Messages from websites
Browser notification scams
A website asks permission to send notifications. If you allow it, the site can send messages later, even after you leave that page. A dishonest site can use those messages to display frightening claims.
A notification claiming you have a virus is not proof that your computer is infected. Look for the website name sending the message.
Click here to fix it now.
example.invalid · via your browserNotice the urgent language and the unfamiliar website name.
Practice blocking a notification request
For Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer. This opens a real request to send notifications from Computer Steps. Click Show notification request, then click Block. Choosing Block stops notifications from this website.
The practice request is unavailable here. You can read the instructions below to stop unwanted notifications.
What to do
- If you do not want messages from a website, decline its request to send notifications.
- If suspicious notifications are already appearing, do not click them. Note the website name shown.
- Block that website in your browser’s notification settings. Choose your browser below.
Closing the tab may not stop these messages. The website’s notification permission needs to be turned off. Website notifications and pop-up windows are different things.
Stop unwanted notifications on a computer
Click the name of the browser shown on the unwanted message to open its steps.
Google Chrome on Windows 11
- Click Start, the Windows symbol at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the search box, type Google Chrome, then click Google Chrome in the results.
- Click the three dots at the top right of Chrome, then click Settings.
- Click Privacy and security, then Site settings, then Notifications.
- Beside Not allowed to send notifications, click Add.
- Type the website address shown on the unwanted notification, then click Add. The address appears in the blocked list.
Microsoft Edge on Windows 11
- Click Start, the Windows symbol at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the search box, type Microsoft Edge, then click Microsoft Edge in the results.
- Click the three dots at the top right of Edge, then click Settings.
- Click Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then All sites.
- Click the website address shown on the unwanted notification.
- Find Notifications. Click its menu and choose Block. The setting now shows Block.
Safari on Mac
- Click the Apple symbol at the top left of the screen, then click System Settings.
- Click Notifications on the left. Scroll down the list if needed.
- Under Application Notifications, click the website address shown on the unwanted notification.
- Click the switch beside Allow Notifications to turn it off. The website’s notifications are now off.
Mozilla Firefox on Windows 11
- Click Start, the Windows symbol at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the search box, type Firefox, then click Firefox in the results.
- Click the three horizontal lines at the top right of Firefox, then click Settings.
- Click the Find in Settings box and type notifications.
- Click Settings beside Notifications.
- Find the website address shown on the unwanted notification. Click its Status menu and choose Block.
- Click Save Changes. Firefox stops notifications from that website.
Learn more about how website notifications keep working after you leave a page.