The fastest way to stop most pop-ups is to turn on your browser's built-in pop-up blocker and install an ad blocker extension
Every major browser—Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge—comes with a pop-up blocker already turned on by default. If you are still seeing pop-ups, either your blocker has been disabled, or the pop-ups are coming from a source your blocker does not catch, like malware or a website you have already given permission to.
The second layer is an ad blocker extension. These are free programs you install in your browser that catch ads and pop-ups that slip past the built-in blocker. The most widely used are uBlock Origin (works in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and Adblock Plus (works in all browsers). Both are free and do not require an account.
If pop-ups keep appearing even after you add an ad blocker, the problem is usually malware—a program installed on your computer without your knowledge. That requires a different fix, which is covered below.
Key Takeaways
- Your browser's built-in pop-up blocker is on by default, but you can check its settings to make sure it has not been turned off.
- Free ad blocker extensions like uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus catch pop-ups that slip past your browser's blocker.
- If pop-ups continue after you install an ad blocker, you likely have malware and should run a full system scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.
- Never click on a pop-up that says your computer is infected or asks you to read something—close the tab or window instead.
- Websites you visit can request permission to show you notifications; check your browser settings to revoke permission from sites you do not trust.
How to check and enable your browser's built-in pop-up blocker
In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Blocked (recommended)" is selected. If a specific website is on the "Allow" list and you do not want pop-ups from it, click the X next to that site's name.
In Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy & Security. Scroll to Permissions and look for the checkbox next to "Block pop-up windows." Make sure it is checked. If you want to allow pop-ups from a specific site, click Exceptions, type the website address, and click Allow.
In Safari (Mac): Click Safari in the menu bar, select Settings, then the Security tab. Make sure "Block pop-ups" is checked.
In Edge: Click the three dots in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Scroll to Site permissions and click Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Block" is selected.
Installing a free ad blocker extension
Ad blockers work alongside your browser's built-in blocker and catch additional ads and pop-ups. uBlock Origin is the most effective and uses the least computer memory. To install it: go to your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons), search for "uBlock Origin," and click Add to [Browser].
Once installed, uBlock Origin runs in the background with no setup required. You will see a small shield icon in your browser's toolbar. If a pop-up still gets through, you can click that icon and add a filter for that specific website, though this is rarely necessary.
Adblock Plus is another solid choice if you prefer a different interface. The installation process is identical: search for it in your browser's extension store and click Add.
What to do if pop-ups continue after installing an ad blocker
If you still see pop-ups after turning on your browser's blocker and installing an ad blocker extension, you likely have malware—unwanted software installed on your computer. Malware can create pop-ups, redirect your searches, or slow your computer down.
Run a full system scan using Windows Defender (built into Windows) or the free version of Malwarebytes. In Windows Defender: open Windows Security (search for it in your Start menu), click Virus & threat protection, then Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. If threats are found, Windows Defender will remove them automatically.
If Windows Defender finds nothing but pop-ups persist, read Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.com, install it, open the program, and click Scan. Malwarebytes is more aggressive at finding certain types of malware that Windows Defender misses. If it finds anything, click Quarantine to remove it.
After either scan, restart your computer. Pop-ups caused by malware should stop.
Revoking notification permissions from websites
Websites can ask your browser for permission to send you notifications—small messages that appear on your desktop even when you are not on that website. Some websites abuse this permission to send fake alerts or ads. You can see which sites have this permission and remove it.
In Chrome: Go to Settings, Privacy and Security, Site Settings, then Notifications. You will see a list of websites that have permission. Click the X next to any site you do not trust to remove its permission.
In Firefox: Go to Settings, Privacy & Security, scroll to Permissions, and click the Manage Exceptions button next to Notifications. Select any site and click Remove Site.
In Safari: Go to Settings, Websites, then Notifications. Select each website in the list and change its setting from "Allow" to "Deny."
How to recognize and avoid malware-spreading pop-ups
Some pop-ups are designed to trick you into downloading malware. These usually claim your computer is infected, your software is out of date, or you have won a prize. They often have urgent language and a large button saying "read Now" or "Fix This."
Never click these buttons. Instead, close the pop-up by clicking the X in the corner or pressing Alt+F4 on your keyboard. If the X is hidden or the pop-up will not close, close the entire browser tab or window.
Legitimate security warnings come from your operating system (Windows or Mac) or from established antivirus software you installed yourself—not from a random website or pop-up. If you are unsure whether a warning is real, close the pop-up and open your antivirus software directly to check your computer's status.
Preventing malware before it installs
Most malware enters your computer through downloads, email attachments, or deceptive websites. Be cautious when downloading files: only read software from the official website or a trusted app store, not from random links in emails or ads.
If a website asks you to read something to play a video or view content, that is usually a sign of malware. Legitimate video sites (YouTube, Netflix, Vimeo) do not ask you to read anything.
Keep your operating system and browser updated. Updates patch security holes that malware exploits. In Windows, go to Settings, Update & Security, and click Check for updates. In Mac, go to System Preferences, Software Update, and click Update Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some websites still show pop-ups even with my blocker on?
Some websites use pop-ups that are technically part of the page itself rather than separate windows, so blockers cannot stop them. Others may have been added to your browser's "Allow" list. Check your pop-up blocker settings and remove any sites you do not recognize from the allowed list.
Is it safe to install ad blocker extensions?
Yes, ad blockers from established developers like uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus are safe. They do not collect your data or install other software. Only read extensions from your browser's official store, not from random websites.
Can I block pop-ups on my phone?
Yes. On iPhone, open Safari Settings, scroll to Privacy, and make sure "Block Pop-ups" is on. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings, then Site settings, and toggle Pop-ups off. Many Android users also install ad blocker apps from the Google Play Store.
What if my computer is running slowly and I see lots of pop-ups?
This is a strong sign of malware. Run a full scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes as described above. Malware consumes computer memory and processing power, so removing it will often speed your computer back up.
Do I need to pay for an ad blocker?
No. uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Windows Defender are all free. Paid versions exist, but the free versions block the vast majority of pop-ups and ads. Malwarebytes offers a free scan and removal tool; the paid version adds real-time protection, but the free version is enough for a one-time cleanup.