A reader wrote in with a problem that made my coffee go cold:

“I got myself in a pickle again. I was going to download Adobe Reader and clicked on this site and it came up PC App Store and it won’t let me in on my accounts unless I create an account. My credit card will not let the payment through as they know it is a dubious site. How can I get rid of this site as I’m pretty well locked out of my accounts? It won’t let me get into any sites on my computer. I click on Edge, Chrome, etc., and nothing happens. I think they have me as a hostage.”

The screenshot he sent shows a page asking him to “Create Your Account” and enter credit card information. That is the point where we all need to hear the Jaws music.

This is not how you install Adobe Reader. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software for viewing PDFs, and Adobe’s official instructions say to download it from Adobe’s Acrobat Reader download page, not from a random “PC App Store” that suddenly demands a credit card.

And here’s the important part: this does not mean the reader is foolish. These fake pages are designed to fool people. They borrow words like “secure,” “verified,” “support,” “driver,” “download,” and “app store” because those words sound trustworthy. It’s the digital version of a guy in a reflective vest walking into a building with a clipboard. Half the time, nobody questions him.

Microsoft classifies PCAppStore under potentially unwanted/adware-style detections, and Microsoft Defender lists PCAppStore detections as something Defender can detect and remove. Malwarebytes also says the domain pc-app.store has been blocked because it is associated with fraud and mimics legitimate app stores to trick visitors into installing unwanted programs.

So, let’s get the poor computer out of the hostage situation.

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Part 1: Don’t Pay the Ransom to the Fake App Store

The first rule is simple:

Do not create the account. Do not enter the credit card. Do not click “Fix Now.” Do not call any number shown on the pop-up.

A real app store, a real printer company, Microsoft, Adobe, HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother does not need your credit card just to let you open Chrome or Edge. When a screen says, “Pay us or you can’t use your computer,” that’s not customer service. That’s a mugging with fonts.

What to do first

1. Disconnect the computer from the internet

This does not remove the problem, but it can stop the unwanted program from reaching out online.

For Wi-Fi:

1. Look in the lower-right corner of the screen.
2. Click the Wi-Fi symbol.
3. Turn Wi-Fi off.

Or simply unplug the internet cable if one is connected.

2. Do not use that infected computer for banking or email

Use another device — a phone, tablet, or another computer — to check your bank, email, and important accounts.

3. If you typed in a credit card number, call the card company

Even if the charge was blocked, call the number on the back of your card and say:

“I may have entered my card on a suspicious computer pop-up. Please check for attempted charges and advise whether the card should be replaced.”

The reader’s credit card company did him a favor by refusing the charge. That card company deserves a cookie.

4. If you gave anyone remote access, stop and get professional help

This is a bigger problem. If someone on the phone told you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, RemotePC, or another remote-access program, assume they may have had access to your computer.

At that point:

1. Disconnect from the internet.
2. Call your bank from another device.
3. Change important passwords from another device.
4. Take the computer to a reputable local repair shop.

The FTC warns that tech support scammers often try to get remote access, then steer people toward fake refund pages, bank information, or credit card information.

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Part 2: How to Remove PC App Store Step by Step

Now we’re going to try to get rid of the unwanted program.

Step 1: Try to close the fake screen

Press:

Alt + F4

That keyboard shortcut closes the active window.

If that does not work:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. This opens Task Manager.
3. Look under Processes.
4. Search for anything called:
   • PC App Store
   • PCAppStore
   • PC Store
   • App Store
   • something you do not recognize that appeared around the same time
5. Click it.
6. Click End task.

Do not worry if this feels intimidating. Task Manager looks like the cockpit of a small airplane, but we are only pushing one button.

Step 2: Uninstall the program

On Windows 11:

1. Click Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click Apps.
4. Click Installed apps.
5. Search for PC App Store.
6. Click the three dots beside it.
7. Choose Uninstall.

Microsoft’s own Windows uninstall instructions use this same Settings → Apps → Installed apps route.

On Windows 10:

1. Click Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click Apps.
4. Click Apps & features.
5. Look for PC App Store.
6. Click it.
7. Choose Uninstall.

Now sort the app list by date installed. Look for anything else installed on the same day this mess started.

Be careful here. Do not randomly delete things named Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Realtek, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Canon, Brother, or Epson unless you know exactly what they are. We are cleaning the kitchen, not taking a sledgehammer to the plumbing.

Step 3: Disable it from starting with Windows

This reader said the PC App Store screen comes back when the computer restarts. That means it may be set to launch at startup.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click Startup apps.
3. Look for PC App Store or anything suspicious.
4. Right-click it.
5. Choose Disable.

