How to Prevent Browser Pop Ups

Web browsers include built-in pop-up blockers, with the exception of older Web browsers such as the version of Internet Explorer 6 that came with Windows XP. Pop-up blockers prevent Web pages from opening pop-up windows when you navigate their websites. Websites usually use pop-up blockers for advertisements. Web browsers come with pop-up blocking enabled by default, but you can enable the pop-up blocker in your Web browser if it's been disabled. Pop-up blockers can't block every single pop-up, such as pop-ups generated by mouse clicks and key presses on a Web page.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Click the gear icon at the top right corner of the Internet Explorer window and select "Internet Options." If you don't see the gear icon, click the "Tools" menu instead.

2. Click the "Privacy" tab at the top of the Internet Options window.

3. Enable the "Turn On Pop-up Blocker" check box in the Pop-up Blocker section by clicking it.

4. Click "OK."

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the "Firefox" menu button and select "Options." If you don't see the Firefox menu button, click the "Tools" menu instead.

2. Click the "Content" panel icon at the top of the options window.

3. Enable the "Block Pop-up Windows" check box by clicking it.

4. Click "OK."

Google Chrome

1. Click the wrench icon at the top right corner of the Google Chrome window and select "Options."

2. Click the "Under the Hood" tab at the left side of the options page that appears.

3. Click the "Content Settings" button at the top of the page.

4. Click the "Do Not Allow Any Sites to Show Pop-ups (Recommended)" option in the Pop-ups section.

5. Close the options tab.

Tips & Warnings

• If pop-ups are appearing when you aren't using your Web browser, you may have a virus or other malware program on your computer. Run a virus scan with up-to-date antivirus software to check for problems.

• If you're using an older version of Internet Explorer without a pop-up blocker, you can download a third-party pop-up-blocking add-on for it.

References

• Microsoft: Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker: Frequently Asked Questions
• Mozilla: Pop-up Blocker
• Google: Pop-ups