Why should I block pop-ups?

The benefit of blocking pop-ups is that it stops ads displaying on your screen and distracting you from your work. But along with serving ads, pop-ups can also contain malware, so blocking pop-ups can help keep your activity private and your computer running smoothly.

Of course, some pop-ups help websites perform as intended — for example, pop-ups can serve as shopping carts, map widgets, sign-up fields, etc. So if you block pop-ups altogether, some websites may not be able to serve you effectively. And even if you block all pop-ups, some ads will likely still get through.

Both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer have pop-up blocker tools that let you completely disable or enable pop-ups, or block pop-ups for some websites while allowing pop-ups for others. The Edge pop-up blocker is on by default in some versions of the browser, while it’s off in others. But in all versions of Edge and IE, the built-in browser pop-up blocker is fully customizable.

How to stop pop-ups in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10

Here’s how to enable the Microsoft Edge pop-up blocker in Windows 10:

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser and click thethree horizontal dots in the top right of the browser window.

   

2. ClickSettings.

   

3. ClickCookies and site permissions.

   

4. Scroll down and clickPop-ups and redirects.

   

5. Turn the setting forBlock (recommended) to theon position.

   

WithBlock now enabled, the browser will automatically stop Edge pop-ups. If you’re wondering how to disable the pop-up blocker on Microsoft Edge altogether, simply toggleBlock (recommended) to theoff position.

How to allow pop-ups on specific sites

Some pop-ups are useful, especially those used for maps, shopping carts, surveys, games, videos, sign-up forms, etc. If certain windows aren’t opening on a website you’re using, it could be because you’re blocking pop-ups.

Here’s how to allow pop-ups on Edge on specific sites while block others:

1. Open the Edge browser and click the three horizontal dots in the top right.

2. ClickSettings, then clickCookies and site permissions.

3. Scroll down and clickPop-ups and redirects.

4. With the setting forBlock (recommended) switched to the on position, clickAdd next toAllow.

   

5. Enter the address of the website you want to allow pop-ups on, and clickAdd.

   

Some pop-ups are also ads that help websites generate revenue. So if you want to support the sites you enjoy, you can unblock ads for your favorite sites by adding them to your allow list.

Along with allowing pop-ups for certain sites, you can also block specific sites by adding them through theBlockwindow in thePop-ups and redirectsmenu. Follow the same steps above, but instead of adding websites to the Allow list, add them to the Block list.

How to stop system pop-ups on Windows 10

Managing Edge or IE pop-up blocker settings is a good place to start, but it’s not just web pages that can clutter you with pop-ups. Windows operating systems themselves are a well-known culprit.

Windows 10 popups may ask you to purchase Office or other Microsoft programs, advertise new products, or “remind” you about Microsoft-related news and offers.

Here’s how to stop pop-ups in Windows 10:

How to stop pop-ups in Windows 10 for Office or OneDrive notifications

1. Open any folder.

   

2. Click theView tab at the top of the window.

   

3. ClickOptions on the right-hand side. This will open a new window.

   

4. In the new window, click theViewtab.

   

5. Scroll down toShow sync provider notifications.Uncheckthe box and then clickApply.

   

That’s how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10 for Office and OneDrive pop-ups.

How to stop pop-ups and notifications from Windows 10 programs

It’s also possible to block pop-ups from Windows 10 programs that you use often, as well as from Microsoft’s tips and suggestions notifications.

1. Start typing “Notifications” in theWindows 10 search bar. Click onNotification & actions settings.

   

2. UnderNotifications, toggle the setting forGet notifications from apps and other senders to theoff position.Uncheck the bottom three boxes.

   

If you don’t want to completely stop pop-ups from Windows 10 programs, you can allow certain apps — such as Skype or Zoom — to send you notifications by flipping the toggle backon and checking theshow reminders about incoming VoIP calls on the lock screen option. You can further customize your notifications by checking or unchecking the various boxes listed in the menu.

How to enable or disable pop-ups in Internet Explorer

Pop-up blocker settings in Internet Explorer can also be customized to allow all pop-ups, block all pop-ups, or allow or block only some pop-ups.

Here’s how to enable or disable pop-ups in Internet Explorer:

1. Launch Internet Explorer and open theTools menu by clicking on thegear icon. SelectInternet options.

   

2. Click thePrivacy tab in the new window.

   

3. Check or uncheckTurn on Pop-up Blocker to disable or allow all pop-ups on IE. To allow pop-ups on IE only for certain sites, clickSettings after turning on the pop-up blocker.

