Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Block popups with your browser
• Method 2 of 4: Download an extension for your browser
• Method 3 of 4: Using software to block pop-ups
• Method 4 of 4: Improve your privacy on the internet from your hard drive
• Tips
• Warnings

Many people suffer from pop-ups on the internet. Whether they are pornographic, spammy or totally unnecessary, pop-ups are annoying and dangerous for your computer. However, you can deal with them effectively by taking the right measures. Using the tips in this article will ensure that pop-ups cannot harm your computer and you will not see them at all.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Block popups with your browser

1. Block pop-ups with Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can do this by clicking on "Tools" in the toolbar and then selecting "Internet Options." Go to the "Privacy" tab and check the box for "Enable Pop-up Blocker".
2. Block popups with Google Chrome. Google Chrome should already block pop-ups by default, but you can verify that this feature is enabled by clicking the Chrome menu and then selecting "Settings." In the window that appears, click the link "View advanced settings," and then under the heading "Privacy" select "Content settings." Under the heading "Pop-ups", check the box for "Do not allow sites to show pop-ups."
3. Block popups with Apple Safari. Open Safari, click the Safari menu and then "Preferences." Select the "Security" tab and check "Block pop-up windows."
4. Block pop-ups with Mozilla Firefox. Like many other browsers, Firefox should block pop-ups by default. If for some reason this option is not enabled, click "Tools," in the menu bar, then select "Options." Go to the "Content" tab and check the "Block popup windows."

Method 2 of 4: Download an extension for your browser

1. Download an extension for your browser for extra security. Extensions allow you to add useful functions to your browser or improve existing functions. Most browsers support extensions. This is how you get to the page where you can manage your extensions with different browsers:
   • Firefox: go to "Tools" in the menu bar and choose "Add-ons." Then click on the "Get Add-ons" link in the menu on the left.
   • Chrome: In the Chrome menu, choose "Settings" and then "Extensions" in the menu on the left. Then click on the link "Add more extensions."
   • Internet Explorer: Go to "Tools" in the menu bar and then click "Manage Add-ons."
   • Apple Safari: From the Safari menu, click "Safari Extensions."
2. Choose an extension that suits your browser and your needs. There are several extensions that block pop-ups and make your browser recognize pop-ups better. Some examples of popular extensions to block pop-ups are:
   • Poper Blocker (Chrome extension) [1]
   • Adblock Plus
   • Better Pop Up Blocker
   • Flashblock
   • NoScript

Method 3 of 4: Using software to block pop-ups

1. Use special software if your browser does not block all possible pop-ups. Sometimes for some reason your browser does not recognize a pop-up window and you will still see one or more. You can often solve this by turning on the pop-up blocking function in your browser. Sometimes, however, you just want to buy or download software to block pop-ups, just to be on the safe side or for extra security.
2. Research free and paid software. While most good pop-up blocking software is only available in a paid version, there are also some good programs with many features that won't cost you a cent anyway. If you prefer your privacy on the internet or if you are constantly overloaded with pop-ups, you can consider opting for paid software. With paid software you often have the following benefits:
   • Simple installation procedure after which the program is immediately ready for use.
   • All the necessary bells and whistles, most of which are aimed at detecting and removing adware and spyware.
   • Help and support and good customer service.
   • Extra security features in addition to all the bells and whistles.
3. Think about which software is best for you. You ultimately have to make your choice based on your personal wishes and the specifications of your computer. There are some popular programs that are widely used:
   • Free software:
     
     • AdFender
     • Smart Popup Blocker
     • Popup Free
     • Ad Judgment Popup Killer
   • Paid software:
     
     • Super Ad Blocker
     • Popup Ad Smasher
     • AdsGone Popup Killer
     • Popup Purger Pro
4. Install the software and let it do its job. After you have installed the program, you can adjust the settings to adapt the software completely to your wishes. If you want to include exceptions for certain websites or domains, do so now. Otherwise, you can test the software immediately by going to a website with many pop-up windows. This way you can immediately see how well it works.

Method 4 of 4: Improve your privacy on the internet from your hard drive

1. If you have a computer that runs on Windows, go to the Control Panel. Click the start button and then "Control Panel."
2. Locate the "Internet Options" option in Control Panel.
3. Click the "Privacy" tab in the "Internet Options" screen.’
4. Check the box for "Enable Pop-up Blocker" if you have not already done so.
5. Then click on the "Settings" button and set the blocking level to the highest setting. Close this window and then click "Apply" and then "OK."

Tips

• Sometimes pop-up windows do not come from a website, but from a virus you downloaded, or from a Trojan horse or other malware. If there is one where you need to unsubscribe and provide your personal information (so they can call or email you), just provide incorrect information. Also, run a scan with your anti-virus software to remove the virus or spyware from your computer.
• Google now has its own pop-up blocker that you can download.
• You can bypass the pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer by pressing the control button.

Warnings

• Don't believe everything you read on websites (or in the advertisements) about their toolbars and extensions.
• Keep in mind that people depend on ads and popups to make money. So it is a good idea to only block those advertisements that make navigating a website very difficult for you.