How to get rid of Ghost windows from popping up on Microsoft Edge

Robin L 0 Reputation points
2026-10-10T17:49:03.0766667+00:00

Whenever I open a tab on Edge and begin a search or open a website, ghost windows pop up. Sometimes its one or two or a stack of 3. How can I stop this or be sure it is not a tracker? I followed some instructions for start up or task bar but to no avail.

Microsoft Edge | Tabs, address bar, and search | Windows 11
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  1. Ferdinand Nanalig 33,410 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-10T19:56:24.7133333+00:00

    Hi, let me help you.

    To catch the culprit in the act, open Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click the column header, add “Command line”, and watch it when a ghost window appears. A stray msedge.exe with odd arguments, or a parent process you don’t recognize, tells you exactly where it’s coming from.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-10T17:49:19.7966667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Turn off all Edge extensions and test again.
      • In Edge, open Settings and more > Extensions > Manage extensions.
      • Turn off every installed extension.
      • Open a tab and test browsing.
      • If the extra windows stop, turn extensions back on one at a time to find the one causing it.
    2. Make sure pop-up blocking is enabled.
      • In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects.
      • Make sure Block (recommended) is enabled.
    3. Block third-party cookies.
      • In Edge, go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data.
      • Turn on Block third-party cookies.
    4. Check that Edge is fully updated.
      • In Edge, open Settings > About Microsoft Edge.
      • If an update is available, let it install and restart Edge.
    5. Clear the browser cache.
      • Clear browsing data in Edge, then test again.
    6. Scan the device for malware.
      • Run a scan with Windows Security.
      • This helps confirm the behavior is not being caused by malware.
    7. If a pop-up freezes Edge, close it with Task Manager.
      • Right-click Start > Task Manager.
      • Select Processes.
      • Under Apps, right-click Microsoft Edge > End task.
      • Reopen Edge.
    8. Keep SmartScreen enabled.
      • In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security.
      • Make sure Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is turned on.

    Important note: if the windows appear only after clicking something on a webpage, they may be website advertisements made to look like pop-ups. Edge can block many pop-ups, but it does not prevent a pop-up from opening if a button or link on a webpage is selected.

    If the issue continues after these steps, the most likely causes from the supported guidance are an interfering extension, site redirects/pop-ups, cached browser data, or malware rather than normal Edge tab behavior.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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