Have you been noticing strange things happening on your computer lately? One of the most frustrating issues that many Windows users face is a flood of unwanted pop-ups. These pop-ups can appear on your screen one after another, interrupting whatever you’re doing and slowing down your system.

The good news is that these intrusive messages usually have a cause—and with the right steps, you can remove them. In this guide, we’ll go over why these pop-ups appear, what you should watch out for, and how to fix the problem on Windows 10 or 11.

Read: How to Scan from HP Printer to Mac Using HP Smart

Why Do Pop-Ups Keep Appearing on Windows?

Pop-ups can be triggered for a number of reasons:

• Browser extensions or add-ons: Sometimes, we install a browser extension thinking it will help us, but it ends up showing ads.
• Website notifications: Allowing certain websites to send notifications can also cause unwanted alerts to appear.
• Unwanted applications: The most common reason is bundled or unnecessary apps that get installed without you realizing it.

If you’re experiencing back-to-back pop-ups on your Windows PC, chances are that a hidden or suspicious application is behind it.

Step 1: Open the Installed Applications List

To identify the cause, the first step is to check all the applications currently installed on your computer. Here’s how:

1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + R together.
2. This will open the Run dialog box at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
3. Type appwiz.cpl (or simply app.cpl) and press OK.
4. A window will appear showing all the programs installed on your computer.

Step 2: Identify Suspicious Applications

Now, carefully go through the list of applications. Keep in mind:

• Safe apps usually come from trusted developers such as Microsoft, Intel, HP, Dell, Toshiba, or Lenovo.
• If you see applications that you don’t recognize, or ones that you never intentionally installed, treat them as suspicious.
• Examples include unnecessary “security scans,” “driver updater” tools, or freeware apps that came bundled with another download.

For instance, if you’re already using Norton as your antivirus but you suddenly see McAfee Security Scan Plus, it’s unnecessary and should be removed.

Step 3: Uninstall Unwanted Programs

Once you’ve identified unwanted programs, select them and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove them from your computer.

Many of these applications are unintentionally installed when you download free software from the internet. They come as part of “bundles,” meaning you download one app but end up with several extras you didn’t ask for. Removing them will greatly reduce pop-up issues.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After uninstalling suspicious applications, restart your PC. You should immediately notice fewer pop-ups—or in many cases, none at all.

Stay Safe When Downloading Software

To prevent this problem from happening again, follow these safety tips:

• Always download software from official websites or trusted sources.
• Pay attention during installation and uncheck any “optional offers.”
• Avoid unknown driver updaters, free security scans, or “optimization tools” that claim to boost performance.

When to Seek More Help

If pop-ups still appear after uninstalling suspicious applications, the issue might be more complex. In such cases, you may need to run a trusted antivirus scan or follow additional advanced steps.

Conclusion

Unwanted pop-ups can make your Windows 10 or 11 computer feel slow, frustrating, and unsafe. Fortunately, the fix is often as simple as identifying and uninstalling suspicious programs that you didn’t intend to download in the first place. By taking a few minutes to check your installed applications, you can eliminate these intrusions and enjoy a smoother computing experience.

Remember, prevention is key—always be cautious about what you download and where it comes from. A little care today can save you from bigger headaches tomorrow.