Stop Pop-up Ads in Their Tracks: A Quick Guide

If there is one thing that can be universally agreed on, it is that pop-up ads are the most hated and frustrating type of online marketing. They are so hated, in fact, that their inventor, Ethan Zuckerman, felt the need to publicly apologize for their creation, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. So companies will keep using them even if you would rather they not. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to subject yourself to their tortuous appearance on your PC. If you want them gone, the team at My Computer Works wants to help you have an ad-free pop-up experience when surfing the web. That’s why we have discussed all you need to know about stopping pop-up adverts in their tracks with our simple guide. Let’s dive in! 

What Are Pop-Up Ads, And Why Are They Intrusive And Disruptive?

The name pop-up ad could not be more appropriate. These advertisements do a good job of popping up at random while you are browsing and, in turn, become intrusive and disruptive to your experience. They target specific demographics and use a person’s browser history and location to filter the appropriate pop-up ad that appeals to that specific person.

Pop-up ads often promote services or products that can be displayed in various formats. They always obscure any content you may be trying to access to force you to look at them, and they are also usually difficult to close. Fortunately, you can block them if you know how to do so. 

The Different Types Of Pop-Up Ads

While it may seem like pop-up ads are all the same, there are multiple different variations of them that you need to know about.

Standalone pop-ups

Standalone pop-ups are tabs or windows that appear independently once the user enters a website or clicks on a button or link. This type of pop-up can be triggered by many actions depending on the website or tab the user interacts with. 

Pop-under ads

Pop-under ads are ads that activate behind a tab or window instead of in front of it. Although this variation of pop-ups may not be designed to immediately disrupt the user’s experience, they can be extremely irritating if they contain sound and distracting content.

Full-screen pop-ups

Full-screen pop-ups are exactly as they are aptly named. These ads intend to cover the entire screen and will not be closed until the user takes a specific action. Full-screen pop-up ads are considered one of the most disruptive and irritating variations of pop-up ads.

Do Popular Web Browsers Have Built-In Ad Blockers For Blocking Pop-Up Ads?

• Google Chrome

As a default setting, Google Chrome blocks most pop-up adverts that may automatically appear on your device. When one of these pop-ups has been blocked, you should see a notification in the address bar that mentions “Pop-Up blocked.” You can also easily adjust your settings to allow them as well.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Adjust Google Chrome Settings To Block Pop-Ups

If you want to adjust your settings in Google Chrome to block pop-ups, you can take the following steps:

• On an open Chrome window, click on the menu (three dots) on the top right-hand side of your PC screen.
• Then, find and select the “Settings” option from the dropdown menu.
• Once in settings, scroll to the “Advanced” option and click on it for extra settings options.
• Then go to “Privacy and Security” and select the “Site Settings” Option.
• Select the “Pop-ups and redirects” option, slide the switch to approve blocking pop-ups, and add any websites you want to make an exception for.

• Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox has pop-up ad-blocking settings that are automatically turned on as a default setting. This is so users don’t need to go through settings if they find these ads annoying. You can, however, adjust these settings if you need to.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Adjust Mozilla Firefox Settings To Block Pop-Ups

To adjust your pop-up settings, you can use the following steps:

• Press the ALT + T keys together, and a display menu will drop down. Then press “Settings.” Otherwise, navigate to the menu bar and select the “Tools” option. Important note: if you can’t see the Tools menu, you must select the “Open Application Menu” option, rest the pointer on “Settings,” and then select the option.
• After you have done this, select “Privacy & Security” and then click on the “Block Pop-Up Windows” option.
• Select the box to block pop-up windows or add exceptions to the “Exceptions box” option by entering the site address if you have any you don’t want to block.
• Then click “OK”.

• Safari

Safari is specifically for Mac devices, and its pop-up blocker lets you choose which websites should have its pop-up ads blocked. This feature can be essential since some pop-ups are meant to serve as a means of navigating certain sites a lot easier.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Adjust Safari Settings To Block Pop-Ups

Safari has user-friendly settings that are straightforward when it comes to disabling or enabling pop-up adverts. There are three easy steps to follow.

To receive a warning on pop-up ads and suspicious websites and decide what to do about it:

• Select “Preferences” in Safari.
• Select the “Security” option.
• Scroll and select the checkbox marked as “Warn when visiting a fraudulent website.” This will alert you when there are pop-ups.

To get rid of pop-ups:

• Select the “Website” option.
• Click on “Pop-up windows”.
• Then, choose the “Block or Block and Notify” option

• Microsoft Edge 

Microsoft Edge has a built-in feature called ‘Tracking Prevention,’ which acts as an ad blocker. This feature can block targeted ads and third-party trackers and tackle blocking pop-up adverts. This feature is also automatically applied by default for optimal user experiences.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Adjust Microsoft Edge Settings To Block Pop-Ups

To manually enforce this setting, you can use the following steps:

• Open “Settings” within the Edge window.
• Select Cookies and Site permissions.
• Then, find the “Pop-ups and redirects” option and turn on the “Block” option.

Why Is It Important To Use Anti-Malware Software That Includes As-Blocking?

Anti-malware was created to protect IT systems and computers from malware. Anti-malware software—like Malwarebytes Anti-malware offered by My Computer Works—protects users from malware by preventing, removing, or detecting potential attacks or threats that can appear as pop-up ads. 

Essentially, anti-malware software has ad-blocking components, which can safeguard users from many online threats that put their online safety at risk. This software provides users with the performance, privacy, and security they deserve across various platforms and devices while browsing. My Computer Works will happily help you use anti-malware software to remain protected.

Wrap-Up On Stopping Pop-Up Ads In Their Tracks

Now you know how to block pop-up ads and that the most effective means of stopping pop-up ads is to utilize and install anti-malware software. That’s why My Computer Works offers anti-malware software. This software will help you stop pop-up ads in their tracks and avoid suspicious websites. So contact us and let us help you set up anti-malware software on your computer to avoid this annoying marketing method.