Microsoft says Startup apps in Task Manager can be enabled or disabled so programs do or do not start automatically when you sign in.

Step 4: Restart and see what happens

Restart the computer normally.

If the PC App Store screen does not come back, good. We are not done yet, but we have knocked the raccoon out of the pantry.

If it does come back, go to Safe Mode.

Step 5: Use Safe Mode if the computer is still blocked

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the basic pieces running. It is useful when a bad program keeps loading during normal startup. Microsoft describes Safe Mode as starting Windows in a limited state with only essential services and drivers.

Try this:

1. Hold down the Shift key.
2. While holding Shift, click Restart.
3. Choose Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options.
5. Choose Startup Settings.
6. Click Restart.
7. Press 4 for Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, repeat the uninstall steps:

Settings → Apps → Installed apps → PC App Store → Uninstall

Then restart normally.

Step 6: Run a full Windows Security scan

1. Click Start.
2. Type Windows Security.
3. Open it.
4. Click Virus & threat protection.
5. Click Scan options.
6. Choose Full scan.
7. Click Scan now.

After that, run the deeper scan:

1. Go back to Scan options.
2. Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
3. Click Scan now.

The offline scan restarts the computer and scans before Windows fully loads, which can help with stubborn threats. Microsoft’s Defender Offline instructions use the Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options path.

Step 7: Run a second-opinion adware cleaner

For this type of problem, I’d also run Malwarebytes AdwCleaner from the official Malwarebytes site. Malwarebytes says AdwCleaner targets adware, potentially unwanted programs, and browser hijackers.

Do not download it from an ad, a “helper” site, or a big green button on a random page. That’s how we ended up in this pickle jar in the first place.

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Part 3: Clean Up Chrome and Edge

Sometimes the problem is not only a program. It may also be a browser notification or extension.

That earlier email from the same reader is a clue:

“I was having issues with my printer and trying to find a solution. I must have clicked on a site that wants to sell me something as I keep getting this popup: Printer Driver Error — Fix Now. The popup comes on as soon as I start my computer and the popups come every minute or two for about a half hour.”

That sounds like one of two things:

1. A website was allowed to send notifications.
2. An unwanted browser extension or app got installed.

A website notification can look like an official Windows warning even when it is just a website yelling from the corner like a toddler who found a kazoo.

In Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Privacy and security.
5. Click Site settings.
6. Click Notifications.
7. Under sites allowed to send notifications, remove or block anything you do not recognize.

Google’s Chrome help page says you can manage notification settings under Privacy and security → Site Settings → Notifications.

Then check extensions:

1. Click the three dots.
2. Click Extensions.
3. Click Manage extensions.
4. Remove anything you did not intentionally install.

In Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Privacy, search, and services.
5. Click Site permissions.
6. Click All sites.
7. Choose the suspicious site.
8. Set Notifications to Block.

Microsoft’s Edge support gives this same general route for blocking website notifications.

Also check:

Edge → Extensions → Manage extensions

Remove anything suspicious.

Turn on pop-up blocking

In Edge:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Click Privacy, search, and services.
3. Click Site permissions.
4. Click Pop-ups and redirects.
5. Make sure blocking is turned on.

Microsoft recommends using Edge’s pop-up blocking setting under Site permissions → Pop-ups and redirects.

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Part 4: How to Avoid Fake Downloads

This whole adventure started when the reader tried to download Adobe Reader.

That is a normal thing to do. The trap was not wanting Adobe Reader. The trap was clicking the wrong “download” button.

Fake download pages love to target common searches:

• Adobe Reader
• printer drivers
• Chrome download
• antivirus scan
• Windows update
• PDF converter
• driver updater
• “fix printer error”
• “computer running slow”

Rule 1: Use the Microsoft Store when possible

For many common apps, the Microsoft Store is the safest and simplest route.

1. Click Start.
2. Open Microsoft Store.
3. Search for the app.
4. Choose the official app or a well-known trusted app.
5. Click Get or Install.

Microsoft recommends installing apps from the Microsoft Store to help protect the PC and keep it running smoothly. Windows also lets you choose whether apps can come from anywhere or whether Windows should warn you when installing apps from outside the Store.

Rule 2: Make Windows warn you about outside apps

On Windows 11:

1. Click Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click Apps.
4. Click Advanced app settings.
5. Find Choose where to get apps.
6. Select one of the safer options, such as:
   • The Microsoft Store only
   • Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store

For a beginner or someone who has been burned by fake downloads, I like the warning option. It gives Windows a chance to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Are we sure about this, friend?”

Rule 3: Turn on potentially unwanted app blocking

Windows Security has a setting for potentially unwanted apps, often called PUAs. Microsoft says these are apps that may slow the computer, show unexpected ads, or install other annoying or harmful software.

