Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup [Microsoft Support Scam]

Every time, when you surf the Net with your internet browser the Unable to Locate Windows License Key popup warnings keeps annoying you? First, the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup is a misleading advertising created in order to trick you into calling the fake Microsoft Support Service. Second, if your browser automatically opens to this fake alerts then most probably that your PC has become a victim of the adware (sometimes named ‘ad-supported’ software).

The ‘ad supported’ software can end up on your machine in various ways. Most commonly is when you download and install freeware and forget to uncheck the box for the third-party applications installation. Don’t panic because we have got the solution. Here’s a instructions on how to remove unwanted “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up from the Edge, IE, Google Chrome and Firefox and other internet browsers.

Technically, the adware is not a virus, but it does bad things, it generates lots of pop-up ads. It may download and install on to your PC system other harmful and undesired programs without your permission, force you to visit harmful and misleading web-pages like the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”. Moreover, the adware can install internet browser hijacker. Once installed, it’ll change your web-browser settings including start page, search engine by default and new tab.

The adware which designed to show misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up within your internet browser, can attack your machine’s web browsers like the IE, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Chrome. Maybe you approve the idea that the pop-ups from it is just a small problem. But these unwanted “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” advertisements eat machine resources. The worst is, it be able to collect your surfing history and privacy info, including passwords and credit card numbers. In the future, user info about you can be transferred third party companies.

We strongly recommend that you perform the few simple steps below that will help you to delete “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings using the standard features of Windows and some proven free applications.

Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts (removal guide)

There are several steps to uninstalling the ad-supported software which displays misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up warnings on your PC, because it installs itself so deeply into Windows. You need to remove all suspicious and unknown programs, then remove malicious add-ons from the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and IE and other web-browsers you have installed. Finally, you need to reset your internet browser settings to get rid of any changes the ad supported software has made, and then scan your personal computer with Zemana Free, MalwareBytes Free or AdwCleaner to ensure the adware is fully removed. It will take a while.

To remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”, follow the steps below:

1. Manual “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings removal
   • Removing the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”, check the list of installed software first
   • Fix infected web browsers shortcuts to remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” redirect
   • Delete unwanted Scheduled Tasks
   • Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up from Google Chrome
   • Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts from Microsoft Internet Explorer
   • Get rid of “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up scam from Firefox
2. How to automatically get rid of “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts
   • Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup with Zemana Anti-malware
   • Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup with Malwarebytes
   • Use AdwCleaner to remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up scam
3. Run AdBlocker to block “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” and stay safe online
4. How to avoid the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings
5. Finish words

Manual “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings removal

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to delete the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up scam from the Firefox, MS Edge, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer web browsers.

Removing the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”, check the list of installed software first

It is of primary importance to first identify and get rid of all potentially unwanted software, adware software and hijackers through ‘Add/Remove Programs’ (Windows XP) or ‘Uninstall a program’ (Windows 10, 8, 7) section of your MS Windows Control Panel.

It will open the Windows Control Panel like below.

Next, click “Uninstall a program”
It will show a list of all apps installed on your computer. Scroll through the all list, and remove any suspicious and unknown apps. To quickly find the latest installed apps, we recommend sort software by date in the Control panel.

Fix infected web browsers shortcuts to remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” redirect

Now you need to clean up the internet browser shortcuts. Check that the shortcut referring to the right exe-file of the internet browser, and not on any unknown file.

Click the right mouse button to a desktop shortcut which you use to open your browser. Next, choose the “Properties” option. Important: necessary to click on the desktop shortcut for the browser that is redirected to the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” scam or other annoying site.

Further, necessary to look at the text that is written in the “Target” field. The adware that causes misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings on your browser can rewrite the contents of this field, which describes the file to be start when you launch your web browser. Depending on the internet browser you are using, there should be:

• Google Chrome: chrome.exe
• Opera: opera.exe
• Firefox: firefox.exe
• Internet Explorer: iexplore.exe

If you’re seeing an unknown text like “http://site.addres” which has been added here, then you should remove it, like below.

Next, click the “OK” button to save the changes. Now, when you launch the web-browser from this desktop shortcut, it does not occur automatically reroute on the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” web-site or any other undesired sites. Once the step is finished, we recommend to go to the next step.

Delete unwanted Scheduled Tasks

If the undesired “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” web site opens automatically on Windows startup or at equal time intervals, then you need to check the Task Scheduler Library and remove all the tasks which have been created by ‘ad-supported’ software.

