To allow pop-ups in Microsoft Edge you simply need to access the browser’s main menu. Click on the three horizontal dots located in the top right corner of the window. Select Settings from the dropdown menu that appears. Look for the Cookies and site permissions tab on the left side of the screen. Scroll down until you find the section labeled Pop-ups and redirects. Click on that option to open the controls. You can toggle the switch at the top to allow all pop-ups or use the Allow list to permit specific websites only.
How to allow pop ups in Edge tutorial
The following steps will guide you through the process of changing your browser settings. By following this guide you will give websites permission to open new windows automatically. This is often necessary for banking sites or student portals that use pop-ups for login screens.
Step 1: Click on the three dots icon in the top right corner of the browser window.
This icon acts as the main gateway to all your browser controls and customization options. It is located on the far right side of the address bar. When you click it a long menu will drop down with various choices.
Step 2: Select Settings from the list of options in the dropdown menu.
You will usually find this option near the bottom of the list. It has a gear icon next to it. Clicking this will open a new tab entirely dedicated to configuring how Edge works.
Step 3: Click on Cookies and site permissions in the sidebar on the left.
This section holds the keys to your privacy and how websites interact with your computer. If your window is small you might need to click a three-line menu button to see this sidebar. It is where you manage camera access and location data as well.
Step 4: Scroll down and click on Pop-ups and redirects.
You will find this option in the main list of permissions in the center of the screen. It is listed under the All permissions category. This is the specific control center for managing extra windows.
Step 5: Toggle the switch at the top to turn off the blocker.
The switch is labeled Block and it is usually blue when active. Clicking it turns it white and effectively tells the browser to stop blocking windows. Now the browser will allow pop ups in Edge for every website you visit.
Step 6: Alternatively click the Add button next to the Allow section.
This is a better choice if you want to keep most pop-ups blocked but need one specific site to work. A small box will appear on your screen. Type in the exact web address of the site you want to whitelist and click Add.
Once you have completed these steps the changes take effect immediately. You do not need to restart your browser or refresh the page in most cases. If you were trying to open a specific window on a website you should try clicking the link again. The new window should launch without any interference from the browser. You might notice more advertisements if you turned the blocker off completely.
Tips for how to allow pop ups in Edge
- You should only allow pop-ups for websites that you know and trust completely.
- Look for a small icon with a red X in your address bar when a pop-up is blocked.
- You can click that address bar icon to quickly allow pop-ups for just that specific site.
- Keep the main toggle switch set to Block to maintain a higher level of security against spam.
- Always check the web address carefully before adding it to your allowed list to avoid phishing sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Microsoft Edge block pop ups by default?
Edge blocks these windows to protect your computer and improve your browsing experience. Many pop-ups are intrusive advertisements or attempts to steal your data. Keeping them blocked helps prevent malware infections and keeps your screen clutter-free.
Can I allow pop ups for just one website?
Yes you can easily allow them for a single site. You can use the “Allow” list in the settings menu as described in the tutorial. Or you can click the blockage notification in the address bar to permit that specific site instantly.
Is it dangerous to turn off the pop up blocker?
Turning it off completely can expose you to risks. You might encounter malicious advertisements or scam windows that try to trick you. It is generally safer to keep the blocker on and only make exceptions for sites you need.
Why do I still see ads even with the blocker on?
The pop-up blocker only stops new windows from opening automatically. It does not stop advertisements that are built into the web page itself. You would need a dedicated ad-blocking extension to remove those types of ads.
How do I turn the blocker back on?
You can reverse the process by going back to the Pop-ups and redirects menu. Simply toggle the switch back to the On position so it turns blue. This will immediately resume blocking unwanted windows for all sites not on your allow list.
Summary
- Click the three dots icon.
- Select Settings.
- Click Cookies and site permissions.
- Select Pop-ups and redirects.
- Toggle the switch or add a site.
Conclusion
Managing how your browser handles new windows is a vital skill for modern internet use. We often view pop-ups as annoying advertisements or potential security threats. While this is true in many cases there are plenty of legitimate reasons for them to exist. Banks use them for statements and schools use them for testing portals. Knowing how to manipulate these settings puts you in control of your digital environment. It ensures that you are not hindered by the very tools meant to protect you.
You should always approach these settings with a mindset of caution. It is tempting to just turn everything off to avoid the hassle of unblocking sites one by one. However keeping your shields up is the smart move for long-term computer health. The internet is full of distractions and dangers that rely on you letting your guard down. By using the specific “Allow” list instead of a blanket permission you get the best of both worlds. You get the functionality you need without the risk you don’t want.
Remember to review your allowed list every once in a while. You might have allowed a site years ago that you no longer visit. Cleaning up this list helps keep your browser tidy and secure. Hopefully this guide has made it clear how to allow pop ups in edge whenever you need to. Take charge of your browsing experience and surf with confidence.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.