How to Get Rid of a Pop-Up Ad That Won’t Close

Article Summary 

• Try Closing the Browser Tab or the Browser Window: Use the browser’s X or your operating system’s Task Manager/Force Quit to shut down frozen pop-up tabs.
• Look for a Hidden Close Button: Check the corners and pass your mouse over the ad to make hidden or translucent “X” symbols apparent.
• Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Close the Window Forcefully: Pressing Alt + F4 on Windows or Command + Q on Mac forces the current window to close forcefully.
• Enable Pop-Up Blockers in Your Browser: Switch on native pop-up blockers within Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge to prevent ad pop-ups before they show up.
• Run a Malware or Adware Scan: Use reputable security software to eliminate infections responsible for repeated pop-ups.
• Clear the Browser Cache and Cookies: Clear cached content and cookies to prevent scripts from re-initiating outdated pop-ups.

When an ad doesn’t close on website pages, it can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting, especially when it happens during your workflow or downtime browsing. We at My Computer Works know just how intrusive those unwelcome windows can be and are ready to walk you through step-by-step techniques to solve the problem.

Whether you are stuck with a Chrome pop-up that won’t close or are facing aggressive advertisements on your Mac or PC, our expert yet supportive advice will help you regain control of your device and browsing activities.

Here’s How to Get Rid of a Pop-Up Ad That Won’t Close 

If a browser pop-up persists on your screen and you’re getting more upset by the second, it is time to take action fast. Here are the easy tips to safely eliminate unwanted window pop-ups and stop future intrusions that cause annoyance:

Try Closing the Browser Tab or Window

Often, the simplest solution is the best solution. If you notice an ad won’t close on a website, the first thing you should do is close the offending window:

• Press the “X” in the tab itself.
• If the browser freezes and won’t respond to window focus events, use Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) or Mac’s Force Quit to shut down the whole browser process.

This method guarantees you force close pop-up ads without a restart.

Check for a Hidden Close Button

Web developers tend to disguise the close button to promote engagement with the advertisement. Here is how to check for a hidden close button and get rid of the offending pop-up ad:

• Check the pop-up corners for the small or translucent “X” symbols and click them.
• Move your cursor around slowly. Sometimes, the close control only appears when hovering. When you find it, click it.

Sadly, learning how to close a pop-up requires careful attention when it’s hidden. Those pesky pop-ups can merge with page graphics, so be sure to keep a keen eye out.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Exit

Keyboard shortcuts prove to be lifesavers when working with a frozen pop-up. Let’s have a look below at the keyboard shortcuts you need to know to get rid of pop-up ads easily:

• On Windows, use the combination Alt + F4 to close the current window, presenting the pop-up instantly.
• On Mac, Command + Q will close the active application.

If you are struggling with why you can’t close a pop-up with the mouse, these shortcuts will override any script that blocks the usual close button.

Enable Pop-Up Blockers in Your Browser

To turn off pop-up advertisements permanently, enable your browser’s built-in ad blocker:

• Pop-Up Blocker Settings Chrome: Visit Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings >  Pop-ups and redirects and switch off.
• Firefox Pop-Up Block Settings: Find Options >  Privacy & Security >  Permissions >  Block pop-up windows
• Safari Ad Block Settings: Go to Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Windows > Block and notify
• Pop-Up Ad Settings Edge: Navigate to Cookies and site permissions >  Pop-ups and redirects >  Block. 

Run a Malware or Adware Scan

Persistent advertisements can indicate infection and cause your pop-up ad problem. You’ll need to:

1. Use trusted software such as Malwarebytes or Windows Defender to scan your computer system.
2. Remove any threats found, and then restart your browser.

A complete Malware scan can eradicate hidden adware if pop-ups continue to pop up even on trusted websites.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupt cache files can bring back old scripts and, you guessed it, pop-up ads:

• In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security  > Clear browsing data option and then choose Cookies and cached images
• The same choices are available in the privacy menus of Firefox and Edge.

Clearing data resets the site preferences and can prove helpful when a pop-up keeps appearing on Windows even though you think it has disappeared.

Disable or Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions

Extensions can open unwanted windows. Here is how to disable or remove suspicious browser extensions that could be causing pop-up ads:

• Review installed add-ons in Chrome through More Tools > Extensions
• In Firefox, go to Add-ons and Themes > Extensions
• On Safari, open Preferences > Extensions

Following the above will help you remove whatever you don’t recognize and, hopefully, the pop-up ads that keep making an unwanted appearance.

Restart Your Device in Safe Mode (If Necessary)

If the ad persists despite every attempt, booting in Safe Mode can help you easily isolate the problem:

• On Windows, restart while holding the Shift key and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options >  Startup Settings >  Safe Mode.
• On the Mac, restart while holding down the Shift key until the login screen appears.

Scan and uninstall malicious software in Safe Mode. This final option usually resolves the most resistant browser pop-up stuck errors.

Best Pop-Up Blockers Rated by My Computer Works Experts

We’ve put dozens of tools through their paces to bring you the best ad-blocker available to disable pop-up ads permanently:

Top pop-up blockers for Chrome:

• uBlock Origin: Minimalistic design, but it has very customizable filters.
• AdBlock Plus: Easy to use with settings recommended out of the box.

Top pop-up blockers available for Edge:

• Ghostery: Blocks pop-ups and trackers on the browser and social media platforms like Meta and YouTube to improve privacy.
• Privacy Badger: Created specifically by the EFF to repel annoying advertisements.

Third-party apps for iPhone/Android:

• 1Blocker (iOS): This enables you to block pop-ups on iPhones with custom rules. 
• AdGuard (Android): System-wide pop-up blocker that works across apps and browsers. 

The Wrap-Up on How to Get Rid of a Pop-Up Ad That Won’t Close 

Pop-ups are more than just an annoyance; they can also harm your security. By reading our in-depth guide above, you now understand why you can’t close a pop-up and, more importantly, how to permanently disable pop-up ads on your devices. 

However, for continuous protection and expert assistance, contact My Computer Works today. We can help keep your browsing smooth, secure, and free of pop-up ads.