Applies to: Microsoft Windows 10 and 11. Translated from Swedish.
There are several varieties, and it can be both annoying and dangerous. Often not the popup itself is harmless, but if you click on a link in that window you "never know" what might happen. So really it's not a virus, but oh so annoying!
Example of a pop-up window that usually appears at the bottom right of Windows next to the clock:
Often this type of "virus" does no harm, but they disturb and want to get your attention and often want to sell something or - in the worst case - infect your computer if you click on a link in the pop-up window.
How come I am affected?
A pop-up window can also be called a notification. That's how it's called in the browser, e.g. in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. It is likely that you somehow approved that a website may notify you, e.g. as shown below:
You should only accept that a website may notify you if you feel safe with that website. In the example above, it's pretty clear that something is suspicious, the site doesn't want to show you a video unless you first agree to receive notifications. Stupid. Don't go for that kind of persuasion.
You can be affected by this regardless of browser, so neither Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge nor other browsers protect you from this.
Remove it
In many cases it is easy to remove the "virus", in others it is more complex. Here I describe how you do when it is easy to remove. Try that first, and if it doesn't help, you can search for the solution yourself on the Internet, or contact Vanjos for assistance.
1. Find out what web browser is in use
Most of the time, it is only one of your installed browsers that is the "culprit". First, check the text in the pop-up window to see what it says. Many times it says the name of the browser, for example when Edge is affected:
2. Delete / restore notification settings
If none of the below helps, then you are affected in a worse/severe way and then more advanced measures are needed. But start with this first, choose your browser and follow the guide.
Microsoft Edge - soft process:
Open SETTINGS in Edge
Go to Cookies and web site rights
Click "All websites" under the header "Web site rights"
In the list shown, find any suspect web site (s)
Click on the arrow on the row found for a suspect web site
Click "Restore rights" and confirm the action
Sample: On the image you see that Popup-windows are allowed.
After change: Popup-windows are blocked.
Microsoft Edge - harder process
Say the above doesn't help, then you can reset Edge to defaults. However, such a reset deletes many more settings you have made in the browser. Before doing so, you may want to document what you think is important to you.
Go to Settings
Find "Reset settings"
On the right, Click "Reset to standard settings"
Confirm
Google Chrome - soft process
Open Settings in Chrome
Go to "Intgrity and security"
Select and click "Web site settings"
In the list; Select "Notificatons"
Here you can set how you want it, as well as delete and add websites to prevent and allow notifications (notifications). If the list is empty, go to the next step.
Google Chrome - a bit harder process
As with Edge, you can reset all settings if the nice variant isn't enough. A reset to default will cause you to lose any custom settings you made in Chrome, so document these first if you need to enter them again.
Open Settings in Chrome
On the menu, select "Reset and clean up"
Select "Reset settings to standard"
Confirm
Popup-window still there?
I'm assuming you've done a full virus scan on your computer, but still pop-ups are still showing up. Have you fixed the correct browser, or why not; fixed all browsers you have installed in Windows? Still having errors and need help? Contact Vanjos.