How to disable pop-ups in Chrome

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To disable pop-ups in Chrome, navigate to the settings menu, select 'Privacy and security', and then 'Site settings'. From there, you can adjust the pop-up settings to block or allow pop-ups as needed.

Easy7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before disabling pop-ups in Chrome, ensure you have the following:
  • A computer or device with an updated version of Google Chrome (version 90 or later recommended).
  • Administrative access to modify browser settings.
  • Basic understanding of navigating browser settings.
  • No critical data to backup specifically for this task.

Method 1: Using Chrome Settings

This method is the most straightforward way to disable pop-ups directly through Chrome's settings.
  • Step 1: Open Google Chrome. Click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the top right corner.
  • Step 2: Select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.
  • Step 3: In the left sidebar, click on 'Privacy and security'.
  • Step 4: Click on 'Site settings'.
  • Step 5: Scroll down and find 'Pop-ups and redirects'. Click on it.
  • Step 6: Toggle the switch to 'Blocked' to disable pop-ups.
  • Step 7: To verify it worked, try visiting a site known for pop-ups and confirm they do not appear.
  • Step 8: If pop-ups still appear, check for any installed extensions that may override this setting.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users may notice a slightly different interface.
  • Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the 'Start' button, then select 'All apps'.
  • Step 2: Locate and click on 'Google Chrome' to open it.
  • Step 3: Follow the same steps as above to navigate to 'Settings'.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users will have a similar experience to Windows 11.
  • Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
  • Step 2: Select 'Settings' and follow the same steps as outlined above.

Method 2: Using Chrome Flags

This alternative method allows advanced users to disable pop-ups through experimental features.
  • Step 1: Open Chrome and type 'chrome://flags' in the address bar, then press Enter.
  • Step 2: In the search box, type 'pop-up' to filter relevant flags.
  • Step 3: Look for 'Enable Pop-up Blocker' and set it to 'Disabled'.
  • Step 4: Click 'Relaunch' to apply the changes.
  • Step 5: Verify by visiting a site that typically shows pop-ups.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to disable pop-ups, consider the following solutions:
  • Error: 'Pop-ups still appear' - Solution: Check if any extensions are overriding the settings. Disable extensions one by one to identify the culprit.
  • Issue: 'Settings not saving' - Fix: Ensure Chrome is updated to the latest version. Restart Chrome and try again.
  • Problem: 'Pop-ups from specific sites' - Workaround: Manually add those sites to the 'Allow' list in the 'Pop-ups and redirects' settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
  • Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + B - Toggles the bookmarks bar, allowing quick access to frequently visited sites.
  • Command line: chrome.exe --disable-popup-blocking - Launch Chrome with pop-up blocking disabled for testing purposes.
  • Hidden feature: Chrome Task Manager (Shift + Esc) - Use this to monitor extensions and processes that may be causing unwanted pop-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, regularly review your Chrome settings and installed extensions to ensure they align with your browsing preferences.