Are pop-ups taking over your computer?
Pop-ups are often just annoying adverts, but some are designed to trick you into installing malware, calling a fake support number, or handing over personal information. Close them cautiously.
Close a pop-up safely
1. Don’t click buttons inside the pop-up, including “Close,” “Scan,” “Update,” or “Call now.” These may be fake.
2. Try the window’s normal X in the top-right corner. If the pop-up is inside a browser tab, close the tab instead.
3. If it won’t close, quit the browser:
- Windows: Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc`, select the browser in Task Manager, then choose End task.
- Mac: Press `Option + Command + Esc`, select the browser, then choose Force Quit.
- Phone or tablet: Open the app switcher and swipe the browser away.
4. Reopen the browser, but don’t restore the previous tabs if prompted.
If the pop-up claims your device is infected, your account is locked, or you must call a number, treat it as a scam. Legitimate security warnings do not require calling a number shown in a random pop-up.
Stop them coming back
In your browser
- Turn on Block pop-ups and redirects.
- Block or remove notifications from unfamiliar websites.
- Remove suspicious extensions or add-ons.
- Clear browsing data, especially site permissions and cookies.
- Update the browser from its built-in settings or the official browser website.
On Windows
- Open Windows Security and run a full scan.
- Check Installed apps and remove software you don’t recognize.
- Review apps that start automatically with Windows.
On Mac
- Check System Settings → General → Login Items for unfamiliar entries.
- Remove suspicious browser extensions.
- Run the latest macOS updates. macOS already includes built-in malware protection; avoid downloading random “cleaner” apps.
On Android or iPhone
- Uninstall recently added apps you don’t recognize.
- Review browser notification permissions.
- Keep the operating system and apps updated.
- On Android, run Google Play Protect. On iPhone, check for unknown configuration profiles under device-management settings.
If it still happens
Persistent pop-ups may be caused by:
- A website notification permission
- A malicious browser extension
- Adware installed on the device
- A recently installed app
- A browser homepage or search setting that was changed
If you entered a password, card number, or other sensitive information into a suspicious page, change the password from the real website, enable two-factor authentication, and contact your bank if payment details were exposed.
