The pop-up and the noise should stop.
Step 5: Open the browser again. If it offers to restore your pages, close that message or choose not to, so the scam page doesn't come back.
Step 6: If the keys don't work, hold the computer's power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it back on.
Step 7: To be safe, run a scan: click Start, type Windows Security, open it, click Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan.
Still stuck? If you already called the number, paid, or let someone connect, follow the answers 'I let a stranger connect to my computer' and 'I paid a scammer' right away, or ask a trusted friend or repair shop for help.