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How to block websites on Microsoft Edge 2020 (Chromium)?

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Microsoft has released a new Chromium-based Edge browser with several privacy features and language support of more than 90 languages. However, as you will see in the article, some features of this browser are not yet working.

In this article, we explain how you can block websites in Microsoft Edge. If the first method doesn’t work out for you, there is another workaround below it; make sure to check it out too.

This guide might not be useful for those running the legacy (older) version of Microsoft Edge browser. The company released a new version on January 15, 2020, and this guide will help you block websites on the new Edge browser. If you haven’t updated your Edge browser yet, can learn more about it here.

Block websites on Microsoft Edge (using the browser’s settings)

To block the websites on Microsoft Edge, follow the steps given below. Step 1: Open the Edge browser and then click on the three-dot button at the top right.

Step 2: On the drop-down menu, click on the Settings option.Step 3: Now, select the Site permission option from the left sidebar menu.Step 4: After that, click on Cookie and site data.Step 5: In the Block heading, click on Add to add the websites that you have to block.Step 6: Enter the name of the website. For example, facebook.com or youtube.com and then again hit Add.

Note: While these are the accurate steps to block a website on the Chromium-based Edge browser without using any third-party apps, it didn’t work for us on the new browser. We tried to block Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. This could be due to an issue with our PC or the current Edge 79 stable version available. Also, this option is not available on the Edge app for Android or iOS app.

Also read: How to block websites in Google Chrome?

Other ways to block website

There are a few other ways by which you can block the websites.

Using Windows Host File

Use the following location to access the Host file: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc (Windows 7). For Windows 10 and 8 users, the process to access the Host file is given below.How to block websites in Google Chrome? Via Win host file and extensions Step 1: On the search box, type Notepad, and run it as an administrator.How to block websites in Google Chrome? Via Win host file and extensions Step 2: Click of File > Open, on the top left of the notepad.How to block websites in Google Chrome? Via Win host file and extensions

Step 3: In the search toolbox, enter C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and make sure that that you have selected All file types from the corresponding option.

How to block websites in Google Chrome? Via Win host file and extensions

Step 4: Then, open the host file, which is located at the top.

Now that you have accessed the host file, here is how you can use it to block websites.

How to block websites in Google Chrome? Via Win host file and extensions

  • Open the host file.
  • At the bottom of the file, type 0.0.0.0 followed by the website’s address. Look at the screenshot above to get an idea. Here we have blocked three websites — Twitter, Facebook and Pornhub.

If you want to unblock the websites, delete the code that you have written before.

You can also use several third-party extensions such as Blocksite to block the websites. Download this extension from an appropriate app store and then enter the name of the website in the box.

Also read: 3 ways to block websites in Firefox

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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