Effective Ways to Stop Pop-ups on Windows 10 Permanently

Various built-in or third-party programs throw pop-ups every time a critical action is performed. For instance, you get one from an antivirus when a threat is identified, quarantined, or even after a malware scan. However, many try to figure out how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10 desktops.

How to Block Pop-Ups on Windows 10: From Browsers and System​

1. Block Pop-ups on Microsoft Edge​

• Open Microsoft Edge: Click on the Edge icon to launch the browser.
• Access Settings: Click the three-dot icon (Settings and More) in the top-right corner of the browser.
• Navigate to Cookies and Site Permissions: Click on Settings, then select Cookies and site permissions.
• Set Pop-ups and Redirects: Scroll down to and click on Pop-ups and redirects.
• Enable Blocker: Toggle the Block (recommended) setting to On.

By enabling the pop-up blocker in Edge, you'll prevent most unwanted pop-ups from appearing while you browse, making your experience smoother and safer.

2. Remove Pop-ups in Firefox​

• Open Firefox: Click on the Firefox icon to open your browser.
• Go to Settings: Click the three-line menu (hamburger icon) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
• Access Privacy & Security: Click on Privacy & Security from the left sidebar.
• Block Pop-up Windows: Scroll down to the Permissions section and check the Block pop-up windows box.

Blocking pop-ups in Firefox will reduce distractions while browsing and protect against potentially malicious ads.

3. Stop Pop-ups in Google Chrome​

• Launch Chrome: Open your Chrome browser by clicking its icon.
• Open Settings: Click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
• Navigate to Privacy and Security: In the left panel, click on Privacy and security, then choose Site Settings.
• Set Pop-ups and Redirects: Scroll down to Content, then click on Pop-ups and redirects.
• Block Pop-ups: Select Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.
• Allow Specific Sites: To allow pop-ups from specific sites, go to the Customized behaviors section under Pop-ups and redirects. Type in the URL of the site you want to allow and add it to the allow list.

By configuring these settings in Chrome, you can block unwanted pop-ups while still allowing useful ones from trusted sites.

4. Disable Pop-up Ads in Windows 10 File Explorer​

• Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key and type File Explorer, then click to open it.
• Access Folder Options: Click on the View tab, then select Options and choose Change folder and search options.
• Adjust View Settings: Go to the View tab in the Folder Options window.
• Disable Sync Provider Notifications: Scroll down to find Show sync provider notifications and uncheck it. Click OK to apply the changes.

Disabling sync provider notifications will stop Microsoft from showing ads for services like OneDrive in File Explorer.

5. Disable notifications from programs​

• Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on System.
• Now, go to Notifications & actions, disable the toggle under Get notifications from apps and other senders, and uncheck the following options:
  • Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what’s new and suggested
  • Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device to get the most out of Windows
  • Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows

This is an effective way to stop notifications and should apply to a wide range of apps.

If you were wondering how to stop antivirus pop-ups in Windows 10, a quick solution would be to change the system’s notification settings. Or you could configure the built-in settings for the antivirus itself.

6. Turn Off Push Notifications on Windows 10​

• Open Settings: Press the Windows key, type Settings, and press Enter.
• Go to System: Click on System, then select Notifications & actions from the left panel.
• Disable All Notifications: Turn off the toggle switch under Get notifications from apps and other senders.
• Customize Notifications: To disable notifications from specific programs, keep notifications on and scroll down to Get notifications from these senders, then turn off the toggle next to each program you want to block.

Turning off push notifications will help you focus better by reducing interruptions from various apps.

7. Remove Pop-up Ads on Lock Screen​

• Open Lock Screen Settings: Press the Windows key, go to Settings, then select Personalization and click on Lock screen.
• Change Background Type: In the Background section, choose either Slideshow or Picture from the drop-down menu.
• Disable Fun Facts and Tips: Turn off the option for Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

This will ensure your lock screen remains clean and free from distracting ads and suggestions.

8. General Tips for Managing Pop-Ups​

• Update Your Browser: Ensure your browser is up to date to benefit from the latest security features.
• Scan for Malware: Use antivirus software to scan and remove any malware that might be causing pop-ups.
• Disable Extensions: Turn off browser extensions that might interfere with pop-up settings.
• Clear Browser Cache: Regularly clear your browser cache to remove temporary files and cookies that might cause pop-ups.

These additional steps help maintain a clean browsing environment, free from unwanted pop-ups and potential threats.