Serious virus issue, need help

[pegasusking]

I have a normal Windows 10 computer that I've built and owned over the past few years, it's changed hardware but that doesn't matter. It was Windows 8.1 and when Windows 10 was released I immediately downloaded it and upgraded! Since then I've had the normal working Windows 10 pro....but now there's an issue. Trying to have some fun with emulators I accidentally used an untreated website and had many viruses. Now everytime I load my computer I am given with a window that says Windows activation key is required, and I can't do anything about it. I'm thinking of sending it in somewhere and need your IT pro help!

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

My solution to a virus infection is better safe then sorry. Create a windows 10 install USB from another computer using the windows 10 media installation tool. Backup your files, and reinstall windows 10. Getting rid of a virus manually is a super pain in the ass. And even with your best efforts your not guaranteed to get rid of it.

 

[boosted1g]

Lets first see if your key is actually recognized by the system.
Right click on the start menu and select "System" (you can also go to control panel, system and security, system)
At the bottom of this window it will say whether or not your key is activated and if it is genuine or not.

If it is then the virus is just giving you false information. You need to go to task manager and find the rouge process and kill it, also download a program like ccleaner and kind that process in the startup items and delete it.

Then you can download and malwarebytes to try to find the rest of the viruses.

If that windows system window says it is not activated then you will need to call Microsoft after you get the viruses removed.

While sometimes wiping and reinstalling windows is the best option, it is not the immediate go-to option (except for poorly trained techs like most of the ones at best buy).