Error 268d3 on Windows 10: What is it and how to remove it

Madalina Dinita
by Madalina Dinita
Managing Editor
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If error #268d3 appears on your PC screen, there is one single thing that you absolutely should not do and that it contact the so-called support team. Yes, that’s right, error 268d3 is a well-known scam used to trick PC users into thinking that their devices have been infected with malware and determine them to pay for remote technical support services.

Under no circumstances, do not call the phone number available on the error 268D3 pop-up window. Remember that Microsoft will never contact you to offer you troubleshooting solutions or request personal information.

Error 268d3: What you need to know about it

The good news is that error #268d3 is nothing but an annoying adware. Rest assured, your computer is not affected by any virus or spyware trying to steal your Facebook login, credit card details, email account login or the photos stored on your computer. Fortunately, you can easily fix error 268d3 in just a few minutes.

As a quick reminder, an adware is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that doesn’t severely affect your PC. Basically, all it does is force various pop-up windows on users enticing them to perform various actions. It usually displays the pop-up ads when users launch their browsers. Of course, this negatively impacts users’ browsing experience, forcing them to first close the pop-up before resuming browsing.

Unfortunately, the adware is programmed to continually bomb you with pop-up ads. So, shortly after you closed the first pop-up, another one will soon follow.

Most likely, the adware promoting error 268d3 installed on your PC via free software packages.

How to remove error 268d3

Solution 1 — Remove suspicious programs

The first step to get rid of error 268d3 is to uninstall all the suspicious apps and programs that you recently installed on your PC. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to Start > type Control Panel > double click the first result
  2. Go to Programs > Uninstall a program > carefully look through the programs installed and select those that seem suspicious.
  3. Select Uninstall > click OK.
  4. Wait until Windows removes the respective programs and then restart your computer.

Solution 2 — Run a scan using an adware cleaner

A powerful adware cleaner will help you get rid of error 268d3 in no time. Simply install an adware cleaner, run a full scan, restart your PC and then check if the problem persists.

We recommend Bitdefender’s Adware Removal tool, AdwCleaner or Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Remove error 268d3 with Bitdefender

Bitdefender’s Adware Removal Tool detects and removes all adware that’s interfering with your user experience. This solution identifies annoying adware installed on your PC, removing any unwanted apps, malicious hijacker programs, toolbars or browser add-ons.

Bitdefender first scans your computer for adware, and then marks suspicious apps for removal. You can then review the list of apps to be removed, and select the apps you want to delete.

Bitdefender’s Adware Removal Tool eliminates all adware for free. You can download it from Bitdefender’s website.

Remove error 268d3 with AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a handy tool that removes adware, potentially unwanted programs, browser hijackers, and other similar invaders. The tool also removes obnoxious programs, improving PC performance.

AdwCleaner has a really light footprint, and is very silent, running in the background. You can download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner for free from the Malwarebytes’ website.

Remove error 268d3 with Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool

The Redmond giant offers Windows users a dedicated Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) to keep computers free from malware. Microsoft’s malware removal tool detects and removes malware, including adware, reversing the changes made by untrustworthy software.

Microsoft rolls out the MSRT on a monthly basis through Windows Update., hence the importance of installing the latest Windows updates. You can also download the standalone tool from Microsoft’s website.

Solution 3 — Reset your browser to default settings

Another workaround is to reset your browser to default settings. In this manner, you’ll remove all the changes that the adware made on your browser. Here’s how to reset the three major browsers used by Windows 10 users:

Reset Edge to remove error 268d3

  1. Click on the three dots in the right-hand corner > scroll down to Settings
  2. Go to Clear browsing data
  3. Select Show More > select all the data categories listed there > click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox to remove error 268d3

  1. Launch Mozilla Firefox > open the browser’s menu > go to the Help section
  2. Select Troubleshooting Information > click Refresh Firefox.

Reset Google Chrome to remove error 268d3

  1. Click on the three vertical dots > scroll down to Advanced
  2. Scroll down again and go to Reset > hit the Reset button to launch the process.

How to prevent the error 268d3 scam

As stated above, if the error #268d3 appears on the screen, simply ignore it.

Second, download software only from official websites or from the Windows Store. Third-party download sites might have modified the initial download package to bundle adware and even malware.

Third, install Microsoft Edge. This browser blocks known support scam sites using Windows Defender SmartScreen. Moreover, Microsoft’s browser can stop pop-up window loops that adware tools usually use. Microsoft Edge also features a tech support scam report option that you can use to alert the Redmond giant about suspicious behaviors.

All in all, here’s what you need to keep in mind after reading this article: error 268d3 is nothing but a scam attempt and you should never ever call the phone number available on the alert pop-up window.

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