Block new tabs at the browser level first

Most browsers let you stop websites from opening new tabs before you install anything else. This is your first line of defense and works against the majority of pop-up attempts. The setting is usually called "Pop-ups" or "Pop-up blocker" and lives in your browser's settings menu.

In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle the setting to "Blocked" (the default). In Firefox, go to Preferences > Privacy & Security and check the box next to "Block pop-up windows." Safari users go to Preferences > Security and check "Block pop-up windows." Edge follows Chrome's layout: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, then set it to "Block."

These built-in blockers stop most unwanted tabs, but some websites use tricks to get around them—like opening a new tab when you click a button, or using code that the blocker doesn't recognize as a pop-up. If you still see new tabs opening after enabling the blocker, you need additional tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Every major browser has a built-in pop-up blocker in its settings; turning it on stops most unwanted new tabs without any extra software.
  • Some websites bypass built-in blockers by disguising pop-ups as normal clicks or using redirect code, which requires a browser extension to stop.
  • Extensions like uBlock Origin, Ghostery, and AdBlock Plus block both pop-ups and the ads that often trigger them, reducing clutter across all sites you visit.
  • You can allow specific websites to open new tabs while blocking others, giving you control over which sites you trust.
  • Clearing your browser cache and cookies periodically removes tracking data that some sites use to target you with more aggressive pop-ups.

Use a browser extension to catch pop-ups the built-in blocker misses

When websites get clever about hiding pop-up code, a browser extension catches what the built-in blocker doesn't. The most popular choice is uBlock Origin, which is free and blocks pop-ups, ads, and tracking scripts all at once. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons depending on your browser. Once installed, it runs automatically—you do not need to configure anything unless you want to.

Other solid options include Ghostery (focuses on blocking trackers and pop-ups) and AdBlock Plus (blocks ads and pop-ups). All three are free and work across most websites. The difference between them is mainly in how aggressively they block and how much detail they show you about what they stopped. uBlock Origin is the most popular because it is lightweight and rarely breaks websites, while Ghostery shows you a detailed list of trackers it blocked on each page.

Install only one extension for this job—running multiple pop-up blockers at once can slow your browser and sometimes cause conflicts. Pick one and stick with it.

Allow pop-ups from websites you trust

Some legitimate websites need to open new tabs or windows to work properly—banking sites, email, online tools, and video players sometimes require this. If you block all pop-ups, these sites may not function correctly. Most browsers let you create an exception list of sites allowed to open new tabs.

In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects. Scroll to "Allowed" and click "Add" to enter the website address. In Firefox, when a site tries to open a pop-up, a notification bar appears at the top of the page with an option to allow pop-ups for that site—click it. Safari and Edge work similarly: a notification appears when a pop-up is blocked, with an option to allow future pop-ups from that domain.

Be selective about which sites you allow. Only add sites you actively use and trust. If you add too many exceptions, you lose the protection the blocker provides.

Disable notifications that trick you into opening tabs

Some websites use browser notifications (the small messages that appear in the corner of your screen) to trick you into clicking, which then opens a new tab. These are different from pop-ups and are not caught by pop-up blockers. You can turn off notification permissions for all sites or for specific ones.

In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. Toggle "Notifications" to "Blocked" to stop all sites from sending notifications. If you want to allow notifications from some sites (like email or messaging apps), click "Add" under "Allowed" and enter those site addresses. Firefox, Safari, and Edge have similar settings in their privacy sections.

When a website asks permission to send notifications, you will see a prompt. Click "Block" unless you actually want notifications from that site. Most people should block notifications from news sites, shopping sites, and social media.

Stop redirects that open new tabs automatically

Some websites redirect you to a different page or open a new tab without you clicking anything—this happens automatically when you land on the page. This is different from a pop-up and requires a different approach. Browser extensions like uBlock Origin and Ghostery block many of these redirects, but not all.

If a specific website keeps redirecting you, your best option is to stop visiting it or use a different version of the site. For example, if a news site redirects you constantly, try accessing it through Google News or Apple News instead, which strips away the redirect code. If you must use the site, open it in a private or incognito window, which does not store cookies that some redirects rely on.

Some redirects are triggered by cookies stored on your computer from previous visits. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can reduce redirect attempts. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Select "All time" and check "Cookies and other site data," then click "Clear data." Do this monthly if you visit many different websites.

Recognize and avoid sites that abuse pop-ups

Some websites are notorious for aggressive pop-ups and redirects—usually free streaming sites, piracy sites, and low-quality ad networks. If a site opens multiple tabs or windows the moment you land on it, that is a sign the site is not trustworthy. Leave when ready and do not return.

Legitimate websites (news sites, shopping sites, software downloads, banks) rarely open unsolicited new tabs. If a major site does, it is usually a sign your computer has malware, not that the site is the problem. Run a malware scan using Windows Defender (built into Windows) or Malwarebytes (free version available) to check.

When downloading files, use official sources only. Downloading from third-party sites dramatically increases your exposure to malware and aggressive pop-ups. If you need software, go to the publisher's website directly or use a trusted app store.

Test your blocker and adjust settings

After you set up your pop-up blocker, test it on a site you know uses pop-ups. Search for "pop-up test" in Google and click one of the test pages. Your blocker should stop most or all of the pop-ups that appear. If you see multiple pop-ups getting through, your blocker may not be working correctly.

Check that your blocker extension is actually enabled. In Chrome, click the puzzle icon in the top right corner and make sure your extension shows a blue or active icon. In Firefox, go to Add-ons and check that your extension is enabled. If the extension is on but pop-ups still appear, try a different extension—sometimes one works better than another on your specific browser version.

If pop-ups stop appearing after you set everything up, your blocker is working. You may see occasional pop-ups on unusual sites, but the vast majority should be blocked. If you see pop-ups constantly across many different sites, you likely have malware and should run a full system scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blocking pop-ups break websites I use?

Most websites work fine with pop-ups blocked. Some banking sites, email services, and online tools may not function correctly if you block all pop-ups. If a site does not work, add it to your browser's allowed list so it can open new tabs. You can do this in one click when the browser notifies you that a pop-up was blocked.

What is the difference between a pop-up and a notification?

A pop-up is a new browser window or tab that opens on top of the page you are viewing. A notification is a small message that appears in the corner of your screen, usually from the operating system. Pop-up blockers stop pop-ups but not notifications. You control notifications separately in your browser settings under "Notifications" or "Site permissions."

Do I need to pay for a pop-up blocker?

No. Your browser's built-in blocker is free and works for most pop-ups. Popular extensions like uBlock Origin, Ghostery, and AdBlock Plus are also free. Paid versions of some extensions exist, but the free versions block pop-ups just as well. Do not pay for pop-up blocking.

Can pop-ups give me a virus?

Clicking on a pop-up can lead to malware if the pop-up is from a malicious site, but the pop-up itself does not automatically infect your computer. The safest approach is to never click pop-ups—just close them. If you block pop-ups at the browser level, you eliminate the temptation to click them.

Why do some websites still open new tabs even with my blocker on?

Some websites use code that mimics a normal user click, which blockers sometimes allow through. Others use redirects instead of pop-ups. If a specific site keeps opening tabs, add it to your blocker's block list (not the allow list) or stop visiting it. If many sites are doing this, you may have malware and should run a system scan.