Turn on your browser's built-in pop-up blocker
Every major browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — has a pop-up blocker already turned on by default. If pop-ups are still getting through, your blocker may have been accidentally disabled, or a website you trust may have permission to show them.
To check your settings in Chrome, open the browser 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. If it is, your blocker is on.
In Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then Settings. Go to Privacy & Security on the left side. Under Permissions, find "Block pop-up windows" and make sure the checkbox is marked. In Safari on Mac, click Safari in the menu bar, then Preferences, then Security. Check the box next to "Block pop-up windows." On Edge, click the three dots in the top right, go to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then Pop-ups and redirects, and select "Block."
Key Takeaways
- Your browser's built-in pop-up blocker is on by default in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, but you should verify it is still enabled in your settings.
- Websites you have allowed to show notifications can sometimes use that permission to display pop-ups, so review your notification list regularly.
- If a pop-up appears with no close button, it is likely malicious — close the entire browser tab rather than clicking anything in the pop-up itself.
- Browser extensions designed to block ads and pop-ups can catch what the built-in blocker misses, though they work best when you install only one or two trusted ones.
- If pop-ups return after you close them, your browser may have been hijacked by malware, and you should run a full scan with your antivirus software.
Remove websites that have permission to show pop-ups
Some websites ask for permission to send you notifications. Once you grant that permission, they can display pop-ups even when your blocker is on. If you see pop-ups from a specific website, that site probably has notification permission.
In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications. You will see a list of websites that have permission. Find the one sending pop-ups and click the three dots next to it, then Remove. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Notifications and click Remove next to any site you do not trust. In Safari, go to Preferences > Websites > Notifications and uncheck any sites in the list. On Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Notifications and remove the offending site.
After you remove a site's notification permission, refresh the page. If the site asks for permission again, click Block instead of Allow.
Close suspicious pop-ups without clicking inside them
Occasionally a pop-up will appear that your blocker did not catch. If the pop-up has no visible close button, or if it claims your device has a virus or asks you to update software, do not click anything inside the pop-up itself. Clicking anywhere in a suspicious pop-up can trigger a download or open a malicious website.
Instead, close the entire browser tab by clicking the X at the top of the tab. If the pop-up opens a new window instead of appearing in a tab, click the X button in the top corner of that window. If the pop-up is blocking your ability to close it, press Alt+F4 on Windows or Command+Q on Mac to force-close the browser entirely, then reopen it.
Never click "OK," "Close," or any button inside a pop-up you do not recognize. These buttons often lead to malware downloads or scam websites designed to steal your information.
Install a browser extension for extra pop-up blocking
If your browser's built-in blocker is on and you have removed notification permissions, but pop-ups still appear, a browser extension can catch what the default settings miss. Popular options include uBlock Origin (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge), Adblock Plus, and AdGuard. These extensions block ads and pop-ups more aggressively than your browser alone.
To install an extension, open your browser's extension store. In Chrome, click the puzzle piece icon in the top right, then click "Manage extensions," then visit the Chrome Web Store. Search for the extension you want, click "Add to Chrome," and confirm. In Firefox, click the menu button, select Add-ons and themes, search for the extension, and click "Add to Firefox." In Edge, click the three dots, go to Extensions, then "Get extensions for Microsoft Edge," search, and click "Get."
Install only one or two extensions. Too many extensions can slow your browser down and sometimes conflict with each other. After you install one, test whether pop-ups decrease. If they do not, the extension may not be working, and you can remove it by going back to your extensions list and clicking Remove or Uninstall.
Check for malware if pop-ups keep returning
If pop-ups continue to appear even after you have turned on your blocker, removed notification permissions, and installed an extension, your computer may have malware. Malware can hijack your browser settings or inject pop-ups directly into web pages, bypassing normal blocking methods.
Run a full scan with your antivirus software. On Windows, open Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11) by clicking the shield icon in your system tray or searching for "Windows Security" in the Start menu. Click "Virus & threat protection," then "Scan options," select "Full scan," and click "Scan now." This can take 30 minutes or longer. On Mac, use the antivirus software you have installed, or download a free scanner like Malwarebytes.
If the scan finds threats, follow the prompts to remove them. After removal, restart your computer and test your browser again. If pop-ups persist after a full malware scan, contact a technical support person or take your device to a repair shop, as the infection may be more serious.
Prevent pop-ups before they start
The easiest way to avoid pop-ups is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or social media, especially those promising assistance programs, prizes, or urgent warnings. These links often lead to websites designed to bombard you with pop-ups.
Be cautious when downloading files from unfamiliar websites. Malware often hides inside free software downloads. If you need to download something, use official websites or trusted sources like the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store. Read the terms carefully before clicking "Install" — some free software bundles malware or adware alongside the program you want.
Keep your browser and operating system updated. Updates often include security patches that close the holes malware uses to hijack your browser. In Chrome, click the three dots, go to Help, then "About Google Chrome" — it will check for updates automatically. In Firefox, click the menu button, go to Help, then "About Firefox." In Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, then "System Preferences," then Software Update. On Windows, click the Start button and search for "Check for updates."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my browser still show pop-ups if the blocker is on?
Some websites have permission to show notifications, which can bypass the pop-up blocker. Check your notification permissions in Settings and remove any sites you do not trust. If a website is legitimate but annoying, you can block just that site's notifications without disabling your overall blocker.
Is it safe to click the X button on a pop-up?
Yes, if the X button is in the corner of the pop-up window itself. If there is no visible close button and the pop-up looks suspicious, close the entire browser tab instead by clicking the X on the tab at the top of your browser.
Can pop-ups give me a virus?
Clicking inside a suspicious pop-up can trigger a malware download, but simply seeing a pop-up cannot infect your device. The danger comes from clicking buttons or links inside the pop-up. If you close the tab or window without clicking anything, you are safe.
What is the difference between a pop-up blocker and an ad blocker extension?
A pop-up blocker stops new windows or tabs from opening without your permission. An ad blocker extension removes ads and pop-ups from web pages themselves. You can use both at the same time — your browser's blocker handles new windows, and the extension catches ads embedded in the page.
Do I need to pay for a pop-up blocker?
No. Your browser's built-in blocker is free and on by default. Popular extensions like uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus are also free. Paid versions of these extensions exist, but the free versions work well for most people.