If you are getting this error message, it’s a good idea to double-check your computer settings and make sure they are set up correctly. You may be unknowingly sending automated queries to search engines or CAPTCHA without even realizing it. This blog post will discuss how to fix this issue so that you can get back on the internet quickly and safely.
In order to fix this problem, one needs to know what causes it. The most common cause is typically malware on your device. Malware can come in many forms and often finds its way onto computers through spam emails or social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.
We’ll continue with details about how to fix the “Your computer may be sending automated queries” warning by closing programs running in the background when not in use. You can also learn how to change passwords on accounts that are shared among multiple devices.
By following the instructions below you will have no problem getting rid of the error message once and for all!
Table of Contents
- What To Do When My Computer Is Sending Automated Queries?
- Method 1. Close Any Program Running in Background
- Method 2. Switch to a Different Web Browser
- Method 3. Scan Your Computer for Malware
- Method 4. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
- Method 5. Restart Your Computer and Router
- Final Thoughts
What To Do When My Computer Is Sending Automated Queries?
There are a number of things you can do to solve this error. Below, you can find ways to fix the CAPTCHA puzzle showing this error and stop the warning from appearing again.
Method 1. Close Any Program Running in Background
First, let’s start with closing any programs hindering your ability to load websites correctly. You can do this by right-clicking on an app icon in the taskbar and choosing the Close or Close all windows option from the context menu.
You can also close applications tucked away by clicking on the upwards arrow in the bottom-right area of the screen. Typically, applications go here if they’re minimized but still running their services in the background.
Method 2. Switch to a Different Web Browser
As much as we love Google Chrome, it's sometimes not the best choice for everyone. In this case, you should try using a different web browser than your default one to see if that will solve any problems with CAPTCHA questions popping up. Who knows, it might just fix your issue.
Don’t know how to get started with a new web browser? Don’t worry! We have the perfect article to help you decide which app is the best for your needs. Check out Which Web Browser Should You Be Using in 2021 by clicking on the link now.
Once you’ve chosen a browser to use, simply download it and install it. Many modern browsers allow you to import your bookmarks, passwords, and other information from a different browser to make your migration process as seamless as possible.
Method 3. Scan Your Computer for Malware
We recommend scanning your computer to make sure that it does not have any viruses. There are some harmful programs that can cause the computer and apps to crash, or might trigger the automated queries warning. To scan, we’ll use the Windows Defender built-in program, but a different third-party software may work better.
- Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. You can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
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Type in Windows Security and launch it from the search results.
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Switch to the Virus & Threat Protection tab using the home screen or the menu in the left-side pane. Click on the Scan Options link.
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Select the Full scan option. This is going to check every single file on all of your drives to ensure no threats can hide. Take note that this scan may last over 1-2 hours, depending on how many files you have on your system.
- Click on the Scan now button to begin the scan. If a threat is detected, Windows 10 will automatically quarantine or remove it entirely. You can review the scan results afterwards.
Method 4. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Some users have reported that after clearing browser cache and cookies, the “Your computer may be sending automated queries” problem was solved. You can find the steps required to do this below.
How to clear browser cache in Google Chrome
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Click on the More icon (displayed by three dots arranged vertically) and hover over More tools. Click on Clear browsing data.
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Make sure the time range is set to All time.
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Enable the following options:
- Browsing history
- Cookies and other site data
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Cached images and files
- Click on the Clear data button. After the process is over, restart Google Chrome.
How to clear browser cache in Firefox
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Type about:preferences#privacy into the address bar and press the Enter key on your keyboard. You’ll be redirected to a settings page.
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Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section. Here, click on the Clear Data button.
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Select both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content, and then click on the Clear button to proceed. Wait for Firefox to process your request and delete the data.
- Restart your browser.
How to clear browser cache in Microsoft Edge
- Click on the menu button, and then click on Settings from the available options.
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Switch to the Privacy, search, and services tab using the pane on the left side. Here, scroll down until you see the Choose what to clear button, and then click on it.
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Make sure to set the Time range to All time.
- Select Browsing history, Download history, Cookies, and other site data, and Cached images and files then press the Clear now button.
Method 5. Restart Your Computer and Router
In many cases, simply restarting your computer and router can fix issues with automated CAPTCHA queries. This method works on all versions of Windows, including the newest Windows 11 system.
- Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your screen to bring up the Start menu.
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Click on the Power option, and then choose Restart. This is going to close all of your open applications and completely restart your computer.
- After your computer has restarted, check if the issue proxy server is still happening. If yes, move on to restart your router.
Something you should always try when facing any online issue is restarting your router. This will allow the device to sort itself out and possibly fix any ongoing issues within its system. You can restart your router in 3 easy steps:
- Locate the power button on your router and turn the device off.
- Wait for a few minutes. We recommend waiting 5 minutes to allow your router and network to properly shut down.
- Turn your router back on.
Test if you still experience internet issues after giving your computer and router a restart. If necessary, continue reading and try our other methods to solve the error.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating when your computer starts sending automated queries that you didn't initiate. This is a sign of malware infection and typically blocks you from accessing specific websites or functions on the internet. There are many things to try before reinstalling your system, which we hope will help with this issue.
We also have other methods for resolving virus infections if this doesn't work for you. If none of these options seem like they'll solve your problem, then it might be time to bring in Microsoft experts who specialize in removing viruses and malware from devices so contact us today!
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