Edit or create a new GPO contain the settings to disable Chrome. Navigate to User Configuration - Windows Settings - Security Settings. Right-click Software Restriction Policies, and select New Software Restriction Policies. Right-click Additional Rules, and choose New Path Rule. In the Path field, type exe.
There are several options available for blocking a website. Consider one of the options below, depending on your needs.
TipThe list below was created in the order of what we recommend the most.
Blocking a website on a router
Most home networks today have a network router for sharing an Internet connection between multiple devices and can even block websites. We recommend blocking a website through a router because it can be password protected to prevent the block from being bypassed and because it will block a website on all devices. Blocking on the router can prevent your children from accessing a page (e.g., Facebook) from the computer, as well as any cell phone or tablet connected to your home network.
To block a website on a router, connect to the home network router. For most routers, this is done by opening a browser and visiting the default router address: http://192.168.1.1
![Chrome Chrome](https://i.1password.com/media/disable-browser-password-manager/safari.png)
If this address does not work or you're having trouble accessing your router setup, visit the link below.
After connecting to the router, block a website through one of the below features. Unfortunately, each router setup is different, so you'll need to find one of the below settings for your manufacturer of the router. Generally, one of these options will be available under a 'Security,' 'Parental control,' or 'Firewall' tab or button.
- URL Filter - Some routers may have a URL filter section, which allows you to enter the URL for each website you want to block.
- Parental controls - New and more advanced routers have a section dedicated to parental controls, which gives you not only the option to block websites, but also specify the times the Internet can be accessed.
- Firewall - Finally, if neither of the above options is available, the router should offer some type of filtering through the Firewall router settings.
Although blocking a website on the router is one of the best ways to prevent access to websites, a child could still access the website through other means. They could connect to a neighbor's network if it is unprotected or use their cell phone's data service (e.g., 4G) to access the website. If you see any open networks in your neighborhood, try to educate your neighbors about the security vulnerabilities of leaving a network open.
Block a website using Family Safety
NoteBlocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your home network will still be able to access the site you're blocking.
The new versions of Windows include a Family Safety feature that enable parents to set up usage rules, allowing them to control which websites their children view. If you're running Windows 7 or 8, open Family Safety from either the Windows Start menu or Start Screen. Type family and then click on the Family Safety or parental controls program title.
NoteIn Windows 10, parental controls are managed online through the Microsoft accounts website. User accounts that are a part of 'Your Family' can be managed through your online Microsoft account.
When open, you'll have a screen similar to the example below which gives you access to web filtering, time limits, logs, as well as the type of games that can be played.
Blocking a website in Windows
NoteBlocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your home network will still be able to access the site you're blocking.
A website can be blocked on any Windows computer by editing the hosts file (also see the lmhost file).
Locate the hosts file in Windows Explorer.
- Windows XP and later versions: C:WINDOWSsystem32driversetc
- Windows 2000 & NT: C:WINNTsystem32driversetc
- Windows 98 & ME: C:WINDOWS
Navigate to the proper directory using Windows Explorer. Double-click the hosts file. Choose Notepad from the list of programs to open the file and edit it in Notepad.
Find the line below:
127.0.0.1 localhost
Right underneath it, add the following lines (replacing badsite.com with the site you want to block):
127.0.0.1 badsite.com
127.0.0.1 www.badsite.com
Click on the File menu and click Save. Close the file. The site should be blocked in all web browsers and now instead of trying to access that site, the computer will redirect you to the localhost.
Blocking a website using software
NoteBlocking a site using these steps only blocks the website on one computer. Any other computer, phone, or tablet connected to your home network will still be able to access the site you're blocking.
You can also block websites using a software firewall or a filter (such as a parent control Internet filter). Also, many antivirus software programs will come with a firewall or have an option to obtain one from them. Filtering software may also be available through the same companies or could be obtained separately. To configure these pieces of software to block websites, you need to follow the instructions provided by the software vendor.
Blocking a website in a browser
NoteBlocking a site in a browser only blocks the site in one browser. Other browsers on the computer, as well as any computer, phone, or tablet connected to your home network, will still be able to access the site you're blocking.
- Blocking a website in Firefox.
- Blocking a website in Internet Explorer.
- Blocking a website in Chrome.
Blocking in Firefox
Although not available with the default install of Firefox, there are plenty of add-ons that allow you to block sites in Firefox. Below are the steps on how to install BlockSite, a great add-on to block websites.
