Sometimes, blocking access to specific websites can boost productivity, improve child safety, or protect your device from malicious content. Whether you’re a parent, an office admin, or just want to avoid distractions, Windows offers multiple ways to block websites. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you do just that.
Method 1: Block Websites Using the Windows Hosts File
The hosts file allows you to map hostnames (like websites) to IP addresses. You can use it to redirect specific websites to a non-existent IP.
Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator
- Press
Windows Key, type Notepad. - Right-click and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Open the Hosts File
- In Notepad, go to:
File > Open - Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
- In the “Open” dialog, set file type to All Files (*.*)
- Select the file named
hostsand click Open.
Step 3: Add Website Entries to Block
- At the bottom of the file, add: 127.0.0.1 blockedwebsite.com
- You can add as many websites as you want using this format.
Step 4: Save the File
- File > Save
- Restart your browser or PC to apply changes.
Method 2: Use Windows Firewall to Block a Website (Advanced)
Step 1: Find Website IP Address
- Open Command Prompt and type: “nslookup www.blockedwebsite.com“
- Note the IP address shown.
Step 2: Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
- Search “Windows Defender Firewall” > Click Advanced settings
Step 3: Create New Outbound Rule
- Go to:
Outbound Rules>New Rule - Choose Custom > Next
- Leave programs as is > Next
- Protocol type: Any > Next
- Scope: Under “Which remote IP addresses this rule applies to” > Add the IP address noted earlier
- Action: Block the connection
- Apply rule to all profiles (Domain, Private, Public)
- Name it (e.g., “Block Site X”)
Method 3: Use Parental Controls (Microsoft Family Safety)
Steps:
- Go to: https://account.microsoft.com/family
- Add a child account to your Microsoft family.
- Sign in to the child’s account and use Content Filters > Web and Search.
- Turn on Block inappropriate websites.
- Under “Always blocked,” add the specific URLs.
Bonus: Use Third-Party Tools
For more flexible control, use software like:
- Cold Turkey – blocks websites for productivity.
- Freedom – cross-device website and app blocker.
- OpenDNS – network-level filtering, ideal for families or offices.
Final Thoughts
Blocking websites on Windows is easier than ever with these built-in and third-party options. Whether you’re limiting distractions or protecting users, you now have multiple ways to take control.
