Where to find the pop-up blocker setting in Edge

Microsoft Edge blocks pop-ups by default, but you can turn this off in the Privacy, search, and services settings. The quickest way is to click the three horizontal lines (menu button) in the top right corner of Edge, then select Settings. From there, choose Privacy, search, and services from the left sidebar.

Once you're in that section, scroll down until you see Site permissions on the left menu. Click it, then look for Pop-ups and redirects in the list. This is where you control whether Edge allows or blocks pop-ups across all websites.

Key Takeaways

  • The pop-up blocker setting lives in Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects.
  • You can turn off blocking entirely, or allow pop-ups only on specific websites you trust.
  • Disabling the blocker globally makes you more vulnerable to unwanted pop-ups and ads, so consider allowing pop-ups only where you need them.
  • If a website's pop-up isn't appearing even after you disable blocking, the site may be using a different method that Edge's blocker doesn't affect.

Turn off pop-up blocking for all websites

When you open the Pop-ups and redirects page, you'll see a toggle at the top labeled Blocked (recommended). Click that toggle to turn it off. Edge will now allow pop-ups on every website you visit.

Be aware that disabling this setting globally means you'll see pop-ups from any site, including ones designed to trick you or deliver unwanted content. Most people don't want this — it's usually better to allow pop-ups only on the specific sites where you need them.

Allow pop-ups only on websites you choose

If you want to keep the blocker on but let certain websites show pop-ups, stay on the Pop-ups and redirects page and look for the section labeled Allow. Click Add next to it, then type the web address of the site where you want to allow pop-ups.

For example, if a banking website needs to show you a pop-up for two-factor authentication, you would type the bank's web address here. Edge will then allow pop-ups from that site while continuing to block them everywhere else. You can add as many sites as you need, and remove any of them later by clicking the three dots next to the address and selecting Remove.

Why Edge blocks pop-ups in the first place

Pop-ups were once a major annoyance on the web — websites would open dozens of unwanted windows to show ads or trick you into clicking something. Modern browsers, including Edge, block most of these automatically to protect your browsing experience and reduce exposure to malicious content.

Some legitimate websites do use pop-ups for important functions like login confirmations, file downloads, or account alerts. That's why Edge gives you the option to allow them selectively rather than forcing you to choose between blocking everything or allowing everything.

What to do if a pop-up still won't appear

Sometimes you'll disable the pop-up blocker and the pop-up still doesn't show up. This usually means the website is using a different method to display content — not a traditional pop-up window that Edge's blocker would catch. Some sites use overlays, modals, or other techniques that aren't affected by the pop-up blocker setting.

If you're having trouble with a specific website, try clearing your browser cache and cookies for that site, then reload the page. If the pop-up still doesn't appear, contact the website's support team — they may need to troubleshoot on their end or tell you if there's a known issue with that particular browser.

Checking which sites you've allowed pop-ups on

If you've added several websites to your allow list and want to see them all, go back to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects. The Allow section shows every site you've granted permission to. You can remove any site from this list at any time by clicking the three dots next to it and selecting Remove.

Reviewing this list occasionally is a good habit — if you added a site months ago and no longer use it, removing it reduces unnecessary exceptions to your blocker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling the pop-up blocker slow down my browser?

No, turning off the blocker won't make Edge run slower. However, you may experience slower page loads if websites bombard you with pop-ups and ads, since your computer has to render and display all that extra content.

Can I block pop-ups on some sites but allow them on others?

Yes. Keep the blocker on globally (the default setting), then add only the websites where you want to allow pop-ups to the Allow list. This gives you the best of both worlds — protection from unwanted pop-ups while letting trusted sites show you the ones you need.

What's the difference between a pop-up blocker and an ad blocker?

The pop-up blocker stops new windows or tabs from opening without your action. An ad blocker removes ads from within the page itself. Edge's pop-up blocker doesn't remove ads — it only prevents pop-up windows. If you want to block ads, you'd need a separate extension.

If I allow pop-ups on a website, will it affect my security?

Allowing pop-ups on a trusted website is generally safe, but it does open a small door for malicious content if that site is ever compromised. Only add sites to your allow list if you genuinely need their pop-ups and you trust them. Avoid allowing pop-ups on unfamiliar or suspicious websites.