#block website

How to Block Websites on Windows & Mac

How to Block Websites on Windows & Mac

Controlling and managing access to certain websites is a priority for many individuals, families, and organizations. Whether you're a parent trying to protect your child from inappropriate content, a business owner maintaining productivity among employees, or simply a user wanting to limit distractions, learning how to block websites effectively is essential.

This comprehensive guide explains how to block websites on both Windows and Mac systems using several methods—ranging from system-level settings to third-party software. Each method has its advantages, and we'll walk through each step to help you choose the best solution for your needs.

Why You Might Need to Block Websites

Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand why blocking websites may be necessary:

Parental Control: Prevent children from accessing harmful or adult content.

Workplace Productivity: Reduce access to time-wasting sites such as social media or gaming platforms.

Personal Focus: Eliminate distractions during work or study sessions.

Security Concerns: Block known malicious or phishing sites to prevent data breaches or malware attacks.

Now, let’s explore the most reliable and updated methods for blocking websites on both Windows and Mac in 2025.

How to Block Websites on Windows (Windows 10 & Windows 11)

1. Using the Hosts File (System-Level Method)

The hosts file is a system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. By redirecting a website to a non-routable address like 127.0.0.1, you can block it on your computer.

Steps:

Press Windows + S, type “Notepad”, right-click and select Run as administrator.

In Notepad, go to File > Open, and navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

Select All Files from the drop-down, then open the file named hosts.

Scroll to the bottom and add:

127.0.0.1    www.blockedwebsite.com

Repeat for each website you want to block.

Save the file and restart your computer.

With the advent of the internet, procuring information or availing of various services has become easier for an ordinary person. Many websites are available, some of which are purposeful and others useless. These include websites containing explicit, fraudulent, malicious content that can deter our devices from working. Moreover, they also access our details, such as geographical location, banking details, and other confidential data. 

Furthermore, businesses incur huge losses due to hacking and web threats, which halt their procedural tasks. Thus it is advised to safeguard our browsers from such malicious websites.

Many browsers, such as Google Chrome, offer unique features to block such web content. However, there are several other methods to block websites on Chrome.

Here are a few ways to assist you.

Blocking Websites Using Built-In Parental Control Feature

Parental control feature helps to reduce screen time and eliminate access to unwanted content for minors. 

To block websites on Windows 11

Open the windows menu and go to Settings> Accounts to set up a child account

Now go back and click on Family And Other Users>Add A Family Member>Add Account

Now you will be prompted to enter an email account. Select the option ‘Create One for a Child.’

After creating an account, you can access it on the Microsoft account page

Go to Content filters>Blocked Websites and enter the URL of the website that you wish to block

In the end, click on the plus icon to add it to your blocked websites

Blocking Websites Using the Safe Search Feature

The safe search feature helps to block certain websites. Go to your Google Account and then click on preferences. Select the secure search feature and click the bottom to save your choice. This feature will help you eliminate explicit information from your browser. 

How to block websites on Chrome using the built-in feature

Open Google Chrome on your computer.

Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the Chrome window.

Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Scroll down to the “Privacy and security” section and click on “Site settings.”

Click on “Block sites” under the “Permissions” section.

Click on “Add” to add a website to the block list.

Enter the URL of the website you want to block and click on “Add.”

The website will now be blocked, and anyone using Chrome on your computer will not be able to access it.

Blocking websites using the Blocklist Url feature

If you work as an administrator or an IT head in your organization and wish to block certain websites, then you can use this option. It can be done using your Google Admin account. You can easily manage multiple devices without manually blocking each website.

Open the Google Admin Console by clicking the link on Chrome. 

Go to Devices>Chrome>Settings>Users and browsers on the Home Page.

Now select the Top Organizational Unit to block website access for all Chrome users, utilizing the organization’s google service.

Select a Child Organizational Unit if you want to block websites for specific people.

Now scroll to the bottom of the website to the URL-blocking section and insert the URL of the website you wish to block

You can check if the website has been blocked through the linked device.

Outline of the Article

I. Introduction

Introduce the importance of blocking websites on Chrome for productivity, security, and parental control purposes.

Explain the relevance of the topic for Chrome users.

II. Using Chrome Settings to Block Websites

Accessing Chrome Settings:

Guide users on how to access Chrome settings.

Site Settings:

Explain how to navigate to Site Settings to manage website permissions.

Block or Allow Specific Sites:

Provide step-by-step instructions on how to block or allow specific websites.

III. Using Chrome Extensions for Website Blocking

Introduction to Chrome Extensions:

Explain what Chrome extensions are and how they enhance browser functionality.

Top Website Blocking Extensions:

List and describe popular Chrome extensions designed for blocking websites.

Highlight their features and user-friendly interface.

IV. Blocking Websites on Mobile Devices

Using Mobile Chrome Browser:

Explain how to block websites on the Chrome mobile browser.

Third-Party Apps for Mobile Devices:

Mention third-party apps available for blocking websites on mobile devices.

Provide a brief overview of their functionality.

V. Advanced Website Blocking Techniques

Editing Hosts File:

Explain how to edit the hosts file on Windows and macOS for advanced website blocking.

Using Parental Control Software:

Mention parental control software options for comprehensive website blocking and content filtering.

VI. Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions:

Address common problems users might face during website blocking and provide solutions.

FAQs:

Answer five frequently asked questions related to website blocking on Chrome.

VII. Conclusion

Summarize the methods discussed for blocking websites on Chrome.

Emphasize the importance of website blocking for online safety and productivity.

How to Block Websites on Airtel XStream ZTE Fiber Router ?

Securing the home network is very important, given the fact that almost all family members now use the shared internet by connecting to one WiFi router. We need to filter the contents, block some unwanted addictive, gaming, pornography / Adult Contents websites so that Kids are not exposed unexpectedly to the unfiltered contents. There are two ways to block the websites with the home router. 1.…