Windows
Fake virus pop-ups in Microsoft Edge caused by browser cookies
The computer was showing scam-like virus pop-ups in Microsoft Edge. The technician removed the site cookies in Edge and rebooted the machine to confirm the pop-ups did not return.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-11.
Affects
Versions
- Windows
Apps
- Microsoft Edge
What you see
- A virus/scam warning pop-up appears in Microsoft Edge.
Why it happens
Likely Suspected adware behavior tied to stored site cookies in Microsoft Edge.
When it shows up
Microsoft Edge is showing repeated fake virus or scam pop-ups on a Windows computer.
You are in this case if:
- Microsoft Edge is the browser involved
- The issue is tied to stored site cookies or browser session data
- The pop-ups stop after the Edge cookies are cleared
1 fix below
The steps that killed it
The steps are behind a quick check
There are two ways in and both take a few seconds. Signing in opens the steps on every bug page; so does reading the picture.
Or answer this
Drawing a picture for you.
Can't read it? Sign in instead.
Keeping it away
- Be cautious with suspicious browser warnings and do not click them.
Someone from XL.net killed this on a Windows computer on 2026-09-11. It is written up from that one repair, so it cites no outside page.