To check the setting:

1. Click Start.
2. Type Windows Security.
3. Open it.
4. Click App & browser control.
5. Click Reputation-based protection settings.
6. Turn on:
   • Check apps and files
   • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
   • Potentially unwanted app blocking

This is not magic armor, but it is a good screen door. It keeps out a lot of flies.

Rule 4: Read the installer screens

When installing a legitimate program, watch for boxes that say things like:

• Install our search helper
• Make this my homepage
• Add browser extension
• Install recommended partner software
• Scan my drivers
• Speed up my PC

Uncheck those boxes.

Do not choose “Express install” unless you trust the installer. Choose Custom or Advanced when offered, because that is often where the extra junk is hiding.

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Part 5: Where to Get Printer Drivers Safely

Printer problems are one of the biggest bait piles on the internet. People search for a driver, click the first thing that looks helpful, and suddenly they’ve installed a “driver updater” that behaves like a raccoon with a credit card reader.

First choice: Windows Update

Windows can often install printer and hardware drivers automatically. Microsoft says Windows uses Windows Update to install recommended drivers automatically and lets you manually install optional driver updates when available.

To check:

1. Click Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click Windows Update.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. Click Advanced options.
6. Click Optional updates.
7. Look for driver updates.

Second choice: The printer maker’s official website

Go directly to the company that made the printer:

• HP
• Canon
• Epson
• Brother
• Lexmark

Do not search “HP printer driver fix now” and click the first big button. Search for the company’s official support page, or type the company’s web address yourself.

Look for:

• Support
• Drivers
• Downloads
• Your exact printer model

Your printer model matters. “HP printer” is not enough. Look for the number on the printer, such as OfficeJet, Envy, LaserJet, Pixma, EcoTank, WorkForce, or HL-L series.

Third choice: Device Manager

1. Right-click Start.
2. Click Device Manager.
3. Find the printer or device.
4. Right-click it.
5. Choose Update driver.
6. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Microsoft’s Device Manager instructions say to right-click the device, choose Update driver, and search automatically for updated driver software.

Avoid “driver updater” ads

Be very suspicious of anything that says:

• 27 drivers out of date!
• Printer driver error — fix now!
• Your PC is unsafe!
• Click to repair Windows!
• Pay now to unlock driver updates!

Windows and the printer maker are usually enough. You do not need a mystery company from the far edge of the internet to “fix” your printer.

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Part 6: When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

There is no shame in calling for help. I can change a printer setting. I can remove a browser notification. I cannot rebuild a transmission. We all have our lanes.

Call a professional if:

• The fake PC App Store opens every time the computer starts.
• You cannot open Settings, Chrome, or Edge.
• The uninstall button does not work.
• You entered credit card information.
• You gave someone remote access.
• You are worried banking or email passwords were exposed.
• The computer belongs to a business or has important records on it.

How to avoid tech support scams

Do not call the number in a pop-up.

Do not trust a pop-up that says it is Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Norton, McAfee, HP, or your internet provider.

Do not pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps because someone on the phone says your computer is infected.

The FTC specifically warns that scammers may pretend to be from tech support, ask for remote access, and demand payment to fix a fake problem.

Why I like local repair shops for this

For many beginners, a reputable local computer shop is safer than calling a number found online during a panic.

Look for a place that:

• Has a real storefront or long-standing local reputation.
• Gives a clear estimate.
• Does not pressure you.
• Does not demand gift cards.
• Does not ask for banking passwords.
• Can explain what they did in plain English.
• Will help install updates and remove remote-access tools if needed.

Ask:

“Can you remove unwanted software, check for browser hijackers, scan for malware, and make sure no remote access programs are installed?”

That sentence makes you sound like you came prepared. Which you did.

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Quick Reader Checklist

If a fake PC App Store or driver pop-up takes over your computer:

1. Do not enter payment information.
2. Do not create an account.
3. Do not call numbers shown on the screen.
4. Disconnect from the internet.
5. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end the suspicious task.
6. Uninstall suspicious apps from Settings → Apps.
7. Disable suspicious startup apps.
8. Run Windows Security Full scan.
9. Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
10. Clean Chrome and Edge notification permissions.
11. Run Malwarebytes AdwCleaner from the official site.
12. Change important passwords from a clean device.
13. Call your card company if payment information was entered.
14. Get local professional help if the computer is still blocked.

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Closing

The big lesson here is not “never download anything.” That’s not realistic. The lesson is:

Download from the official source, slow down before clicking, and never trust a pop-up that demands money to give your own computer back.

The internet is full of fake “Fix Now” buttons. Treat them like a raccoon in a tuxedo. It may look official, but it is still trying to get into your trash.