“Install Antivirus Now to Remove Threats” Is a Scam: Here’s What to Do

If you’ve ever been browsing or turning on your computer and suddenly encountered a full-screen message demanding you to “Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC,” you might have already come face to face with one of the most persistent tech support scams online. It looks urgent. It sounds helpful. But it’s fake.

This article dives deep into the “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” scam. We’ll break down how it works, who’s behind it, and how you can protect yourself. If you’ve already fallen victim to it, we’ll also guide you through recovery steps. Let’s begin.

Scam Overview

The “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” scam is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals and rogue affiliates. It attempts to trick users into installing software by creating a false sense of urgency and danger. At a glance, the message appears to be from a legitimate antivirus product, and it claims that your PC is at risk.

But there is no real virus scan happening. Instead, the pop-up is generated by a potentially unwanted application (PUA), often installed without clear user consent. One such known application associated with this scam is ManualFinder, which is infamous for its aggressive pop-up tactics and redirect behavior.

The Red Flags

Once the PUA is on your system, you might see an alert like this:

• “Network and device security check in progress”
• Followed by: “Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC”

This transition is intentional. It mimics the flow of a legitimate system check, which makes the scam more believable. The warning screen is designed to hijack attention and direct users to click the “Install Antivirus” button.

Clicking this button typically redirects users to the official websites of real antivirus software providers such as McAfee, Norton, or TotalAV. While these products themselves are legitimate, the people behind the scam are not. They abuse affiliate marketing programs to earn commission whenever someone installs the software through their unique referral link.

Affiliate Marketing Abuse

Affiliate marketing is a legitimate strategy that allows marketers to earn commissions by referring customers. However, when scammers exploit these programs by deceiving users, it becomes fraudulent.

Here’s how it plays out:

1. The PUA is installed (often bundled with freeware or disguised as a necessary browser extension).
2. Fake system scans and pop-ups are displayed to create panic.
3. The user clicks the call-to-action button thinking it’s urgent.
4. They are redirected to real antivirus websites but with an affiliate code attached.
5. The scammer earns a commission for a deceptive referral.

Even though the final product may be legitimate, the route taken to get there involves manipulation and unauthorized software behavior.

Hidden Dangers

While some versions of this scam redirect users to genuine antivirus tools, other variants can lead to much worse outcomes. These include:

• Fake antivirus downloads that install malware instead
• Additional PUAs that bog down your system and collect data
• Adware and browser hijackers that flood your screen with spammy content
• Keyloggers and info-stealers that can compromise sensitive data
• Trojans or ransomware that can lock you out of your own files

In essence, while this scam may appear benign at first glance, its underlying infrastructure can serve as a gateway to far more serious cybersecurity issues.

How the Operation Works

Understanding how this scam unfolds step-by-step can help you recognize and avoid it before any harm is done.

Step 1: The Entry Point – PUA Installation

Most victims never willingly install PUAs. These applications usually come bundled with free software, fake installers, pirated content, or deceptive websites. ManualFinder, for instance, is often downloaded as part of another utility or browser extension.

Once installed, the PUA begins running in the background. It configures itself to launch automatically with your operating system and alters browser settings to enable future redirects.

Step 2: Fake Security Checks

Shortly after installation, you may notice unusual behavior. A typical symptom is the sudden appearance of a fullscreen message that says:

“Network and device security check in progress.”

This is not a real scan. It’s a hard-coded animation or static screen designed to look legitimate. There is no antivirus engine or malware detection process running behind the scenes.

Step 3: The Scare Tactic Message

Following the fake scan, a second fullscreen message appears. This one is more urgent:

“Install antivirus now to remove threats and protect your PC”

The screen features a large warning icon (usually a red shield with an exclamation mark) and a prominent “Install Antivirus” button. A smaller “Skip” link may be included, but it’s often barely noticeable.

This tactic exploits fear, prompting the user to act without thinking. It mimics the behavior of legitimate system alerts to build trust and urgency.

Step 4: Redirection to Real Antivirus Sites

When the user clicks the button, they are redirected to a real antivirus provider such as:

• McAfee
• Norton
• TotalAV

These redirects include the scammer’s affiliate code in the URL, which ensures they get paid if the user downloads or subscribes to the product.

