How to Enable Pop-Ups on Microsoft Edge: Step-by-Step Guide

Pop-ups can be annoying, but sometimes you actually need them. A website might require a pop-up to work properly. A video might open in a pop-up window. A form submission might need one. If you’re on Microsoft Edge and you’re not seeing pop-ups when you need them, the browser has likely blocked them. The good news: enabling pop-ups on Edge takes less than a minute.

This guide shows you exactly how to turn pop-ups on in Edge and how to manage them the way you want.

Why Edge Blocks Pop-Ups

Edge blocks most pop-ups by default to protect you. Pop-ups can be used for malicious purposes. They can slow down your browser, redirect you to unwanted sites, or show deceptive ads. Microsoft decided that blocking pop-ups automatically keeps most users safer.

But this default setting sometimes blocks legitimate pop-ups that websites actually need to function. You might visit a web application that uses pop-ups for important features. A document might need to open in a separate window. When this happens, you need to allow pop-ups either for that specific website or across Edge.

How to Enable Pop-Ups on Edge (Global Setting)

This is the fastest way to enable pop-ups for all websites in Edge. It’s important to know that this makes you vulnerable to unwanted pop-ups, so consider allowing pop-ups only for specific sites instead (see below).

Step 1: Open Edge Settings

Click the three dots menu in the top right corner of your Edge window. This is sometimes called the “More” button. Scroll down and click “Settings.”

Step 2: Navigate to Privacy and Security

In the left sidebar of Settings, click “Privacy, search, and services.” This section controls your browser security and permissions.

Step 3: Find Pop-Ups Settings

Scroll down until you see “Pop-ups and redirects.” This is under the “Security” section. Look for a toggle switch next to “Pop-ups and redirects.”

Step 4: Turn Off the Toggle

Click the toggle switch to turn it off. The toggle will change from blue to gray. This disables Edge’s pop-up blocker for all websites.

Step	Action	Result
1	Click three dots > Settings	Opens Settings panel
2	Click “Privacy, search, and services”	Shows privacy options
3	Scroll to “Pop-ups and redirects”	Finds pop-up blocker setting
4	Toggle the switch off	Pop-ups enabled globally

Once you complete these steps, pop-ups will appear on all websites. Edge will no longer block them automatically.

How to Allow Pop-Ups for Specific Websites (Recommended)

Turning off pop-ups globally is convenient, but it exposes you to unwanted pop-ups and malicious redirects. A better approach is to allow pop-ups only for the websites that actually need them.

Step 1: Go to the Website

Navigate to the website where you need pop-ups to work. Try to trigger the pop-up. Edge will block it and show a notification.

Step 2: Look for the Pop-Up Notification

When Edge blocks a pop-up, you’ll see a subtle notification in the address bar area. It usually appears on the right side near the address bar. The message says something like “Pop-ups blocked” or shows a pop-up icon.

Step 3: Click the Pop-Up Notification

Click on the notification or the small icon. A dropdown menu will appear showing you the options available.

Step 4: Allow Pop-Ups for This Site

The menu will have an option like “Allow pop-ups and redirects from this site” or “Always allow pop-ups from [website name].” Click that option.

Step 5: Reload the Page

Refresh the page by pressing F5 or clicking the refresh button. Now the pop-up should appear because you’ve added that site to your exception list.

This method keeps your browser safe while giving specific websites permission to use pop-ups when you need them.

Alternative Method: Manage Pop-Ups Through Settings

If you can’t see the notification, or if you want to manage your pop-up exceptions directly, you can do this through Edge Settings.

Step 1: Open Settings Again

Click the three dots menu and select “Settings.”

Step 2: Go to Privacy Settings

Click “Privacy, search, and services” in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Scroll to Site Permissions

Scroll down past “Pop-ups and redirects.” Below that section, you’ll see “Site permissions.” Click on it.

Step 4: Find Pop-Ups in Site Permissions

In the Site permissions section, look for “Pop-ups and redirects.” Click on it to see your full list of exceptions.

Step 5: Add a New Exception

Click the “Add” button. A dialog box will appear where you can type the website URL where you want to allow pop-ups. Type the complete URL (like https://www.example.com) and click “Add.”

Step 6: Verify It’s Listed

Your website will now appear in the “Allow” list. Pop-ups will work on that site from now on.

Why Some Pop-Ups Still Don’t Appear

Even after enabling pop-ups, some may still not appear. Here’s why:

Browser Extensions Blocking Pop-Ups

You might have an ad blocker or security extension that blocks pop-ups independently. Edge’s settings only control Edge’s built-in blocker. Other extensions have their own rules. Check your installed extensions by clicking the puzzle piece icon in the top right. Look for ad blockers or privacy tools and either disable them or whitelist the website.

Website Configuration Issues

Some websites block their own pop-ups by mistake or have JavaScript disabled. This is a problem with the website itself, not your browser. Contact the website’s support team if pop-ups still don’t work after you’ve allowed them.