- Click on the Tools menu and click Add-ons. If you don't see Tools, press the Alt key.
- In the top-right corner of the Add-ons Manager page, there is a search bar. Perform a search for BlockSite. The first result should be the add-on called BlockSite. Click the Install button to install the add-on.
- Restart Firefox to complete the installation.
- Click on the Tools menu and click Add-ons. On the Add-ons Manager page, click the Extensions tab.
- In the listing for BlockSite, click the Options button. The screen below will be shown.
In the BlockSite Preferences, click the Add button. In the window asking for the Web address to block, enter the address of the website to block and click the OK button. Click the OK button to exit BlockSite and continue browsing.
Blocking in Internet Explorer
NoteIf you are running Windows 7 or Windows 8, Windows now handles all the below settings through Family Safety. For Windows 10, site blocking is handled through your online Microsoft account, by managing accounts that are part of 'Your Family'.
- Click Tools in the File menu and click Internet Options. If Tools is not visible, press the Alt key.
- In the Internet Options window, click on the Content tab.
- Under the Content Advisor heading, click Enable if it has not yet been enabled, or click Settings, enter your supervisor password and click the OK button.
- In the Content Advisor window, click the Approved Sites tab to show a screen similar to the example below.
Enter the web address to block and click the Never button. Click the OK button to exit the Content Advisor window, then click OK again to exit the Internet Options window and continue browsing.
Blocking a website in Chrome
Although not available with the default install of Chrome, there are plenty of extensions that allow you to block sites in Chrome. Below are the steps on how to install 'Block site,' a great extension for blocking websites.
- Visit the Block site extension page on the Chrome web store.
- Click the Add to Chrome button at the top-right of the page.
- Click the Add extension button on the pop-up window to confirm install of the extension. Once the extension is installed, a thank you page will open as a confirmation.
- Access the Chrome menu by clicking the Customize and control Google Chrome button at the top-right corner of the Chrome program window.
- Select More tools and then Extensions in the menu.
- On the Block Site Options page, enter the website you want to block in the text box next to the Add page button.
- Click the Add page button to block the website.
There are other website blocking extensions available for Chrome. Visit the Chrome web store and search for 'blocksite' to pull up a listing of available extensions that will block websites.
Additional information
- See our block and website definitions for further information and related links.
Of the millions of websites on the internet, it’s reasonable to expect that you might want to block a few. Whether you want to strip out time-wasting sites12 Productivity Extensions That Keep You Focused on Deep Work12 Productivity Extensions That Keep You Focused on Deep WorkIt is hard to focus. You need extra help to limit your online time to get back to work or get out of the house for some fun. We have the tools for you.Read More that sap your productivity or just don’t want to see dangerous or explicit content by accidentHow to Ban Windows 10 Ads & NSFW Content from Your DesktopHow to Ban Windows 10 Ads & NSFW Content from Your DesktopWindows 10 may be crossing a line with desktop ads and NSFW content. Microsoft and third-party developers can push promotional material directly onto your desktop. We show you how you can defend yourself.Read More, blocking websites is a powerful tool.
Thankfully, you have several ways to block websites on Chrome. Let’s talk about them.
Supervised Profiles No Longer Work
Chrome’s profile system allows you to sign in as multiple users all on one Windows account. Prior to January 2018, you could create a supervised profile which had website restrictions — great for locking down a child’s account.
However, Google removed this functionality in Chrome with no official replacement. It recommends using the Family Link featureGoogle Now Lets You Control Your Child's PhoneGoogle Now Lets You Control Your Child's PhoneGoogle has launched a new app designed to put parents back in control of their children's smartphone use. It's called Family Link, and it's sure to annoy kids everywhere.Read More instead, but this is only available for Android. Thus, it’s not much use now. You’ll need to use one of the below two choices to block websites instead.
Option 1: Use Chrome Extensions
There’s a Chrome extension for almost everythingThe 10 Best Chrome Extensions You Need to Try Right NowThe 10 Best Chrome Extensions You Need to Try Right NowWhat are some of the lesser-known Chrome extensions? How do you find them? Which are the best? We have the answers; here are ten Chrome extensions you need to try right now.Read More, and blocking websites is no exception. Here are some of the best for keeping you away from certain sites.
Block Site
This is the best all-around extension for website blocking. It’s straightforward while still giving you controls for customizing how you block.
