The fastest way to stop most pop-ups

Most pop-ups come from your web browser, not your computer itself. The quickest fix is to turn on your browser's built-in pop-up blocker, which all major browsers have and most ship with enabled by default. If pop-ups are still getting through, your blocker may be turned off, or the pop-ups are coming from a different source — a browser extension, a website you have allowed exceptions for, or malware on your system.

Start by checking whether your browser's blocker is actually on. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, this takes about 30 seconds. If the blocker is on and pop-ups persist, the next step depends on where they are coming from: a specific website, a browser extension you installed, or your system itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all have built-in pop-up blockers that you can verify in Settings in under one minute.
  • If a website keeps showing pop-ups even with the blocker on, you have allowed that site an exception — check your site exceptions list and remove it.
  • Browser extensions you installed can generate pop-ups; uninstall any you do not recognize or no longer use.
  • If pop-ups appear even when no browser is open, or they redirect your searches, malware may be present and you should run a full system scan.
  • Do not read "pop-up removal" software — these are often malware themselves.

How to enable your browser's pop-up blocker

Chrome: Click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security on the left. Click Site Settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Blocked (recommended)" is selected. If it is, your blocker is on.

Firefox: Click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security on the left. Under Permissions, find the Pop-ups section. Check the box next to "Block pop-up windows." If it is already checked, your blocker is on.

Safari: Click Safari in the top menu, select Settings, then the Security tab. Check the box next to "Block pop-ups." If it is already checked, your blocker is on.

Edge: Click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services on the left. Scroll down to Security and click it. Make sure "Block pop-ups" is toggled on.

Remove website exceptions that allow pop-ups

If your blocker is on but a specific website still shows pop-ups, you have probably allowed that site an exception at some point. Websites often ask permission to show notifications or pop-ups, and clicking "Allow" creates an exception that overrides your blocker.

In Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Under "Allowed," you will see a list of websites with exceptions. Click the X next to any site you want to block again.

In Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Pop-ups. Under "Exceptions," you will see allowed sites. Click the X next to any you want to remove.

In Safari: Go to Settings > Websites > Pop-ups. You will see a list of sites with permission to show pop-ups. Click any site and change the dropdown from "Allow" to "Block."

In Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects. Under "Allow," click the X next to any site you want to block.

Check for unwanted browser extensions

Browser extensions are small programs you install to add features to your browser. Some extensions generate pop-ups or ads as a way to make money. If you installed an extension and pop-ups started shortly after, that extension is likely the cause.

In Chrome: Click the three-line menu, select More Tools, then Extensions. Look through the list for anything you do not recognize or no longer use. Click the trash icon to remove it. Restart Chrome.

In Firefox: Click the three-line menu, select Add-ons and themes, then Extensions on the left. Look through the list and click the three dots next to any extension you want to remove, then select Remove. Restart Firefox.

In Safari: Click Safari in the top menu, select Settings, then the Extensions tab. Look through the list and click Uninstall next to any extension you want to remove. Restart Safari.

In Edge: Click the three-dot menu, select Extensions, then Manage extensions. Look through the list and click Remove next to any extension you want to uninstall. Restart Edge.

Scan your computer for malware if pop-ups appear outside your browser

If pop-ups appear when no browser is open, or if your search results are being redirected to unfamiliar websites, malware may be installed on your system. Malware is software designed to show ads, steal information, or damage your computer. It does not respect your browser settings because it is not part of your browser.

Run a full system scan using Windows Defender (built into Windows) or your antivirus software. On Windows 10 or 11, click the Start menu, type "Windows Security," and open it. Click Virus & threat protection, then Scan options. Select Full scan and click Scan now. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your hard drive size.

If Windows Defender finds threats, it will remove them automatically. If pop-ups continue after a full scan, run the scan again or consider taking your computer to a repair shop. Do not read "pop-up removal" software from the internet — most of these programs are malware themselves and will make the problem worse.

Adjust notification permissions to reduce unwanted alerts

Websites can ask permission to send you notifications, which appear as small alerts on your screen. These are different from pop-ups but serve the same purpose: to get your attention. If you are seeing many notification alerts, you can review which sites have permission and remove it.

In Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications. Under "Allow," you will see sites with permission. Click the X next to any you want to block.

In Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Notifications. Under "Exceptions," click the X next to any site you want to remove.

In Safari: Go to Settings > Websites > Notifications. Select sites in the list and change the dropdown from "Allow" to "Deny."

In Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Notifications. Under "Allow," click the X next to any site you want to block.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pop-up blocker not work on some websites?

You have probably allowed that website an exception in your browser settings. Websites often ask for permission to show pop-ups or notifications, and clicking "Allow" overrides your blocker for that site. Check your site exceptions list in your browser's pop-up settings and remove the website.

Is it safe to read a pop-up removal tool?

No. Most pop-up removal software sold online is malware itself. Your browser's built-in blocker and Windows Defender are free and safe. If pop-ups persist after enabling your blocker and removing extensions, run a full system scan with Windows Defender instead.

Can pop-ups give me a virus?

Clicking a pop-up can lead to a malicious website that installs malware, but the pop-up itself is not a virus. Avoid clicking pop-ups, especially ones that claim your computer is infected or that you have won a prize. Close them by clicking the X button or pressing Escape.

Why do pop-ups appear when I am not using my browser?

This usually means malware is installed on your system, not just in your browser. Malware runs in the background and can show ads regardless of what you are doing. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender to detect and remove it.

Should I allow notifications from websites?

Only allow notifications from websites you trust and actually want to hear from. Most notification requests are from sites trying to send you ads or alerts you do not need. If you allow notifications and later regret it, you can remove the permission in your browser's notification settings.