Press Windows and R keys on your keyboard simultaneously. It will open a dialog box that titled as Run. In the text field, type “taskschd.msc” (without the quotes) and click OK. Task Scheduler window opens. In the left-hand side, click “Task Scheduler Library”, as displayed below.

In the middle part you will see a list of installed tasks. Select the first task, its properties will be display just below automatically. Next, click the Actions tab. Necessary to look at the text which is written under Details. Found something such as “explorer.exe http://site.address” or “chrome.exe http://site.address” or “firefox.exe http://site.address”, then you need remove this task. If you are not sure that executes the task, then google it. If it’s a component of the malicious software, then this task also should be removed.

Further press on it with the right mouse button and select Delete as shown on the screen below.

Repeat this step, if you have found a few tasks that have been created by adware. Once is done, close the Task Scheduler window.

Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up from Google Chrome

Run the Reset internet browser utility of the Google Chrome to reset all its settings such as startpage, search provider and new tab to original defaults. This is a very useful utility to use, in the case of web browser redirects to intrusive ad web-sites such as “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”.

1. First start the Google Chrome and click Menu button (small button in the form of three dots).
2. It will display the Chrome main menu. Choose More Tools, then click Extensions.
3. You will see the list of installed extensions. If the list has the plugin labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following tutorial: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
4. Now open the Chrome menu once again, press the “Settings” menu.
5. You will see the Chrome’s settings page. Scroll down and press “Advanced” link.
6. Scroll down again and press the “Reset” button.
7. The Chrome will open the reset profile settings page as shown on the image above.
8. Next press the “Reset” button.
9. Once this task is finished, your web-browser’s new tab, startpage and default search provider will be restored to their original defaults.
10. To learn more, read the post How to reset Google Chrome settings to default.

Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts from Microsoft Internet Explorer

If you find that Internet Explorer web browser settings like newtab page, startpage and search provider by default having been modified by adware that causes multiple misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” alerts and pop ups, then you may return your settings, via the reset web browser procedure.

First, run the Internet Explorer. Next, press the button in the form of gear (). It will open the Tools drop-down menu, click the “Internet Options” as on the image below.

In the “Internet Options” window click on the Advanced tab, then click the Reset button. The Microsoft Internet Explorer will show the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” window as displayed on the screen below. Select the “Delete personal settings” check box, then press “Reset” button.

You will now need to restart your PC system for the changes to take effect.

Get rid of “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up scam from Firefox

Resetting your Mozilla Firefox is good initial troubleshooting step for any issues with your web-browser program, including the redirect to “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” site.

First, run the Mozilla Firefox. Next, click the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (). It will display the drop-down menu. Next, click the Help button ().

In the Help menu click the “Troubleshooting Information”. In the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page click on “Refresh Firefox” button as on the image below.

Confirm your action, click the “Refresh Firefox”.

How to automatically get rid of “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts

If your computer is still infected with adware that causes misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up on your browser, then the best way of detection and removal is to use an anti-malware scan on the PC system. Download free malicious software removal tools below and launch a full system scan. It will help you get rid of all components of the ad supported software from hardisk and Windows registry.

Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup with Zemana Anti-malware

Zemana Anti-malware is a utility that can remove adware, PUPs, hijackers and other malicious software from your computer easily and for free. Zemana Anti-malware is compatible with most antivirus software. It works under Windows (10 – XP, 32 and 64 bit) and uses minimum of computer resources.

Now you can install and use Zemana Free to get rid of “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings from your web browser by following the steps below:

Visit the page linked below to download Zemana AntiMalware install package called Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup on your PC. Save it on your Microsoft Windows desktop.

Launch the setup file after it has been downloaded successfully and then follow the prompts to install this utility on your system.

During installation you can change certain settings, but we recommend you don’t make any changes to default settings.

When installation is complete, this malicious software removal utility will automatically launch and update itself. You will see its main window as shown on the screen below.

Now click the “Scan” button to begin checking your system for the adware which made to display misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup scam within your internet browser. While the tool is scanning, you can see count of objects and files has already scanned.

After the scan get finished, Zemana Anti Malware will display a scan report. Make sure all items have ‘checkmark’ and click “Next” button.

The Zemana Free will get rid of adware that causes browsers to display misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up warnings and move threats to the program’s quarantine. After the task is finished, you may be prompted to restart your PC system to make the change take effect.

Remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” popup with Malwarebytes

You can delete “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up scam automatically with a help of Malwarebytes Free. We recommend this free malware removal tool because it may easily remove browser hijacker infections, adware, potentially unwanted applications and toolbars with all their components such as files, folders and registry entries.

1. Download MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) from the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware
   326383 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: April 15, 2020
   
2. At the download page, click on the Download button. Your internet browser will open the “Save as” prompt. Please save it onto your Windows desktop.
3. When the download is complete, please close all applications and open windows on your PC. Double-click on the icon that’s named mb3-setup.
4. This will open the “Setup wizard” of MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) onto your PC. Follow the prompts and don’t make any changes to default settings.
5. When the Setup wizard has finished installing, the MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) will run and show the main window.
6. Further, press the “Scan Now” button to scan for adware which causes misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts on your internet browser. Depending on your machine, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While the MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) tool is checking, you may see how many objects it has identified as being infected by malware.
7. Once finished, a list of all threats found is produced.
8. Review the results once the tool has done the system scan. If you think an entry should not be quarantined, then uncheck it. Otherwise, simply press the “Quarantine Selected” button. After the process is finished, you may be prompted to reboot the PC system.
9. Close the Anti-Malware and continue with the next step.

Video instruction, which reveals in detail the steps above.

Use AdwCleaner to remove “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up scam

AdwCleaner is a free removal tool that can be downloaded and use to remove ‘ad supported’ software that causes misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts on your internet browser, hijackers, malware, PUPs, toolbars and other threats from your PC. You can use this utility to detect threats even if you have an antivirus or any other security application.

Please go to the link below to download AdwCleaner. Save it on your Microsoft Windows desktop or in any other place.

When the download is complete, open the directory in which you saved it and double-click the AdwCleaner icon. It will run the AdwCleaner utility and you will see a screen as displayed in the figure below. If the User Account Control dialog box will ask you want to launch the program, click Yes button to continue.

Next, click “Scan” for scanning your PC for the ad-supported software that causes internet browsers to display misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts. A system scan may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your personal computer. While the AdwCleaner application is checking, you can see how many objects it has identified as threat.

Once AdwCleaner has finished scanning, AdwCleaner will prepare a list of unwanted and ad supported software programs as on the image below.

Review the results once the utility has finished the system scan. If you think an entry should not be quarantined, then uncheck it. Otherwise, simply press “Clean” button. It will show a prompt. Click “OK” button. The AdwCleaner will remove ‘ad supported’ software which displays misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” fake alerts on your personal computer and add threats to the Quarantine. After that process is finished, the utility may ask you to reboot your PC. After restart, the AdwCleaner will show the log file.

All the above steps are shown in detail in the following video instructions.

Run AdBlocker to block “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” and stay safe online

It’s important to run ad-blocking software such as AdGuard to protect your PC system from harmful sites. Most security experts says that it is okay to stop advertisements. You should do so just to stay safe! And, of course, the AdGuard may to block “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” and other undesired web pages.

Installing the AdGuard ad-blocker application is simple. First you’ll need to download AdGuard by clicking on the following link. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

When downloading is finished, double-click the downloaded file to start it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen as displayed on the image below.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial as on the image below.

Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick instructions which will help you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you launch your personal computer, AdGuard will launch automatically and block pop-ups, pages such as “Unable to Locate Windows License Key”, as well as other malicious or misleading pages. For an overview of all the features of the program, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, which can be found on your desktop.

How to avoid the “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop up warnings

The ad supported software may be spread through the use of trojan horses and other forms of malicious software, but most commonly, the ad supported software gets onto personal computer by being attached to certain free applications. Many creators of free software include bundled programs in their installer. Sometimes it is possible to avoid the installation of any adware: carefully read the Terms of Use and the Software license, select only Manual, Custom or Advanced setup option, uncheck all checkboxes before clicking Install or Next button while installing new free software.

Finish words

Once you have finished the few simple steps outlined above, your personal computer should be free from adware that causes internet browsers to display misleading “Unable to Locate Windows License Key” pop-up and other malware. The Google Chrome, Edge, Microsoft Internet Explorer and FF will no longer redirect you to misleading and malicious web pages. Unfortunately, if the few simple steps does not help you, then you have caught a new adware, and then the best way – ask for help in our Spyware/Malware removal forum.