The fastest way to block most pop-ups
Most modern browsers have a built-in pop-up blocker that works automatically. If pop-ups are still getting through, the blocker may be turned off, or you may have accidentally allowed a website to show them. The quickest fix is to check your browser settings and turn the blocker on, then clear any permissions you gave to websites.
Open your browser settings (usually under a menu icon in the top right corner), look for "Privacy and security" or "Site settings", and find the section labeled "Pop-ups and redirects". Make sure it is set to "Blocked" rather than "Allowed". If you see a list of websites with permission to show pop-ups, delete them from that list.
After you change these settings, close all open tabs and restart your browser. The change takes effect when ready, but restarting ensures no background processes are still running the old settings.
Key Takeaways
- Your browser's built-in pop-up blocker stops most unwanted windows, but it must be turned on in your settings under "Pop-ups and redirects".
- If a website asks permission to show notifications or pop-ups, saying no prevents that site from sending them in the future.
- Malware and unwanted browser extensions can create pop-ups that the built-in blocker cannot stop, so scanning your computer and checking your installed extensions is the next step if blocking does not work.
- Clearing your browser cache and cookies removes stored permissions and can stop pop-ups from websites you visited in the past.
- If pop-ups return after you block them, the source is usually malware rather than a website, and you may need to run a full system scan.
Turn off permission requests from websites
Websites often ask for permission to send you notifications, which can appear as pop-ups on your screen. If you see a prompt asking "Allow notifications?" or "This site wants to show notifications", click "Block" or "Don't allow". Once you block it, that website cannot send you pop-ups unless you manually change your mind later.
If you have already said yes to a website by mistake, you can remove that permission. In your browser settings, go to "Privacy and security" or "Site settings", then find "Notifications". You will see a list of websites with permission. Find the one sending unwanted pop-ups and click the trash icon or "Remove" button next to it.
This step alone stops the majority of pop-ups that slip past the built-in blocker, because many websites use notifications as a legal way to reach users who have already visited them.
Check your browser extensions and remove suspicious ones
Browser extensions are small programs that add features to your browser. Some extensions are legitimate tools, but others are designed to show advertisements or collect your browsing data. If pop-ups started appearing after you installed a new extension, that extension is likely the cause.
Open your browser's extension menu (usually accessible by clicking an icon in the top right corner or going to Settings > Extensions). Look through the list and remove any extension you do not recognize or did not intentionally install. Pay special attention to extensions with vague names, no clear purpose, or very few reviews.
After you remove a suspicious extension, restart your browser. If pop-ups stop, you have found the culprit. If they continue, move on to scanning your computer for malware.
Scan your computer for malware
If pop-ups continue after you have blocked them in your browser settings and removed suspicious extensions, your computer may have malware installed. Malware is software designed to harm your computer or steal your information, and some types create pop-ups that bypass your browser's built-in protections.
Use the built-in security tool on your computer. On Windows, open Windows Defender (called "Windows Security" in recent versions) by typing "Windows Security" into the search bar. Click "Virus and threat protection", then "Scan options", and choose "Full scan". This scan takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much is on your computer, but it checks every file for known malware.
On Mac, open System Preferences, go to "Security and Privacy", and check the "General" tab. If you see a message about a detected threat, follow the on-screen instructions to remove it. You can also read Malwarebytes (a free malware scanner) from the official website and run a scan if you want a second opinion.
If the scan finds malware, let your security tool remove it automatically. Restart your computer after the scan finishes, then check whether pop-ups have stopped.
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Your browser stores information about websites you visit, including permissions you have given in the past. Clearing this stored data can remove permissions that are causing pop-ups to reappear on sites you visited long ago.
In your browser settings, look for "Clear browsing data" or "Clear cache". A window will open asking what time period to clear (choose "All time" to be thorough) and what types of data to remove. Make sure "Cookies and other site data" is checked, then click "Clear data". This process takes less than a minute.
After clearing, restart your browser. If pop-ups from old websites stop appearing, the stored permissions were the problem.
Adjust your browser's security level
Some browsers let you set a security level that controls how much websites can do on your computer. A higher security level blocks more pop-ups and other intrusive content, but it may also break some legitimate website features.
In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings and scroll through the list. You will see options for "Pop-ups and redirects", "Notifications", "Ads", and others. Set each one to "Blocked" unless you have a specific reason to allow it. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and scroll to "Permissions" to find the same controls.
If a website you trust stops working after you tighten these settings, you can add that website to an exception list so it is allowed to show pop-ups while everything else remains blocked.
What to do if pop-ups return after you block them
If pop-ups keep appearing even after you have blocked them in your browser, turned off notifications, removed extensions, and scanned for malware, the problem may be a stubborn piece of malware that your security tool missed. Run another full scan with a different tool — Malwarebytes is free and often catches threats that Windows Defender misses.
You can also try resetting your browser to its default settings. In Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults. In Firefox, go to Settings > General and scroll to the bottom to find "Refresh Firefox". This removes all extensions, clears your cache, and resets permissions, which solves the problem in most cases where malware has taken over your browser.
If pop-ups still appear after a full malware scan and a browser reset, consider taking your computer to a technician, because the malware may be installed at the operating system level rather than in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pop-ups still appear even though I turned on the pop-up blocker?
The most common reason is that you gave a website permission to send notifications in the past. Check your notification permissions in browser settings and remove any website you do not trust. The second most common reason is a browser extension designed to show ads — remove any extension you do not recognize.
Is it safe to click the X button on a pop-up?
Yes, clicking the X button to close a pop-up is safe. Never click inside the pop-up or on any button that says "OK" or "Continue", because those may read malware or take you to a harmful website. The X button is always in the corner of the pop-up window.
Can I block pop-ups on my phone the same way?
Yes. On iPhone, open Settings > Safari > Block Pop-ups and toggle it on. On Android, open Chrome, go to Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups, and set it to "Blocked". The process is the same as on a computer, but the menu locations are different.
What if a website says I need to turn off my pop-up blocker to use it?
Most websites that make this claim are not trustworthy. Legitimate websites work fine with pop-up blockers on. If a site insists you disable your blocker, consider whether you really need to use that site. If you do, add only that one website to your exceptions list rather than turning off the blocker entirely.
Will clearing my cache delete my passwords?
No, not unless you specifically check the box for "Passwords and other sign-in data" when you clear your cache. By default, clearing cache only removes cookies and temporary files. If you want to keep your saved passwords, make sure that box is unchecked.