In this feature, you will learn how to block websites on Microsoft Edge using a host file with a command prompt or CMD. A website is a collection of related network web resources such as web pages and multimedia content that are typically identified with a common domain name and published on at least one web server. You may need to block those websites occasionally.
Blocking certain websites is a necessity in some cases as you may not want children to access certain content on the internet, for instance. While it’s quite easy to block websites on other browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox by installing site-blocking extensions. Luckily, you can now block websites on Edge (Chromium-based) with site blocker extensions as well.
You Might Also Like: How to Block Websites on Chrome in PC and Android Mobile
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a Windows-designed web browser. It was launched first in 2015 for Windows 10 and Xbox One, then in 2017 for Android and iOS, and in 2019 for macOS. Microsoft Edge is a fast, secure web browser that gives you a continuous browsing experience from your Android phone to your Windows 10 device. The secure web browser lets you search the web, block ads, and view pages with a read view. Personalize your favorite browsing experience, reading lists, and save passwords to get the best browsing experience you like.
Method 1. Block Websites on Microsoft Edge with Site Blocker Extension
Previously, there wasn’t an option to add to extensions on Microsoft Edge but with the new Microsoft Edge Chromium, you can add extensions. Here’s how to block websites with a site blocker extension.
Step 1. Open Microsoft Edge and tap the menu icon at the top right-hand corner and select Extensions.
Step 2. Click Get extensions for Microsoft Edge.
Step 3. Now, search for Block site on the search box, click Get, and click Add extension.
Step 4. When installed, open any website that you want to block. In my case, it’s Facebook.com and then click Block Site icon on the top. At last, click OK to confirm.
Now, whenever, you open Facebook, you will see a black screen that says Restricted Access.
To unblock back, simply click the Block Site icon on the top and select OK.
Method 2. Block Websites on Microsoft Edge Using Host File
However, using host files to block websites on your PC, will Block all websites on all web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or any other web browser you use. In this method, You need only make a few simple additions to the Windows hosts file. This is the easiest method to block websites on Microsoft Edge or some other web browsers and it’s free and doesn’t require downloading and install any additional software or extensions. It’s an easy way to restrict people of all ages from seeing content that you don’t want to see.
Step 1. Type Cmd in the search bar next to the start menu. Then right-click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator.
Step 2. If you’re prompted, click yes.
Step 3. Now, type “notepad c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts” without the quotes in the command line window then press enter.
Step 4. Scroll to the end of the text file in Notepad. Type 127.0.0.1 followed by a space then the name of the website you want to block. For instance, 127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com. Repeat this step for each website you want to block.
Step 5. After adding websites to the block list, click “File” in the Notepad menu bar and then “Save” to save to file when you are finished adding each website. Then close Command Prompt and Notepad.
How to Unblock Websites on Microsoft Edge using Host File with Command Prompt
So by now, you have learned how to block websites on Microsoft Edge with a command prompt. But sometimes, you may want to unblock those blocked websites again. To unblock websites on Microsoft Edge, simply follow the below steps.
Step 1. Type Cmd in the search bar next to the start menu. Then right-click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator.
Step 2. If you’re prompted, click yes.
Step 3. Now, type “notepad c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts” without the quotes in the command line window then press enter.
Step 4. Delete or remove the blocked website that you have added.
Step 5. After deleting the website/websites from the list, click “File” in the Notepad menu bar and then “Save” to save to file when you are finished adding each website. Then close Command Prompt and Notepad.
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Conclusion
This was all about how to block websites on Microsoft Edge using site blocker extension and host file with a command prompt. It seems like the first method is very easy and will block websites on the Microsoft Edge browser only. While using the second method will block websites on any web browser.
2 comments
Thanks for helping me!
Thanks! Using extension is much more easier.