Quick answer
The most common culprit for ads that pop up on their own is a malicious browser extension. Open the extensions page in Chrome or Edge, remove anything you do not recognize, then check the search engine, homepage and site notifications. If the ads return after a restart, also check installed programs in Windows.
How to recognize the problem
- Ads open in new tabs or windows even when you are not clicking anything
- The homepage and search engine have changed on their own
- A button or icon appears in the toolbar that you did not add
- Google search shows strange ads above the results
- The browser runs noticeably slower and uses more memory
Most common causes
Malicious extension
An extension installed alongside another program or from a suspicious site injects ads into pages and opens new tabs.
Changed search settings
Some extensions change the default search engine, homepage or new tab page without your knowledge.
Site permissions
A site you allowed notifications sends ads as system notifications, even though it is not a virus.
Unwanted program in Windows
A program installed alongside a "free" tool can reinstall the extension or change browser shortcuts.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Open the extensions page
In Chrome go to
chrome://extensions, and in Edge go toedge://extensions. Developer mode is not required to remove extensions. First review the list, do not delete anything yet. - 2
Remove anything you do not recognize
For a suspicious extension, click
Removeand confirm. Pay attention to tools for "coupons", "search improvement", "PDF converter" and similar add-ons you did not consciously install. If you are not sure, temporarily disable the extension using the toggle and check whether the ads stop. - 3
Check the search engine and homepage
In Chrome open
Settings>Search engineand check which search engine is selected. Then inSettings>On startupremove unknown pages and selectOpen the New Tab page. In Edge check the search engine inSettings>Privacy, search, and services, and the homepage inSettings>Start, home, and new tabs. - 4
Remove ad notifications from sites
Open
Settings>Privacy and security>Site settings>Notifications. Remove all sites you do not recognize or do not want to allow notifications from. Check that blocking is enabled forPop-ups and redirects. - 5
Reset browser settings if needed
If the ads return, in Chrome go to
Settings>Reset settings>Restore settings to their original defaults. Before resetting, back up your bookmarks and passwords and note that you may be signed out of sites because cookies and site data are deleted. Resetting disables extensions and restores the homepage and search engine, but does not delete bookmarks, history or saved passwords. In Edge the path isSettings>Reset settings. - 6
Check installed programs in Windows
Open
Settings>Apps>Installed appsand sort by installation date. Remove only programs you do not recognize and are sure you do not need, especially those with names containing "toolbar", "search" or "coupon". Do not remove Microsoft or system components. After removal, restart the computer. - 7
Check browser shortcuts
Find the Chrome or Edge shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu, right-click it and select
Properties. TheTargetfield must not have added addresses after the path tochrome.exeormsedge.exe. If there are any, delete them and save the changes, but do not delete the entire contents of theTargetfield. - 8
Scan the computer
Run built-in Windows Security and select
Virus & threat protection>Scan options>Full scan. Remove anything found and restart the computer before opening the browser again.
If the ads return after everything
When you have removed extensions, reset the browser and deleted suspicious programs, and the ads still return, the problem is probably not in the browser. Check whether the browser starts from another profile or via a shortcut you did not create. In Chrome click the profile icon in the top right corner and check whether there is a profile you do not recognize. Then create a new profile and sign in with your Google account: if the ads do not appear, the problem is in the old profile. If they appear in the new profile too, the cause is at the Windows level and then it is safest not to install anything additional until the computer is thoroughly checked. Save important files to an external drive before any major actions.
How to prevent it
- Install extensions only from the official store and read which permissions they request
- Regularly review the list of extensions and remove those you do not use
- Do not allow notifications from sites you do not know
- When installing free programs, choose custom installation and decline additional tools
When to call a professional
If ads appear even after removing extensions, resetting the browser and scanning, or if there is business data on the computer, it is better to leave the check to an IT expert than to change system settings yourself.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Is it enough to remove the extension or do I have to reset the entire browser?
Most often it is enough to remove the extension and check the search engine and homepage. Resetting is reserved for cases when the ads return or when you cannot determine what is causing them.
Does resetting the browser delete saved passwords?
No. Resetting restores settings, disables extensions and changes the homepage, but bookmarks, history and saved passwords remain. It may delete cookies and sign you out of sites, so back up passwords if you are not sure where they are saved.
How do I know it is a site notification and not a virus?
If the ad appears as a system notification in the corner of the screen, rather than within the page content, it is most likely an allowed site notification. Remove them in `Settings` > `Privacy and security` > `Site settings` > `Notifications`.