Stopping Pop-ups on Windows 10 is all about tweaking a few settings to keep those annoying interruptions at bay. Here’s a quick guide to help you disable pop-ups efficiently. You’ll fiddle with the browser settings, and utilize built-in tools like Windows Defender and the Action Center to ward off pop-ups.
How to Stop Pop-Ups on Windows 10
In the following steps, we’ll tackle how to disable pop-ups using different features of Windows 10. This will help keep your computer running smoothly without those pesky distractions.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Start menu and select ‘Settings’.
The Settings app is where you can manipulate most of Windows 10’s features. You’ll find a gear icon for easy identification.
Step 2: Go to ‘System’
In Settings, click on ‘System’.
The System menu contains various options related to display, notifications, and power. This is the area where you can control what notifications you receive.
Step 3: Click on ‘Notifications & actions’
Once in System, find and click ‘Notifications & actions’ from the left sidebar.
Here, you will see all the options related to notifications. This is where you can control whether or not pop-ups appear.
Step 4: Toggle Off ‘Get notifications from apps and other senders’
Find the toggle switch for ‘Get notifications from apps and other senders’ and turn it off.
This action will stop most pop-up notifications from appearing on your screen. It’s like turning off a light switch.
Step 5: Open Your Browser
Open your preferred web browser.
Browsers are common culprits for pop-ups, so we need to check their settings too.
Step 6: Access Browser Settings
Go to your browser’s settings menu.
Each browser has a settings or options menu, usually found in the upper-right corner.
Step 7: Find the Pop-up Blocker
Locate the pop-up blocker setting in your browser’s settings.
This setting will be under privacy or security options. Enable it to stop pop-ups from websites.
Step 8: Use Windows Defender
Open Windows Defender Security Center from the Start menu.
Windows Defender helps protect against malicious pop-ups that may carry malware.
Step 9: Click on App & Browser Control
In Windows Defender, click ‘App & Browser Control’.
Here, you can manage how Windows handles potentially harmful apps and websites that might cause pop-ups.
Step 10: Adjust SmartScreen Settings
Ensure that SmartScreen settings are set to warn or block potentially unwanted apps.
SmartScreen adds an extra layer of protection by checking apps and files for potentially harmful content.
After completing these steps, you should notice a significant decrease in the number of pop-ups on your Windows 10 machine. Your screen will be clearer, making your computing experience more pleasant.
Tips for Stopping Pop-Ups on Windows 10
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure that Windows, browsers, and antivirus software are always updated.
- Use Ad Blockers: Ad blockers can prevent pop-ups in your web browser.
- Avoid Suspicious Websites: Stay away from sites with lots of ads and pop-ups.
- Check Installed Programs: Sometimes, unwanted software can cause pop-ups. Remove any suspicious programs.
- Regular Scans: Run regular scans with Windows Defender or other antivirus software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I still getting pop-ups after following these steps?
Pop-ups can sometimes come from malware or unwanted software. Run a thorough scan with an antivirus tool.
Can I selectively allow pop-ups from certain apps?
Yes, in the ‘Notifications & actions’ settings, you can choose to allow notifications from specific apps.
Are pop-up blockers in browsers effective?
Yes, they are generally effective but not foolproof. Combining them with other measures is best.
Do pop-ups mean my computer is infected?
Not always, but frequent pop-ups can be a sign of malware. Run a scan to be sure.
Is Windows Defender enough to stop pop-ups?
Windows Defender does a good job, but using it alongside other measures can provide better protection.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to ‘System’.
- Click on ‘Notifications & actions’.
- Toggle Off ‘Get notifications from apps and other senders’.
- Open Your Browser.
- Access Browser Settings.
- Find the Pop-up Blocker.
- Use Windows Defender.
- Click on App & Browser Control.
- Adjust SmartScreen Settings.
Conclusion
Stopping pop-ups on Windows 10 isn’t rocket science, but it does require a few tweaks here and there. By adjusting your system and browser settings, and using tools like Windows Defender, you can reclaim control over your desktop. Remember, maintaining a smooth and pop-up-free experience isn’t a one-time job. Regularly updating your software and running scans will help keep those pesky interruptions at bay. So, take these steps today and enjoy a cleaner, more productive computing environment. For more on this topic, keep an eye out for updates and additional tips to make your Windows 10 experience even better.
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.