How to Block Pop-Ups on Windows 11

By | April 6, 2023

How to Block Pop-Ups on Windows 11 – As a Windows 11 user, you may have encountered annoying pop-ups that disrupt your browsing experience.

Fortunately, there are ways to block them. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to block pop-ups on Windows 11 step-by-step. We will also provide some FAQs and a table comparing the different methods.

Method 1: Use the Built-In Pop-Up Blocker in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 11. It has a built-in pop-up blocker that can help you get rid of those pesky pop-ups. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the window.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Scroll down and click on Cookies and site permissions.
  5. Under the Permissions section, click on Pop-ups and redirects.
  6. Toggle the switch to block pop-ups.

How to Allow Pop-Ups for a Specific Site

Sometimes, you may want to allow pop-ups for a specific site. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Go to the site for which you want to allow pop-ups.
  3. Click on the lock icon next to the URL in the address bar.
  4. Click on Site permissions.
  5. Under the Permissions section, click on Pop-ups and redirects.
  6. Toggle the switch to allow pop-ups for that site.

Read Also: How to Extract RAR Files on Windows 11

Method 2: Turn on Windows Defender SmartScreen

Windows Defender SmartScreen is a security feature in Windows 11 that can help protect your PC from malicious software and websites. It can also block pop-ups. Here’s how to turn it on:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Security.
  4. Click on App & browser control.
  5. Under the Reputation-based protection section, toggle the switch to block pop-ups.

Method 3: Install a Third-Party Ad Blocker

If the first two methods don’t work for you, you can install a third-party ad blocker. There are many ad blockers available, but we recommend using AdBlock or uBlock Origin. Here’s how to install AdBlock:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Go to the AdBlock website.
    1. Click on Get AdBlock Now.
    2. Click on Add extension.
    3. The extension will be installed automatically.

How to Use AdBlock

Once you have installed AdBlock, you can use it to block pop-ups. Here’s how:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click on the AdBlock icon in the upper right corner of the window.
  3. Select Options.
  4. Under the General section, toggle the switch to block pop-ups.

Read Also: How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 11

Comparison of Methods

Here’s a table comparing the three methods:

MethodProsCons
Microsoft Edge Pop-Up BlockerEasy to use, built-in to Windows 11, can allow pop-ups for specific sitesMay not block all pop-ups, may not be as effective against malicious pop-ups
Windows Defender SmartScreenEffective against malicious pop-ups, built-in to Windows 11May not block all pop-ups, may block some legitimate sites
Third-Party Ad BlockerCan block all pop-ups, customizable, can also block adsMay slow down browsing speed, may block some legitimate sites, requires installation

FAQs

1. What are pop-ups?

Pop-ups are windows that appear on your screen without your permission. They can be ads, alerts, or notifications.

2. Are pop-ups harmful?

Some pop-ups can be harmful, especially those that contain malicious software or links to phishing sites. However, not all pop-ups are harmful.

3. Can I block all pop-ups?

Yes, you can block all pop-ups by using a third-party ad blocker.

4. Will blocking pop-ups affect my browsing experience?

Blocking pop-ups can improve your browsing experience by reducing distractions and preventing malicious pop-ups. However, it may also prevent some legitimate sites from functioning properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to block pop-ups on Windows 11. You can use the built-in pop-up blocker in Microsoft Edge, turn on Windows Defender SmartScreen, or install a third-party ad blocker.

Each method has its pros and cons, so you should choose the one that works best for you. We hope that this guide has been helpful in solving your pop-up problems.