University of Wisconsin KnowledgeBase

Popup Blocker - FAQ

Do I need a popup blocker on my computer?

This is a personal preference. While there are many sites that use unwanted popup advertisements, there are also legitimate websites that use popups as part of their infrastructure. Using a popup blocker may limit the usability of these websites.

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Are any university websites affected by popup blockers?

The following univeresity websites use popups. If you are using a popup blocker, you need to have popups enabled for the sites to function properly.

• My UW-Madison
• Learn@UW (this is the UW-Madison login page, other campuses have their own login pages)

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Which popup blockers does DoIT recommend?

We recommend using the popup blockers built-in to the following web browsers:
Note: The following links are to external sites such as Microsoft's and Mozilla's knowledge bases

• Internet Explorer 6/7
• Internet Explorer 8
• Internet Explorer 9
• Internet Explorer 10
• Internet Explorer 11
• Firefox
• Safari 5
• Safari 6/7
• Safari 8
• Opera
• Chrome

These browsers allow users to customize how the popup blocker works. Click on the browser you are using to learn how to customize the popup blocker for your use.

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I downloaded a third-party popup blocker. Can I use it instead?

You are welcome to use third-party popup blockers; however, DoIT does not support them. They may contain spyware, not function properly, or not function at all. If you use third-party popup blockers, be certain not to have more than one installed at any time.

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How do I tell if I have a third party popup blocker installed?

Third party popup blockers can be difficult to detect. Google and Yahoo toolbars will appear in your web browser's menu under View | Toolbars. Other software may appear in your Taskbar, and some may not be detectable at all. Check your Add/Remove Programs menu and run a scan for spyware to try to eliminate any unwanted popup blockers.