Error 268d3: What is it and how to remove it [Windows 10/11]
- If you see error 268d3 displayed on your PC or laptop screen, you should know that it's a scam.
- If a phone number shows on the screen, don't dial it. Follow our recommendations below, instead.
- You should scan for malware either with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal tool or with a third-party antivirus software
- Also, make sure you don't run any suspicious apps and keep your browser in check.
If error #268d3 appears on your PC screen, there is one single thing that you absolutely should not do and that is to contact the so-called support team.
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.
Yet, remember that Microsoft would never contact you to offer troubleshooting solutions or request personal information.
What is error 268d3?
The good news is that error #268d3 is nothing but annoying adware. So your computer is not affected by any virus or spyware trying to steal your credentials, credit card details, or email account logins.
As it is, you might get repeatedly annoying pop-up ads when launching your browser. Of course, this negatively impacts your browsing experience.
Most likely, the adware promoting error 268d3 has been installed on your PC via free software packages.
How do I prevent the error 268d3 scam?
As stated above, if error #268d3 appears on the screen, simply ignore it.
Secondly, download software only from official websites or from the Microsoft Store.
Thirdly, install Microsoft Edge. This browser blocks known support scam websites using Windows Defender SmartScreen.
Moreover, Microsoft’s browser can stop pop-up window loops that adware tools usually use.
How can I resolve the 268d3 error efficiently?
1. Run a scan using an adware/malware cleaner
Use 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.
Use Eset Internet Security
Eset Internet Security is among the best security tools to help you with this job. It offers multi-layered protection which means it scanner is able to detect all sorts of different threats such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, script-based attacks, and more.
The software is lightweight and very easy to use. It should work with no interruptions on any device and provide real-time protection without causing any performance issues.
Eset Internet Security provides specific tools to protect your online payments, has a powerful network inspector that detects any suspicious activity at the level of your network.
Other worthwhile features of this security tool include advanced parental controls, a powerful firewall, webcam protection, anti-phishing technology, and a system registry scanner.
If you want to run a scan with Eset, you just have to open the main window of the software and click on the Computer Scan option in the sidebar. Then select Scan your computer and wait for the process to complete.
Let the antivirus remove or quarantine any threat it finds and then restart your PC and see if your error is removed.
We also have to mention that Eset offers a free online system scan. It is a one-time solution that can be of help if you want to quickly check your PC and remove the threats as soon as possible. It is also a good way to test out the antivirus.
Eset Internet Security
Keep your devices protected with advanced multi-layered protection and industry-standard online security tools.
2. Remove suspicious programs
- Open Start and type Control Panel in the search box.
- Open the program.
- Go to Uninstall a program.
- Look through the programs installed and select those that seem suspicious.
- Righ-click on each of them and select Uninstall.
- Wait until Windows removes the respective programs and then restart your computer.
3. Reset your browser to default settings
Reset Edge
- Click on the three dots in the right-hand corner and scroll down to Settings.
- Search for Clear browsing data
- Hit Choose what to clear and select all the data categories listed there.
- Click Clear now.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
- Open the browser’s menu and go to the Help section.
- Select Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
Reset Google Chrome
- Click on the three-dot menu.
- Type Reset in the search box.
- Choose Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Hit the Reset button to launch the process.
And that’s all you need to know to stay away or prevent adware from infiltrating into your devices.
Tell us if you’ve managed to remove error 268d3. Feel free to use the comments section.
In the future, make sure to prevent online malicious attacks using our tutorials in the Antivirus Hub.
Bookmark the Windows Errors section for easy access to our full collection of helpful guides.
