How to Stop Pop-Ups on Windows 10

To stop pop-ups on Windows 10, match the setting to the interruption: use Settings > System > Notifications & actions for app banners, your browser’s notification permissions for website alerts, and its pop-up blocker for unwanted windows or tabs. Changing one of these does not automatically change the others.

This guide uses Windows 10 desktop settings and current Chrome and Microsoft Edge instructions. Windows 10’s standard support ended on October 14, 2025; notification settings do not replace security updates. Microsoft’s Windows notification guide includes the Windows 10 controls.

Identify the Type of Pop-Up First

• A corner banner with an app name: adjust that app’s Windows notifications.
• A corner alert showing a website address: block that website’s browser notification permission. A browser can deliver these separately from an open website tab.
• A new browser window or tab: check the pop-up blocker and its allowed-site exceptions.
• A box inside the page: it may be an on-page advertisement that the browser’s pop-up blocker cannot remove.
• An unfamiliar app, repeated redirects, or a changed search engine: check for unwanted software and extensions.

For a virus warning, open your installed security app directly to check its status. Do not use a phone number, download button, or payment link in an unexpected website warning.

Stop Windows 10 App Notification Banners

1. Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
2. Scroll to Get notifications from these senders and select the app producing the unwanted banner.
3. Clear Show notification banners to hide its corner pop-ups while retaining its Action Center entries, if that option remains enabled.
4. Alternatively, switch that app’s notifications Off if you do not want its notifications at all.
5. Check the next notification from that app. To undo the change, return to the same app settings and enable the option again.

The main Get notifications from apps and other senders switch controls notifications across senders. Turning it off also hides useful reminders and messages, so start with the individual app. This setting does not prevent websites from opening browser windows.

Use Focus Assist for a Temporary Break

1. Open Settings > System > Focus assist.
2. Choose Priority only and customize the priority list if selected notifications should still interrupt you.
3. Choose Alarms only if you want to hide notifications other than alarms.
4. Return to Off when you want normal notifications again. Review missed items in Action Center with Windows + A.

Check Automatic rules if the quiet period starts unexpectedly during games, full-screen apps, or display duplication. Our guide on turning off Focus assist in Windows covers those rules. Microsoft documents these options in its Windows 10 Focus assist instructions. This pauses interruptions; it does not remove a website’s notification permission.

Block Website Notifications in Your Browser

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge’s three-dot Settings and more menu and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All sites.
3. Select the website responsible for the unwanted alerts.
4. Find Notifications and choose Block.

Microsoft explains that Edge website notifications can appear even when Edge is closed. Blocking the site addresses the permission itself. Older Edge layouts may place permissions under Cookies and site permissions; search Settings for the site or permission if the menu differs.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome’s three-dot menu and choose Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Notifications.
2. To block a site, select Add beside Not allowed to send notifications.
3. Enter its website address and select Add. Use the domain shown in the unwanted notification.

Chrome also lets you choose your default notification behavior on this page. See Google’s notification permission instructions. You can restore a trusted site’s permission later if you need its alerts.

Block Unwanted Browser Windows and Tabs

Edge: open Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, then enable Blocked (recommended). Review allowed-site exceptions if a particular site keeps opening windows. Microsoft’s Edge pop-up blocker guide describes the current path.

Chrome: open Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects and choose the blocking default. Under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects, find an unwanted exception, open its three-dot menu, and select Block. Google documents pop-up blocking and site exceptions.

A bank statement or another trusted feature may need a pop-up. Allow that specific site when necessary. The blocker does not remove all advertisements embedded in a page, and Edge may open a pop-up after you deliberately click a page’s button or link.

If the Interruptions Continue

• Only one website: check both its notification permission and pop-up exception. Closing its tab alone may leave notifications permitted.
• Changed homepage, search engine, or repeated redirects: review browser extensions and recently installed apps. Remove an app only after identifying it. Use the program’s own removal instructions or your organization’s support team if you are unsure.
• Possible malware: open Windows Security from Start, select Virus & threat protection > Quick scan, and review the result. Microsoft’s Windows Security guide documents this check. If another antivirus provides protection, use its own scan controls.
• Browser settings keep changing: follow Google’s unwanted-software troubleshooting. A browser reset changes settings; review its explanation before proceeding.
• Settings are managed or disabled: contact the administrator of a work or school device.

Common Questions

Does an Antivirus Stop Every Pop-Up?

No. A permitted website notification or ordinary advertisement is not necessarily malware. Keep your security protection enabled, investigate genuine alerts in the security app, and adjust the relevant browser permission separately.

Why Does Windows 11 Look Different?

Windows 11 uses different notification menus and Do not disturb controls. Use our Windows 11 pop-up guide if that is the version installed on your PC. To let a trusted site open windows there, see how to turn off the pop-up blocker on Windows 11.

Start with one identifiable source and recheck its behavior. That makes it easier to confirm the fix and retain the reminders and legitimate website features you still use.