This approach allows scammers to make money without delivering anything themselves, while pushing users into actions based on false premises.

Step 5: Optional Payload Delivery

In more dangerous versions of the scam, the redirection doesn’t lead to a legitimate antivirus site. Instead, it may trigger the download of malware or more PUAs. This can include:

• Fake antivirus programs
• Browser hijackers
• Cryptocurrency miners
• Ransomware loaders

Step 6: Repeat Behavior

Once the PUA is installed, it may persistently show alerts and pop-ups, disrupting normal use and increasing the chances of further exploitation. In some cases, the software can resist uninstallation or reinstall itself using hidden files.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam

If you suspect you’ve interacted with the scam or installed software based on this misleading message, don’t panic. Follow these steps to clean your system and protect your data:

• STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows
• STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
• STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs
• STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs
• STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware
• STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware
• STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner

STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows

First, we’ll manually check your computer for unknown or malicious programs. Adware and browser hijackers often have a working uninstall entry — removing them this way takes care of the easy part before we run the scanners.

With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for the next step in this guide.

STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this step, we will remove spam notifications,  malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs

Next, we’ll download and run Rkill to stop any suspicious processes running in the background. This prevents the malware from interfering with the removal tools in the following steps.

RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.

1. Download Rkill.

   You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the Download Now button labeled iExplore.exe. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename.

   

   RKillStops malware processes so other tools can run

   Download RKillOpens the BleepingComputer download page in a new tab.

2. Run RKill.

   After downloading, double-click the iExplore.exe icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
   The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.

   

   When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.

STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs

Now we’ll install Malwarebytes and run a full scan to detect and remove infections, adware, and potentially unwanted programs from your computer.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.

1. Download Malwarebytes

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Install Malwarebytes

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

   • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

     

   • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

     

   • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

     

4. Enable “Scan for Rootkits”

   Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.

   

   In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.

   

   Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.

5. Start the Scan

   Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

   

   Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

   

8. Restart Your Computer

   Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

   

STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware

Next, we’ll run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro to catch Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs that may have survived the previous step.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)

1. Download HitmanPro

   Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.

   

   HitmanProSecond-opinion malware scanner from Sophos

   Download HitmanProFree scan. Removing threats needs the free 30-day trial. Opens the official HitmanPro page in a new tab.

2. Install HitmanPro

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file: “hitmanpro.exe” on 32-bit Windows, or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” on 64-bit Windows.

   

   If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts

   On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.

   

   

4. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
   

5. Review the Results and Click “Next”

   When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.

   

6. Click “Activate Free License”

   To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
   

   When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, just click Close — your PC is clean.

STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware

We’ll now use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions — the leftovers that keep hijacking your browser settings even after the malware itself is gone.

AdwCleaner is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.

1. Download AdwCleaner

   Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.

   

   Malwarebytes AdwCleanerRemoves adware and unwanted programs at no cost

   Download AdwCleanerOpens the official download page in a new tab.

2. Run AdwCleaner

   Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
   

   If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.

   

3. Enable “Reset Chrome policies”

   This setting removes malicious browser policies — a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can’t change them back. Click “Settings” on the left side of the window, then turn on “Reset Chrome policies“.

   

4. Start the Scan

   Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan” button.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.

   

6. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the malicious items at once.

   

7. Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup

   Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
   

   AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it — your computer will be clean when you log back in.

STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner

Finally, we’ll run ESET Online Scanner as a last sweep to confirm nothing was missed. If this scan comes back clean, your computer is malware-free.

ESET Online Scanner is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it’s thorough — if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.

1. Download ESET Online Scanner

   Click the button below to download ESET Online Scanner.

   

   ESET Online ScannerFree one-time malware scan from ESET

   Download ESET Online ScannerOpens the official download page in a new tab.

2. Run the Installer

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click “esetonlinescanner.exe“.
   

3. Install ESET Online Scanner

   On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click Get started.

   

   On the Terms of use screen, click Accept.
   

   Choose your preferences for the Customer Experience Improvement Program and the Detection feedback system (either choice is fine), then click Continue.
   

4. Start a Full Scan

   Click Full Scan — this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.