After installing the extension, you’ll notice a new Block this site entry in your right-click menu. Choose it, and Block Site will immediately prevent access to that entire website. If you’d rather, you can also do right-click on a link to block a specific page.
If you try to visit a blocked site, you’ll see a message preventing you from doing so. To configure how the extension works, click its icon in Chrome’s upper-right corner and choose Options.
On the Site List tab, you can enter a website to block without visiting it. To the right of each site, you’ll see three icons:
- The arrow icon allows you to redirect that site to somewhere else.
- Use the clock icon to only block the site on certain days of the week or times.
- Click the trash can to remove the site from your blocklist.
To heavily restrict the web, flip the Block/Allow switch above your list. This will block all websites except for those you specify below.
Visit the Adult Control tab, and you can block all websites that contain explicit content. No filter is perfect, of course, but this will easily weed out the biggest offenders. Below, you can enter words that the extension will block if it finds them in a URL.
Finally, in the Settings tab, you can specify times that the extension will block sites. You can also set a single page that all blocked sites redirect to.
Critically, this page is also where you can set a password required to access blocked sites. You can choose to password-protect both site options and access to blocked sites. We recommend adding a password here if you’re blocking websites for children. If you’re using it for yourself, it takes willpower to avoid turning off.
Download:Block Site: Website Blocker for Chrome
StayFocusd
If you need more options than Block Site offers, check out the StayFocusd Chrome extension. This tool gives you more controls over accessing blocked sitesFocus! 4 Best Tools To Temporarily Block Facebook & CoFocus! 4 Best Tools To Temporarily Block Facebook & CoYou're not alone, we have all done it - wasting hours browsing the web instead of getting stuff done. Need a spike in productivity? Find the best tools for escaping social media here.Read More and might work better for your use case.
After installing it, you can add any site to your blocklist by clicking the extension’s icon while visiting that site. Click Block this entire site to do just that. Once you’ve added some sites you want to block, it’s worth opening the Settings from the extensions menu to configure its behavior.
On the left sidebar of this menu, you’ll see several tabs:
- Max Time Allowed: Set a time limit for how long you’re allowed to browse blocked sites per day. This is one pool of minutes for all blocked sites together. Once your time runs out, you can’t change this number.
- Active Days: Choose which days the extension’s rules will take effect.
- Active Hours: Select the daily time range you want StayFocusd to block sites.
- Daily Reset Time: Choose the time when a new “day” of allotted time begins.
- Blocked Sites: Add sites you want to block here. StayFocusd offers a list of site suggestions if you need ideas. It also notes you can block the Chrome extensions page to keep yourself from disabling it. However, we don’t recommend locking yourself out of that page.
- Allowed Sites: Add sites that are always allowed here.
- The Nuclear Option: If you’re serious about blocking, this lets you block sites for a certain number of hours independent of your other options. This may come in handy when you need to force yourself to be productiveWhy Self-Discipline Is the Best Productivity Hack You NeedWhy Self-Discipline Is the Best Productivity Hack You NeedWhat is the secret to get deep work done? Is it motivation or is it discipline? If you cannot focus and finish your work, here are some habit tips which will help you accomplish more.Read More, but take care as there’s no way to cancel this once you activate it.
- Require Challenge: Enabling this option forces you to type a long paragraph of text to change any settings. It’s no easy task: you have to type the entire text without making a single mistake or even hitting the Backspace or Delete keys. And copy-pasting won’t work! This makes sure you’re serious about making changes to your settings.
- Customize: Change a few settings, including warnings when you’re about to run out of time on blocked sites.
- Import/Export Settings: Lets you easily move your settings between computers.
Overall, StayFocusd is a great choice if you need some encouragement sticking to your goals. Others may dislike the idea of your computer holding you hostage with the ridiculous typing challenge and inability to change settings, so you’ll have to give it a try to find out.
Download:StayFocusd
Google’s Personal Blocklist
This alternative extensionThe 13 Best Chrome Extensions by Google You Probably Aren't UsingThe 13 Best Chrome Extensions by Google You Probably Aren't UsingPersonalize your browsing with these must-have extensions from Google. Among the thousands of Chrome extensions in the Google Web Store, some are developed by Google. These are the best picks from Google itself.Read More doesn’t completely block websites. Instead, it allows you to filter domains out of your Google search results. This is useful because chances are that you visit websites much of the time through googling. If you hate a particular site and never want to see it in search, this solves your issue.
