To stop pop-ups on Windows 10, first work out where they come from. For Windows and app pop-ups, select Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions and turn off tips and the apps you don’t want. For browser pop-ups, turn on the pop-up blocker and block site notifications. For pop-up ads on the desktop, scan for adware with Windows Security.
Applies to: Windows 10. Keep in mind that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Security updates now come only through the Extended Security Updates program, which stops on October 12, 2027.
Turn off Windows tips and app notifications
Most pop-ups in the bottom-right corner are notifications.
- Select Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
- Clear Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
- Under Get notifications from these senders, turn off any app you don’t want to hear from.
To silence everything for a while, use Focus assist instead. Both options are explained in turning off notifications in Windows 10.
Turn off suggestions in Start, the lock screen and File Explorer
Windows 10 also shows suggestions outside the notification area. You can turn these off too.
- Start menu: go to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show suggestions occasionally in Start.
- Lock screen: go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, set Background to Picture or Slideshow, and turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.
- File Explorer: select View > Options > View, clear Show sync provider notifications, and select OK.
Block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge
- In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more (…) > Settings.
- Select Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects.
- Turn on Blocked (recommended).
Other browsers have a similar pop-up setting in their privacy or site settings.
Stop website notifications
If a site asked to “show notifications” and you selected Allow, it can send pop-ups even when the browser is closed. In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications, find the site under Allow, and select Remove. In Windows, you can also turn off the browser in Notifications & actions.
Remove adware causing pop-up ads
Pop-up ads on the desktop, or ads that open by themselves, usually come from an unwanted program.
- Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features, sort by install date, and uninstall anything you don’t recognize.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a Full scan.
- Open Task Manager > Startup and disable unknown apps that start with Windows.
If the full scan finds something, the next steps are in scanning for and removing malware in Windows 10.
If pop-ups keep coming back
- Check browser extensions: in Edge, select Settings and more (…) > Extensions and remove any you don’t recognize.
- Reset Edge: go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values. This turns off extensions and clears temporary data, but keeps your favorites and passwords.
- One app keeps nagging: look in that app’s own settings for notification or offer options, or uninstall it if you don’t use it.
- Run an offline scan: some adware hides while Windows is running. In Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan. Your PC restarts to run it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I keep getting antivirus pop-ups?
Trial antivirus apps that came with the PC often show renewal pop-ups. Uninstall the trial if you don’t plan to buy it. Windows Security stays on and protects the PC.
Will blocking pop-ups break websites?
Rarely. If a site needs a pop-up to sign in or print, add it under Allow on the same Edge settings page.
Can I block pop-ups for just one site?
Yes. In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, select Add next to Block, and enter the site’s address.
Is Focus assist the same as turning notifications off?
No. Focus assist hides notifications for a while, such as during a game or a presentation. Turning an app off in Notifications & actions stops its pop-ups for good.
What if a pop-up says my PC is infected and to call a number?
It’s a scam. Microsoft doesn’t put phone numbers in error messages. Don’t call or let anyone connect to your PC. If the page won’t close, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the browser, and select End task. When you reopen the browser, don’t restore the last session.
Related: pop-ups that appear even when your browser is closed usually mean it’s time to remove adware from Windows 10. To allow ads on a site instead, turn off an ad blocker on Windows 10. On a newer PC, you can turn off notifications in Windows 11.
Edge’s pop-up settings are also described on Microsoft’s Block pop-ups in Microsoft Edge 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.