How do I get rid of adware pc store prevent me from using my laptop

Question

How do I get rid of adware pc store prevent me from using my laptop

Howard Schwartz 0

Somehow malware considered the worst possible has activated at start up and taken over the start screen. I have tried everything to get rid of it but no success. The malware is captioned PC APP STORE.

It looks legitimate, but having not been born yesterday, It smells of corruption since it wants my credit card data. AI listed steps to take to get rid of it but the screen goes blank or a loop is activated.

This is a revolting mess. H

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2 answers

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Answer 1

S.Sengupta 30,501 MVP Volunteer Moderator

Reset Windows (Keep Your Files). This is the cleanest and fastest guaranteed fix for stubborn malware like “PC App Store,” especially when:

It hijacks startup
Causes blank screens / loops
Blocks normal removal

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order to remove the “PC APP STORE” adware and regain control of the laptop.

Force-close the fake screen

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
Select Task Manager.
In Processes, select the web browser or suspicious app that is filling the screen and choose End task.
If that fails, hold the power button until the device turns off, then turn it back on.

Uninstall the adware or deceptive program

Sign in normally if possible.
Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
In Installed apps (or Apps & features), look for:
- “PC APP STORE” or anything recently installed that is unfamiliar or related.
Select it and choose Uninstall.
Restart the device after uninstalling. If it does not appear in the list:
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to C:\Program Files and (if present) C:\Program Files (x86).
- Look for a folder with the same name as the unwanted program.
- Open that folder and run the uninstall file if present (for example Uninst.exe, Uninstall, or Uninstall <ProgramName>), then follow the prompts.
- Do not delete the folder manually if there is no uninstall file, as this can damage Windows.

Run a full malware scan

Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Select Virus & threat protection.
Choose Scan options and run a Full scan.
Follow any recommendations to quarantine or remove threats.

If scammers had remote access or asked for card details If any remote-control tool was installed or card details were entered:

Uninstall any remote-access apps scammers asked to install (for example, anything you do not recognize) via Settings > Apps.
Consider resetting the device if problems persist or if the adware keeps returning. See Recovery options in Windows for reset/restore guidance.
Run another full scan with Windows Security after reset/cleanup.
Apply all Windows Updates: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Change passwords for important accounts and contact the card provider to contest any fraudulent charges and replace the card.

If malware has deeply damaged the system If the adware keeps coming back or Windows behaves abnormally even after removal and scans:

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Use Windows Reset/Restore/Reinstall options to return the system to a clean state, then reinstall apps from trusted sources only.

Prevent this in future

Do not call phone numbers or enter payment details shown in pop‑ups.
Keep Tamper Protection and Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled.
Keep Windows and apps updated.

References:

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How do I get rid of adware pc store prevent me from using my laptop

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