After you install the extension, you’ll notice a new Block [website].com link under Google search results. Click it to add that entire domain to your blocklist, and you’ll never see it in Google results again.
To remove a site from your list, click the extension’s icon in the upper-right corner of your browser and choose Unblock. You can also import or export your blocklist here to transfer it to another PC.
While you can still visit sites you block directly, this at least keeps them out of view on Google.
Download:Personal Blocklist
Option 2: Block Websites on Your Computer or Network
Unfortunately, a problem with all blocking extensions is that you can remove them in seconds. Chrome provides no way to “lock” an extension, probably to prevent abuse from hijackers. Thus, a savvy child could easily remove an extension to access blocked sites and thus they aren’t great for blocking websites for your children6 Sites All Parents Should Add to Their Block List Today6 Sites All Parents Should Add to Their Block List TodayYouTube Kids, Omegle and Periscope are being misused by people who would harm your child. They're not alone. Here are six seemingly-innocent sites that every parent should add to their block list today.Read More. Plus, a smart kid could just as easily use or install another browser to render the Chrome blockage useless7 Ways Your Children Might Bypass Parental Control Software7 Ways Your Children Might Bypass Parental Control SoftwareJust because you've installed a safety net in parental control software doesn't mean your children won't find a way to navigate through it. Here's how they'll do it!Read More.
To block websites on your entire network, you can use the settings on your routerHow to Monitor and Restrict Router Traffic: 4 Tips and TricksHow to Monitor and Restrict Router Traffic: 4 Tips and TricksHow do you make sure your kids are actually sleeping on a school night and not staying up streaming internet videos?Read More. These will let you limit internet access to certain times and block specific sites. Without the password to your routerHow to Configure Your Router to Make Your Home Network Really SecureHow to Configure Your Router to Make Your Home Network Really SecureDefault router settings put your network at risk, allowing freeloading strangers to squeeze nadwidth and potentially commit crimes. Use our summary to configure your standard router settings to prevent unauthorized access to your network.Read More, your child won’t be able to get around these unless they use mobile data on a phone. You can also use a custom DNS5 DNS Servers Guaranteed to Improve Your Online Safety5 DNS Servers Guaranteed to Improve Your Online SafetyChanging your DNS provider can dramatically improve your computer's defenses against online threats -- but which should you choose? We show you five DNS providers you can switch to today.Read More to achieve a similar effect.
Blocking With the Hosts File
For another option, you can also block sites on your entire computer. This method utilizes the hosts fileHow to Modify and Manage the Hosts File on LinuxHow to Modify and Manage the Hosts File on LinuxModifying a little known feature called the hosts file can improve your system security, whether you need to create shortcuts, block websites, or more. But how do you find and make changes to it?Read More, a text document on your PC that helps it translate website names into IP addresses. You can easily block sites by adding a few lines to this file.
To access it on any modern version of Windows, open a Notepad window as an administrator. To do this, type notepad into the Start Menu, then right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Select File > Open and browse to the following location:
In the bottom-right corner of the Open dialogue, you’ll see a dropdown box above the Open button that says Text Documents (*.txt). Click this and change it to All Files (*.*).
Open the file called hosts and you’ll see a simple text document. At the bottom of the document, enter a new line and use this format with the website you want to block:
Add an additional line for each site you want to block using the same format. When you’re done, choose File > Save and reboot your PC. You’ll then no longer be able to access any sites that you’ve entered in this file.
We recommend testing this method after applying. You may need to add additional entries, including www. before a website name.
Ready to Block Websites on Chrome?
Despite Google removing the convenient supervised profile option, you still have several ways to block websites in Chrome. For personal blocking, an extension should suffice. But to keep your kids safe, we recommend blocking websites at the router level. Some combination of these tools will let you shut off access to any sites you wish.
If you want to do this on your phone too, check out how to block websites on AndroidHow to Block Websites on Android Using 2 Different MethodsHow to Block Websites on Android Using 2 Different MethodsWondering how to block websites on Android? Find out how to block any websites from your kids' devices (or your own).Read More.
Explore more about: Browser Extensions, Google Chrome, Parental Control, Parenting and Technology.
This solution works pretty good. However, using the hosts files or an extension is pretty easy to get around. If you find yourself addicted to some websites and still need the internet for work you probably want to use a more flexible website blocker
If the site you're visiting makes any sort of heavy use of Javascript, especially from common third party frameworks (googleapis et al), Noscript and/or uMatrix addons can make it functionally useless.