   

4. UnderAddress of website to allow, enter the URL of the webpage you want to enable pop-ups for, and then clickAdd. Your list of allowed sites will appear inAllowed sites. Continue for any other websites you want to add.

   

The pop-up blocker on Internet Explorer 11, or IE11, can be configured the same way via the samePop-up Blocker Settings window.

Manage pop-ups on other browsers on Windows 10

If Chrome is your Windows 10 browser of choice, check out our guide toblocking or allowing pop-ups in Chrome. If you useFirefox, you can allow and block pop-ups there, too.

Pop-ups can also distract you on a Mac, so learnhow to block and allow Safari pop-ups if you’re an Apple user. And be sure to check out our dedicated guides to thebest browsers for privacy and security.

What to do if the pop-up blocker doesn't work

If you’re still getting pop-ups even with the pop-up blocker enabled, your device could be infected withadware — a particularly invasive form ofmalware that can cause your browser to slow to a crawl — or abrowser hijacker could have changed your default browser settings.

If that’s the case, run amalware scan to get rid of the infection. And also consider updating your browser, disabling extensions, blocking third-party cookies, andcleaning up your PC more generally to keep your system smooth and address anyexploitable vulnerabilities in your software.

Check for updates

Check for official updates to Microsoft Edge, IE10, and IE11. If updates are available, apply them immediately to make sure you get the latest security patches.

How to download updates for Microsoft Edge

Edge normally updates automatically when you restart your browser, but sometimes you may have to download an update manually.

You can type:edge://settings/help in the Edge address bar to jump to the updates menu. You can also get there through the browser settings. Here’s how:

1. In Microsoft Edge, click thethree horizontal dotsin the top right.

   

2. ClickSettings.

   

3. ClickAbout Microsoft Edge.

   

4. If there’s an update available, selectDownload and install and then click the Restart button to launch your updated browser.

   

How to change security settings for Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer no longer offers updates (you should switch to Edge instead), but you can still improve your security settings to filter out sites that are getting around the IE pop-up blocker. Here’s how to update security settings on IE:

1. Open Internet Explorer, clickTools (the gear icon), and selectInternet Options.

   

2. Click theSecurity tab, slide the security level toHigh, and clickApply.

   

An Internet Explorer pop-upcomputer virus can infect your whole system, so no matter what browser version or operating system you use, perform a malware scan to detect and remove any threats that may already have slipped through.

Scan for malware

Malware, especially adware, can be tricky to get rid of. That’s why it’s important to use one of thebest antivirus software apps to clear out any adware from Internet Explorer and Edge.

AVG AntiVirus FREE finds all types of malware automatically, quarantines threats, and warns you in real-time about any virus trying to worm its way in. Get world-class protection 24/7 and browse without fear — for free.

Disable extensions

Extensions can sneakily override your browser and allow ads to pop up. Disable any fishy extensions and you may find that your pop-up problem is fixed.

Here’s how to disable extensions in Edge.

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Click thethree horizontal dots and then clickSettings followed byExtensions.

2. UnderExtensions, toggle each extensionoff.

   

Block third-party cookies

Cookies help create a smoother browsing experience, but they’re also used to gather information about you and target you with ads — sometimes pop-up ads.Deleting browser cookies may temporarilyspeed up your browser and get rid of pop-ups, but you can also block cookies altogether for a longer-term solution.

Here’s how to block third-party cookies in Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge. Clickthe three horizontal dots and selectSettings.

   

2. ClickCookies and site permissions. Then clickManage and delete cookies and site data.

   

3. Toggle theBlock third-party cookiessetting to theon position.

   

Clear your browser cache

Cookies and temporary files in your cache don’t just clog up your browser — they can also clutter your work and increase security risks. So,cleaning your browser makes it safer and faster.

Here’s how to clear your browser cache in Microsoft Edge.

1. Open Edge, click thethree horizontal dots, and clickSettings.

   

2. ClickPrivacy, search, and services. Scroll down to the “Clear browsing data” section. ClickChoose what to clear next to Clear browsing data now.

   

3. Click the box under “Time range” to open the drop-down menu. SelectAll time and then clickClear now.

   

Temporary files can also bog down your system too. So make sure you knowhow to clean temporary files on your computer as well as your browser.

Browse pop-up free with a secure browser

Managing pop-ups can be a chore. And that’s just one of the issues our dedicated privacy experts considered when buildingAVG Secure Browser. Designed from the ground up with privacy and security at the forefront, AVG Secure Browser can help you eliminate pop-up problems automatically.

By forcing sites to encrypt your connection, hiding your activity from web trackers, and blocking ads, AVG Secure Browser offers private, safe, and buttery smooth browsing.