Different Pop-Up Types

Edge distinguishes between regular pop-ups and redirects. Some websites use redirects instead of pop-ups. If the “Pop-ups and redirects” setting is on, Edge will block both. Make sure you’re allowing both when adding exceptions.

JavaScript Requirements

Pop-ups need JavaScript to run. If you’ve disabled JavaScript in Edge, pop-ups won’t work. Check if JavaScript is enabled by going to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > JavaScript. Make sure it’s toggled on.

How to Disable Pop-Ups Again

If you’ve enabled pop-ups globally and now want to go back to blocking them, the process is simple.

Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Pop-ups and redirects. Toggle the switch back on. It will turn blue again, meaning pop-ups are blocked.

If you want to remove an exception for a specific site, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects. Find the website in your “Allow” list and click the X button next to it to remove the exception.

When Pop-Ups Are Actually Useful

Pop-ups get a bad reputation because many are intrusive and annoying. But legitimate websites use pop-ups for real functionality:

Online Applications use pop-ups to open tools, editors, and configuration windows. Google Docs sometimes uses pop-ups for certain features. Project management software often needs pop-ups to display detailed information.

Banking and Finance websites sometimes use pop-ups for secure transactions and additional verification steps. Your bank might require a pop-up to complete certain actions.

Document Viewers open PDFs and other documents in pop-up windows. Educational sites might need pop-ups to display course materials.

Media Players often use pop-ups to show video playback controls and settings. Live streaming sites might use pop-ups for different quality options.

Forms and Surveys sometimes appear in pop-up windows, particularly on research or feedback sites.

Understanding when pop-ups serve a purpose helps you decide whether to allow them globally or just for specific sites.

Pop-Up Settings Across Different Edge Devices

Microsoft Edge is available on Windows, Mac, and mobile. The pop-up settings are slightly different depending on your device.

Windows and Mac

The settings are nearly identical on Windows and Mac versions of Edge. Follow the steps above for either system. The interface looks the same, and the option location is the same.

Mobile (iPhone/iPad)

iPhone and iPad versions of Edge have simpler pop-up management. You control this primarily through iOS settings rather than Edge settings. Go to Settings > Websites > Pop-ups. Here you can see which sites have permission to show pop-ups.

Mobile (Android)

Android Edge has pop-up settings inside the app. Go to Edge menu > Settings > Site permissions > Pop-ups. The functionality is similar to the desktop version.

Comparing Edge’s Pop-Up Blocker to Other Browsers

Edge’s pop-up blocker is strong compared to other browsers. Chrome has a similar built-in blocker with comparable features. Firefox also blocks pop-ups by default. Safari on Mac blocks pop-ups automatically.

What makes Edge’s approach different is how easy it makes to create exceptions. Most browsers require the same steps, but Edge surfaces the notification more clearly when a pop-up is blocked. If you’re familiar with Chrome or Firefox, the Edge process is nearly identical.

For better understanding of browser security features generally, read this comprehensive guide on browser security settings and privacy controls.

Summary

You can enable pop-ups in Microsoft Edge in four ways:

1. Turn off the global pop-up blocker in Settings for all websites
2. Allow pop-ups from the notification when Edge blocks one
3. Add exceptions through Site permissions in Settings
4. Disable ad blockers that might be interfering with pop-ups

The best practice is to allow pop-ups only for specific websites that need them. This keeps your browser safer while letting you access the functionality you actually need.

Start by going to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Pop-ups and redirects if you want global control. For specific sites, navigate to the website and click the pop-up notification to add it as an exception.

Pop-ups aren’t going away, but you now have full control over how and when they appear in your browser. Use these settings to balance functionality with security based on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to enable pop-ups in Microsoft Edge?

Enabling pop-ups globally exposes you to malicious pop-ups and unwanted advertising. Instead of enabling them for all sites, use the exception method to allow pop-ups only on specific trusted websites. This approach maintains security while giving you the functionality you need.

Why does Edge keep blocking pop-ups even after I allowed them?

You might have multiple blockers active. Check your browser extensions for ad blockers or security tools that also block pop-ups independently. These extensions have their own rules separate from Edge’s pop-up blocker. Disable the extension or whitelist the website within the extension’s settings.

Can I allow pop-ups for all sites except specific ones?

Edge doesn’t have a built-in reverse allowlist feature. If you enable pop-ups globally, you can’t easily block them for specific sites. Your best option is to enable pop-ups globally, then manually block pop-ups through your extensions for sites where you don’t want them.

Do pop-up blockers on my computer affect Edge’s pop-up settings?

No. Computer-level pop-up blockers don’t interfere with Edge’s pop-up settings. Edge’s blocker operates independently. However, browser extensions can affect Edge’s functionality. Check your installed extensions if you’re experiencing unexpected pop-up blocking behavior.

How do I know if a pop-up is actually blocked?

When Edge blocks a pop-up, you’ll see a notification in the address bar area. It’s usually a small icon on the right side of the address bar that says “Pop-ups blocked” or shows a pop-up symbol with a number (like “Pop-ups blocked (2)”). Click this notification to see what was blocked and allow it if needed.