The fastest way to stop most popups

Most popups come from websites you visit, not from your computer itself. The simplest way to block them is to turn on your browser's built-in popup blocker, which is usually already on by default. If popups still get through, you can add a browser extension that catches the ones the built-in blocker misses.

The second source of popups is software installed on your computer — usually adware or browser hijackers that came bundled with something else you downloaded. These are harder to stop at the browser level because they inject popups directly into your system. If you're seeing popups even when you're not browsing, or popups that appear on your desktop rather than in a browser window, you likely have unwanted software installed and need to remove it.

This guide covers both: how to configure your browser to block website popups, and how to find and remove software that's generating popups on your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Your browser's built-in popup blocker is usually on already, but you can check your settings to confirm it's enabled.
  • Browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus can catch popups that slip past the built-in blocker, though they require you to install and maintain them.
  • Popups that appear on your desktop or when you're not browsing usually come from unwanted software, which you can find and remove using your system's built-in tools.
  • When removing unwanted software, check your installed programs list first, then use a malware scanner if popups continue after uninstalling.

Enabling your browser's popup blocker

Chrome: Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings. Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects. Make sure "Blocked (recommended)" is selected. This is the default, but if you see "Allowed" next to a specific website, you can click it and change it to "Block".

Firefox: Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Go to Settings, then Privacy & Security. Under Permissions, find the "Pop-ups" section and check the box next to "Block pop-up windows". You can also add exceptions for specific sites if a legitimate website needs popups to function.

Safari: Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Go to Preferences, then Security. Check the box next to "Block pop-up windows". Safari blocks popups by default on most versions, so if you're seeing them, check that this setting hasn't been unchecked.

Edge: Click the three dots in the top right corner. Go to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Under Tracking prevention, scroll down to find "Block pop-ups" and make sure it's turned on.

Adding a popup-blocking extension for extra protection

Browser extensions add a second layer of popup blocking beyond what your browser's built-in blocker catches. The most widely used are uBlock Origin, Adblock Plus, and Ghostery. These work by filtering ads and popups before they load on the page.

To install an extension, go to your browser's extension store: Chrome Web Store for Chrome, Firefox Add-ons for Firefox, Safari App Store for Safari, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons for Edge. Search for the extension name, click it, and click the button to add it to your browser. Most extensions run quietly in the background once installed — you don't need to do anything else.

One caution: some popup-blocking extensions collect data about your browsing to improve their filtering. If privacy is a concern, read the extension's privacy policy before installing. uBlock Origin is known for not collecting user data, while others may track which sites you visit. You can always uninstall an extension if you change your mind.

Finding and removing software that generates popups

If popups appear on your desktop, in multiple browsers at once, or when you're not actively browsing, the source is usually software installed on your computer rather than a website. This software often arrived bundled with something else you downloaded — a free game, a PDF reader, or a utility tool.

On Windows: Open Settings and go to Apps, then Apps & features. Scroll through the list and look for programs you don't recognize or don't remember installing. Common culprits have names like "Search Protect", "Delta Toolbar", "Conduit", or generic names like "Optimizer" or "Cleaner". Click on any suspicious program and select Uninstall. Windows will walk you through removing it.

On Mac: Open Applications in Finder. Look through the list for programs you don't recognize. Drag any suspicious ones to the Trash, or right-click and select Move to Trash. Then empty the Trash. On Mac, unwanted software is usually easier to remove because it's less deeply integrated into the system.

After uninstalling, restart your computer. If popups continue, the software may have left behind files or browser extensions. Check your browser's extension list (usually found in Settings or Preferences under Extensions or Add-ons) and remove anything you don't recognize.

Using a malware scanner if popups persist

If you've uninstalled suspicious programs and disabled unknown extensions but popups continue, run a malware scanner. These tools search your computer for files associated with adware and other unwanted software that the standard uninstall process may have missed.

Windows Defender (built into Windows) includes a malware scanner. Open Windows Security, click Virus & threat protection, then click Scan options. Select Full scan and click Scan now. This takes 15 to 60 minutes depending on your computer's size and speed.

If you prefer a second opinion, Malwarebytes is a widely used standalone scanner. Download it from malwarebytes.com, install it, and run a full scan. The free version scans and removes threats. Both Windows Defender and Malwarebytes are legitimate tools made by established security companies.

Preventing popups from coming back

Most popups come back because of how software gets installed. When you download a free program, the installer often includes checkboxes for additional software — toolbars, search tools, or "optimization" programs. These are usually checked by default. Unchecking them before you click Install prevents a lot of unwanted software from arriving in the first place.

Be cautious with download buttons on websites offering free software. The large, obvious button often installs extra software, while the actual program you want is a smaller link nearby. Read the installer carefully and decline anything you didn't specifically come for.

Keep your browser and operating system updated. Updates often include security improvements that make it harder for malware to install in the first place. Enable automatic updates in your system settings so you don't have to remember to do it manually.

When popups are legitimate

Some websites use popups for real purposes — login windows, file downloads, or alerts you've requested. Your popup blocker may block these by mistake. If a website isn't working properly, check whether your popup blocker is the cause. Most browsers show a small icon when they've blocked popups on a page. Click that icon and select "Always allow pop-ups on this site" if you trust the website.

Be cautious about allowing popups on unfamiliar sites. If a website is asking you to allow popups and you're not sure why, it's usually safer to leave them blocked and find another source for what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block popups on just one website instead of everywhere?

Yes. In most browsers, when a popup is blocked, a small icon appears in the address bar. Click it and you'll see options to allow popups on that specific site. You can also go to your browser's popup settings and add individual websites to an allow list if they need popups to function properly.

Why do popups still get through even with my blocker on?

Some popups are designed to look like system warnings or browser alerts, which makes them harder for blockers to catch. Others come from software installed on your computer rather than from websites. If popups continue after enabling your browser's blocker and checking for unwanted software, a browser extension like uBlock Origin usually catches the remainder.

Is it safe to use a popup blocker?

Yes. Popup blockers are built into every major browser and are safe to use. Some websites may not work properly with popups blocked, but you can always allow popups on specific sites you trust. Browser extensions are also safe as long as you install them from your browser's official store.

What if I accidentally uninstall a program I need?

Windows and Mac both keep a record of installed programs, so you can reinstall anything you remove. Go back to your Apps list, search for the program name, and reinstall it from there or from the original source. If you're unsure whether a program is safe to remove, search its name online before uninstalling.

Do I need both a popup blocker and a malware scanner?

A popup blocker handles popups from websites. A malware scanner finds software installed on your computer that generates popups. If you're seeing popups in your browser, a popup blocker is usually enough. If popups appear on your desktop or in multiple places at once, you likely need a malware scanner to remove the underlying software.