If you use Windows 10, you might want to block specific websites for a variety of reasons, such as increasing productivity, preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content, or preventing distractions while working or studying. Thankfully, Windows 10 comes with integrated capabilities that let you block websites without the use of extra software. This blog will help you restore control over your web browsing by guiding you through the process of banning websites on your Windows 10 computer.
Table of Contents
- How To Block Website in Windows 10 Follow the steps:
- Step 1: Access the Hosts File
- Step 2: Locate the Hosts File
- Step 3: Block Websites in the Hosts File
- Step 4: Save and Apply Changes
- Step 5: Flush DNS Cache (Optional)
- Step 6: Verify Website Blocking
- Block Your Website :
- Additional Tips and Considerations:
- Conclusion
How To Block Website in Windows 10 Follow the steps:
Step 1: Access the Hosts File
Domain names are translated into IP addresses in the Windows hosts file, a local text file. You can disable the loading of particular websites on your computer by altering this file. Accessing the hosts file is as follows:
1. You can launch the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
2. Notepad will start with administrative rights if you type “notepad” (without the quotes) and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter. When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click “Yes.”
Step 2: Locate the Hosts File
In Notepad, click on “File” in the top-left corner and choose “Open.”
- Navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
- In the “File name” field, type “hosts” (without quotes) and click “Open.”
Step 3: Block Websites in the Hosts File
You can begin blocking websites by adding entries to the end of the hosts file after opening it in Notepad. The format for each item should be “127.0.0.1 <website address>“. For instance, include the following phrase to restrict YouTube:
Note: You can add as many websites as you want, each on a new line.
Step 4: Save and Apply Changes
After adding the website entries, save the changes to the hosts file:
- Click on “File” in the top-left corner of Notepad.
- Choose “Save” from the dropdown menu or press Ctrl + S.
- Close Notepad.
Step 5: Flush DNS Cache (Optional)
To ensure that the changes take effect immediately, you may need to flush the DNS cache. This step is optional, but it can be helpful in certain situations:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
Step 6: Verify Website Blocking
Simply launch your web browser and attempt to access the websites you blocked to see if they are still restricted. An error message or a blank page should appear to let you know the website is down.
Block Your Website :
I allow people to access the internet with my laptop. But you noticed that they visit some sites that you don’t like. Like some download sites, Youtube, and other sites that consume much data. You can easily block any site from your computer using this awesome computer trick.
1. Hold the Windows key + letter R, and the Run box appears.
2. Type in this code %windir%system32driversetc in the Run box and hit the Enter key. This will open the etc folder
This etc folder contains a file called Host and some other files. We are interested in the Host file here.
But getting to the host file through the above step will not give you access to save your settings at the end of the day, I just want you to see the folder before following the right step.
3. Click Start and search for a notepad, right-click on Notepad and select Run as administrator.
4. Look at the taskbar on notepad and click on File>Open>This Pc>Local Disk C:>Windows>system32>driver>etc When you get to this etc folder, at the bottom of the notepad open box change the Text Documents drop
5. Double-click on Host and type the following code at the bottom of the page
127.0.0.2 website you want to block
127.0.0.3 www.website you want to block
127.0.0.4 another website you want to block
127.0.0.5 www.another website you want to block
You can follow the above pattern to add as many websites as you want.
Additional Tips and Considerations:
- Backup the Hosts File: It’s a good idea to make a backup of the hosts file before making any changes to it. If something goes wrong, you may easily restore the original condition. Mention this step as well as how to make a backup.
- Administrator Rights: It is critical to run Notepad as an administrator when modifying the hosts file. You will be unable to save modifications to the file unless you have administrative capabilities.
- Website Redirects:Instead of banning websites with a blank page or an error message, redirect them to a different IP address. You may, for example, redirect undesired sites to a local website that reminds you of your objectives or priorities.
- Removing Blockages: If you change your mind, explain how to unblock websites. Simply reopen the hosts file and remove the lines for the blacklisted sites that you inserted.
- Regular Updates: Websites can change their IP addresses, thus this method will not restrict access based just on IP addresses. Mention that regular modifications to the hosts file may be required to maintain the blockages in place.
- DNS Cache Flushing: Explain why flushing the DNS cache isn’t always necessary but can be beneficial for quick impacts. Explain why it’s optional and what it accomplishes.
- Using Software Solutions: While this method is effective, it is worth noting that there are third-party software solutions available that give more extensive website blocking options. These solutions frequently allow you to schedule blocking times, categorize blocking, and set passwords to prevent changes.
- Parental Control Features: Mention Windows 10’s built-in parental control features if your readers are parents or guardians. These can help limit child account access to websites and applications.
Conclusion
On Windows 10, blocking websites is a simple process that just involves a few easy steps. You may effectively limit access to particular websites without the need of outside software by using the hosts file. This technique gives you the authority to take charge of your internet browsing experience, whether your goals are to increase productivity, protect children from inappropriate content, or keep focus while working or studying. Use this option wisely and modify the blacklisted websites as necessary to meet your needs. Happy exploring!