Where pop-ups come from and how to stop them
Pop-ups appear because websites, apps, and sometimes malware send them to your screen. Most come from the websites you visit — they ask permission the first time, and you can revoke that permission anytime. Some pop-ups are notifications from your operating system or installed programs. A smaller number come from unwanted software, which requires a different removal step.
The fastest way to stop most pop-ups is to change your browser settings or turn off notifications in your operating system. You do not need to install anything or change your computer's core functions. The steps differ by device type and browser, but each takes under five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Website pop-ups usually ask permission the first time they appear, and you can block them by changing your browser's notification settings.
- Operating system notifications (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) can be turned off in your device settings without affecting other functions.
- Browser pop-up blockers built into Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge stop most unwanted pop-ups automatically, and you can add more restrictions in settings.
- If pop-ups persist after changing these settings, your computer may have unwanted software that requires removal through your antivirus program or manual uninstall.
Blocking pop-ups in your web browser
Most modern browsers block pop-ups by default, but you can strengthen these settings or allow exceptions for sites you trust. In Chrome, open Settings, click Privacy and Security, then Site Settings. Select Notifications and toggle off "Sites can ask to send notifications." You can also add specific websites to the block list under "Not allowed to send notifications."
In Firefox, go to Settings, Privacy & Security, and scroll to Permissions. Click Settings next to Notifications and add websites to the block list. In Safari on Mac, open Preferences, go to Websites, select Notifications from the left menu, and change the default setting from "Allow" to "Deny." On Edge, open Settings, select Privacy, search & services, then Site permissions, and toggle off notifications.
If a website's pop-up still appears after you block notifications, it may be a different type of pop-up window rather than a notification. Most browsers have a built-in pop-up blocker that catches these automatically. To check if yours is on, look in your browser's Settings under Privacy or Security — the pop-up blocker is usually enabled by default and does not need adjustment.
Turning off operating system notifications
Your computer or phone's operating system sends its own notifications separate from websites. On Windows 10 and 11, open Settings, go to System, then Notifications. You can toggle off notifications entirely, or scroll down to turn off notifications from specific apps. You can also choose which apps appear in your notification center.
On macOS, open System Settings, click Notifications, and select each app in the list on the left. Uncheck "Allow notifications" for any app you do not want to hear from. On iPhone and iPad, open Settings, tap Notifications, and select each app to turn off its alerts. On Android, open Settings, go to Apps & notifications, select Notifications, and toggle off notifications for individual apps.
Turning off notifications does not affect how the app works — it only stops the pop-ups from appearing on your screen. You can turn notifications back on anytime if you change your mind.
Removing unwanted software that causes persistent pop-ups
If pop-ups continue after you block notifications in your browser and operating system, your computer may have unwanted software installed. This software does not always appear in your Programs list, so the fastest way to find it is to run a scan with your antivirus program.
If you have Windows Defender (built into Windows), open Windows Security, click Virus & threat protection, then Scan options. Select Full scan and run it. If you use a third-party antivirus like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender, open the program and run a full system scan from the main menu. The scan may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your hard drive size.
If the scan finds unwanted software, the antivirus program will offer to remove it. Follow the prompts and restart your computer when asked. If pop-ups stop after the restart, the unwanted software is gone. If they continue, you may need to manually uninstall programs you do not recognize — go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows, or System Settings > General > Software on Mac, and look for unfamiliar program names.
Stopping pop-ups from specific websites
Some websites send pop-ups even after you block notifications. These are often modal windows (boxes that cover the page) rather than system notifications. You can block them by preventing the website from opening new windows.
In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Add the website to the "Not allowed" list. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Pop-up Windows and add the site. In Safari, go to Preferences > Security and check "Block pop-up windows." These settings prevent the website from opening new windows on your device.
If a website's pop-up is part of its normal design (like a newsletter signup), you may not be able to block it completely without using an ad blocker extension. Extensions like uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, or Privacy Badger can block many types of pop-ups, but they also block ads and may slow some websites slightly.
Preventing pop-ups on mobile devices
Mobile browsers have fewer pop-up options than desktop browsers, but you can still reduce them. On iPhone Safari, open Settings > Safari and toggle on "Block Pop-ups." On Android Chrome, open Settings > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and toggle off "Pop-ups and redirects."
On mobile, most pop-ups come from apps rather than websites. If an app sends too many notifications, the fastest solution is to uninstall it or turn off its notifications in your phone's settings. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Notifications and toggle off "Allow notifications."
Mobile browsers also cannot install extensions the way desktop browsers can, so you are limited to the browser's built-in tools. If a mobile website sends constant pop-ups, consider using a different browser — Firefox on Android and Chrome on iPhone both have strong pop-up blockers.
What to do if pop-ups return after you block them
Pop-ups sometimes return because a website re-requests permission, or because you accidentally allowed notifications again. If this happens, repeat the blocking steps for that specific website. You can also check your browser's notification permissions list to see which sites have permission — remove any you do not recognize.
If pop-ups return across many websites or your entire computer, run another antivirus scan. Unwanted software sometimes reinstalls itself or hides in system files. If the scan finds nothing and pop-ups persist, restart your computer in Safe Mode (which loads only essential programs) and run the scan again. Safe Mode can catch software that hides from normal scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking notifications break websites I use?
No. Blocking notifications only stops pop-ups from appearing — it does not affect the website's core functions. You can still use the website normally, read articles, shop, or log in. Some websites may ask you to allow notifications again, but you can dismiss that request.
Can I block pop-ups from one website but allow them from another?
Yes. In your browser settings, you can add specific websites to your block list while allowing notifications from others. Go to your browser's notification settings, find the "Block" or "Not allowed" section, and add the website's address. Websites you do not block will still be able to send notifications if you allow them.
What is the difference between a pop-up and a notification?
A notification is a message your browser or app sends to your screen, usually from the top or bottom corner. A pop-up is a window that opens on top of what you are viewing. Both can be blocked through browser or app settings, though the steps differ slightly.
Do I need to buy software to stop pop-ups?
No. Your browser and operating system have built-in tools to block pop-ups, and they are free. Antivirus software is also often free — Windows Defender comes with Windows, and many companies offer free versions of their antivirus programs. You do not need to purchase anything.
Why do pop-ups keep coming back after I block them?
Websites sometimes re-request permission to send notifications, or you may have accidentally allowed them again. Check your browser's notification permissions list and remove any websites you do not recognize. If pop-ups appear across many websites, run an antivirus scan to check for unwanted software.