Does Windows put pop up screens on your computer warning of a virus or is this a scam?

[Windows Central Question]

does windows put pop up screens on your computer warning of a virus or is this a scam?

My screen locked with an error message claiming to be from Windows . There was a recorded message playing in a loop telling me my computer was infected, don't buy anything online and call a number for help. I assume its a scam.

 

[MDK22]

Re: does windows put pop up screens on your computer warning of a virus or is this a scam?

You are (probably) correct ...

Are you talking about phone or PC?
What version of Windows are you running?

It appears (happened to my wife on her PC), that her browser homepage was hijacked, effectively locking out any browser (Edge / IE) settings. Run a scan to isolate the cause, search for remediation - obviously on another device ...
OR - open SEARCH on your PC, search for Bing / Google, etc. (which effectively bypasses your homepage), opens the search page - then search for remediation.

Good Luck, watch what you click.