To remove adware from Windows 10, uninstall any apps you don’t recognize in Settings > Apps, remove unknown browser extensions, and reset your browser’s settings. Then open Windows Security and run a Full scan, followed by an Offline scan if ads keep coming back.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Signs of adware
- Pop-up ads appear even when your browser is closed.
- Your browser’s home page or search engine changed on its own.
- New toolbars, extensions or apps showed up that you didn’t install on purpose.
Step 1: Uninstall apps you don’t recognize
- Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Set Sort by to Install date so the newest apps are at the top.
- Select any app you don’t recognize, especially ones installed around when the ads started, and select Uninstall.
If you aren’t sure what an app is, search for its name before removing it. For more help, see how to uninstall programs in Windows 10.
Step 2: Clean up your browser
- Open your browser’s Extensions or Add-ons page and remove any you don’t use or recognize.
- In your browser’s settings, find Reset settings and restore the defaults. This fixes a changed home page and search engine without deleting your bookmarks.
- Check the search engine. See how to change the default search engine.
Step 3: Scan with Windows Security
- Select Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
- Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Select Full scan, then Scan now.
If ads keep coming back, run the Offline scan from the same page. It restarts your PC and scans before Windows loads, so save your work first. See how to scan for and remove malware.
Step 4: Stop site notifications
Many “virus” pop-ups in the corner of the screen are notifications from a website you once allowed. They aren’t adware, but they look like it.
- In Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications and remove sites you don’t know.
- In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications and remove them there.
Step 5: Block unwanted apps in the future
In Windows Security, select App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. Turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking, and check both Block apps and Block downloads.
If the adware keeps coming back
- An app won’t uninstall. Restart in safe mode and try again. Adware that blocks removal usually can’t run in safe mode.
- An extension comes back after you remove it. If your browser says it’s managed by your organization on a home PC, adware may have added a policy. Run the Offline scan, then reset the browser again.
- The browser opens an ad site when it starts. Right-click the browser’s shortcut, select Properties, and check that the Target box ends with the program name and no web address after it.
- You want a second opinion. Download the free Microsoft Safety Scanner from Microsoft’s website and run it. It expires 10 days after you download it, so get a fresh copy each time.
Frequently asked questions
Are these pop-ups adware or just website ads?
Pop-ups that only appear on one website come from that site. See how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10 to block them.
A pop-up says my PC is infected and gives a phone number. Should I call?
No. Real warnings from Windows Security don’t ask you to call a number. Close the browser tab and run a scan.
How do I avoid adware next time?
Download apps only from sites you trust, and read each installer screen. Uncheck offers for extra toolbars or apps.
Does Windows Security still protect Windows 10 now that support has ended?
Yes, for now. Microsoft said Microsoft Defender Antivirus will keep getting security intelligence updates on Windows 10 until at least October 2028. Windows itself no longer gets free security fixes, so consider Extended Security Updates or Windows 11.
For toolbars on the taskbar itself, see how to remove a toolbar from the Windows 10 taskbar.
Microsoft’s references are Protect your PC from unwanted software and Virus and threat protection in the Windows Security app. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.