The fastest way to block most pop-ups
Most modern browsers come with a built-in pop-up blocker that is turned on by default. If pop-ups are still getting through, your blocker may be set to allow them on certain sites, or you may have installed software that overrides it. The quickest fix is to check your browser's pop-up blocker settings and make sure it is set to block all pop-ups, then clear your browser cache and restart.
If pop-ups continue after that, the problem is usually one of three things: a browser extension you installed is allowing them, your computer has adware installed, or a website you visit regularly has permission to show pop-ups. Each has a different fix, and you may need to work through all three to stop them completely.
Key Takeaways
- Check your browser's pop-up blocker settings first—most are on by default but may be set to allow pop-ups on specific sites.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser to remove stored permissions that may override your blocker.
- Review your browser extensions and remove any you do not recognize or no longer use, as they often enable pop-ups.
- Run a malware scan with Windows Defender or a third-party tool if pop-ups appear even when you are not browsing, as adware may be installed on your system.
- Check site permissions in your browser settings and revoke notification and pop-up rights from websites you do not trust.
How to adjust your browser's pop-up blocker
Every major browser—Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge—has a pop-up blocker built in. To turn it on or adjust its settings, open your browser and look for the menu button (usually three horizontal lines or dots in the top right corner). From there, go to Settings or Preferences, then find the Privacy or Security section.
In Chrome, click Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure the toggle is set to Blocked. In Firefox, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, and scroll down to Permissions—the "Block pop-up windows" checkbox should be checked. In Edge, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then Pop-ups and redirects, and set it to Block. In Safari on Mac, go to Safari menu, then Preferences, then Security, and check "Block pop-up windows."
After you have confirmed your blocker is on, close your browser completely and reopen it. This clears temporary settings that may have been overridden.
Clear your browser cache and site permissions
Websites can store permissions on your computer that tell your browser to allow pop-ups from that site. Even if your blocker is on, these stored permissions override it. Clearing your cache removes these stored permissions and forces your browser to ask again the next time a site requests permission.
In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac). Select "All time" from the time range dropdown, check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click Clear data. In Firefox, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select "Everything" from the Time range to clear dropdown, check "Cookies" and "Cache," then click Clear Now. In Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select "All time," check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click Clear now. In Safari, go to Safari menu, then select Clear History, choose "all history," and click Clear History.
After clearing, restart your browser. The next time a website tries to show a pop-up, your browser will block it by default instead of using an old stored permission.
Remove browser extensions that allow pop-ups
Browser extensions are small programs you install to add features to your browser. Some extensions are designed to show you ads or pop-ups, and others may have been compromised by malware. If you installed an extension and pop-ups started shortly after, that extension is likely the cause.
In Chrome, click the menu button, go to More tools, then Extensions. Look through the list and remove anything you do not recognize or no longer use—click the trash icon next to it. In Firefox, click the menu button, select Add-ons and extensions, then Extensions, and click Remove next to any extension you want to delete. In Edge, click the menu button, select Extensions, and click Remove next to the extension. In Safari, go to Safari menu, then Preferences, then Extensions, select the extension, and click Uninstall.
After removing extensions, restart your browser. If pop-ups stop, one of those extensions was the problem. If they continue, move on to checking for adware on your system.
Scan your computer for adware and malware
If pop-ups appear even when you are not actively browsing—for example, when you are using another program or your desktop—adware is likely installed on your computer. Adware is software designed to show you advertisements and is often bundled with free programs you read. Your browser's blocker cannot stop adware because it runs on your system, not inside your browser.
Windows computers come with Windows Defender, a built-in antivirus tool. Open Windows Defender by typing "Windows Defender" into your search bar and clicking Windows Defender. Click Virus and threat protection, then Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now. This will take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how much is on your hard drive. If threats are found, Windows Defender will remove them automatically.
If you use a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Security and Privacy, and check the General tab for any suspicious applications. You can also read and run Malwarebytes for Mac (free version available) to scan for adware. If you prefer a third-party tool on Windows, Malwarebytes is also available for Windows and will catch adware that Windows Defender may miss.
Check and revoke website notification permissions
Websites can ask permission to send you notifications, and some use this feature to send pop-ups disguised as system notifications. These appear even when you are not on the website. You can see which sites have permission and revoke it.
In Chrome, click the menu button, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings, then Notifications. You will see a list of sites that have permission to send notifications. Click the three dots next to any site and select Remove to revoke permission. In Firefox, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, scroll to Permissions, and click Settings next to Notifications. Remove any site you do not trust. In Edge, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then Notifications, and remove sites from the list. In Safari, go to Preferences, then Websites, then Notifications, and remove sites from the Allow list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pop-ups still appear even though my blocker is on?
Pop-ups can bypass your blocker if a website has stored permission to show them, if an extension is allowing them, or if adware is installed on your system. Work through the fixes in order: check your blocker settings, clear your cache, remove suspicious extensions, then scan for adware. Most pop-ups stop after one of these steps.
Is it safe to click the X button on a pop-up?
Clicking the X button is usually safe, but some pop-ups have fake close buttons designed to click through to an ad instead. If a pop-up looks suspicious, do not click anything on it—close the entire browser tab or window instead. Your blocker should prevent most pop-ups from appearing in the first place.
Can I block pop-ups from specific websites only?
Yes. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, click the lock icon or info icon next to the website address in your address bar, then find Pop-ups and redirects or Notifications, and set it to Block. You can also allow pop-ups from sites you trust by setting it to Allow, though this is not recommended unless you have a specific reason.
What should I do if my browser keeps crashing after I cleared my cache?
Clearing your cache should not cause crashes. If your browser crashes after clearing cache, restart your computer. If crashes continue, try uninstalling and reinstalling your browser. Make sure you are using the latest version—go to your browser's menu and look for an option like "About Chrome" or "About Firefox" to check for updates.
Do I need antivirus software if Windows Defender is already on my computer?
Windows Defender is sufficient for most users and catches most common adware. If you want extra protection, Malwarebytes (free version) works alongside Windows Defender and catches threats it may miss. You do not need multiple full antivirus programs running at the same time, as they can slow your computer down.