Chrome normally blocks most pop-ups automatically. If new windows and tabs suddenly keep appearing, pop-up blocking may be off, a site may have been allowed by mistake, notifications may be abused, or an extension or adware program may be injecting them.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Chrome on Windows or Mac when you see frequent pop-up ads, fake warnings, unwanted offers, or new tabs that open without you asking.
Turn pop-up blocking on and remove allowed sites
Start with Chrome site settings because this fixes most cases.
- Click the three-dot menu and open Settings.
- Choose Privacy and security.
- Open Site settings.
- Open Pop-ups and redirects.
- Set Chrome to not allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.
- Review the allowed list and remove sites you do not recognize or no longer trust.
Stop pop-ups that appear even with blocking on
Pop-ups can also come from extensions or unwanted software.
- Open chrome://extensions.
- Turn off extensions you do not recognize or did not intentionally install.
- Restart Chrome and test browsing again.
- If pop-ups continue, open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Run a full scan with Windows Security or a reputable malware scanner such as Malwarebytes if pop-ups still appear after reset.
Chrome reset turns off extensions and restores homepage, search, and new tab settings without deleting bookmarks or saved passwords.
More control
Check notification permissions
Alerts that appear after the tab is closed are often website notifications, not pop-ups. Open Site settings > Notifications and remove sites you do not trust from the allowed list.
Avoid fake Allow prompts
Many pop-up problems start when a page pretends you must click Allow to watch a video, pass a CAPTCHA, or download something. If the page feels suspicious, click Block or close it.
Do not call numbers in virus pop-ups
Warnings that say your computer is infected and tell you to call support are scams. Close the tab, or force-quit Chrome through Task Manager if it traps the window.
Pop-ups without Chrome open mean system adware
If ads appear when Chrome is closed, the cause is probably installed adware or another app. Run a full malware scan and review recently installed programs.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Block or allow pop-ups in Chrome (2025)
- Google Chrome Help – Remove malware or unwanted software from your computer (2025)