   

   Select Enable for Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications — this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click Start scan.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it’s a full scan, this can take a while — often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.

   

6. Review the Results

   When the scan completes, the Found and resolved detections screen appears. Any threats found were automatically cleaned and quarantined — there’s nothing extra you need to do. Click View detailed results if you want to see exactly what was removed.
   

   If ESET found nothing — congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.

The Bottom Line

The “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” scam is an elaborate, deceptive affiliate marketing scheme that uses fear and manipulation to drive clicks. While it may sometimes lead to legitimate antivirus software, the path it takes is unethical and often dangerous.

By understanding how this scam works and taking the right precautions, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. If you’ve already encountered it, don’t wait. Take action now to clean your system, secure your data, and report the scam to prevent its spread.

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, but so can your awareness. Stay alert, stay informed, and help others do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” pop-up?

The “Install Antivirus Now To Remove Threats And Protect Your PC” pop-up is a fake security alert generated by a potentially unwanted application (PUA), such as ManualFinder. It displays a full-screen warning claiming your PC is at risk and prompts you to install antivirus software. While the software promoted may sometimes be legitimate, the method of delivery is deceptive and often linked to affiliate marketing abuse or malware distribution.

Is the “Install Antivirus Now” message real or a scam?

It is a scam. The message is not from your operating system or a legitimate antivirus program. It is created by an unwanted application installed on your computer or browser. Its goal is to trick you into clicking a button that redirects you to an antivirus site through an affiliate link, or worse, downloads malware disguised as security software.

What happens if I click the “Install Antivirus” button?

Clicking the button typically redirects you to the official websites of antivirus providers like McAfee, Norton, or TotalAV. These redirects are embedded with affiliate codes, allowing the scammer to earn illegitimate commissions. In more harmful cases, clicking the button may initiate the download of fake antivirus tools, PUAs, or even malware like trojans, ransomware, or spyware.

How did this pop-up appear on my computer?

The pop-up is usually triggered by the installation of a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) like ManualFinder. PUAs often come bundled with free software, fake downloads, or browser extensions. Once installed, they generate misleading alerts, change browser settings, and initiate redirects to scam pages or affiliate links.

Can this scam install a virus on my computer?

Yes. While some variants only redirect you to legitimate antivirus software, others may install fake security tools, malicious software, or open the door for more severe infections. These may include keyloggers, cryptocurrency miners, ransomware, or browser hijackers. It is essential to treat any such alert as a potential threat.

How do I remove the “Install Antivirus Now” scam from my PC?

To remove this scam from your system, follow these steps:

1. Uninstall suspicious applications from your device.
2. Reset your browser settings to remove unwanted extensions.
3. Run a full malware scan using trusted tools like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.
4. Use specialized cleaners like AdwCleaner or HitmanPro to detect and remove stubborn PUAs.
5. Clear your cache and cookies to remove residual tracking data.
6. Reboot your device and check if the pop-up returns.

Is ManualFinder a virus?

ManualFinder is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). While it may not be a virus in the traditional sense, it exhibits malicious behaviors such as displaying fake alerts, altering browser settings, and redirecting users through affiliate schemes. It is strongly recommended to remove it from your system.

Why does the pop-up redirect me to McAfee or Norton? Are those sites fake?

The sites themselves are legitimate. However, the redirection is manipulated by scammers through affiliate links. They make money if you purchase antivirus software after clicking through their link, even though they used deceptive tactics to drive traffic. This practice is unethical and violates the terms of most affiliate programs.

Can I stop this scam without installing new software?

You may be able to stop the scam manually by:

• Uninstalling recently installed programs you don’t recognize
• Removing suspicious browser extensions
• Clearing your browsing data and cookies
• Resetting your browser to default settings

However, using legitimate security tools is recommended to ensure complete removal and to detect any hidden threats that manual inspection may miss.

How can I prevent this scam from appearing again?

To avoid seeing this scam in the future:

• Be cautious when downloading free software or browser extensions.
• Always use custom installation to deselect unwanted offers.
• Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on unknown ads.
• Use reputable antivirus or antimalware software to monitor threats.
• Regularly update your system and software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Enable browser protections such as pop-up blockers and safe browsing modes.