Guide: How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC
The internet is a huge place. With over a billion websites and thousands adding up the number as you read this post, they will open up your world to all kinds of content. That includes a fair amount of explicit content, inappropriate jokes, and offensive videos. As a parent, you would want your child to stay away from certain websites (or in extreme cases any website) before they learn to distinguish between right and wrong. In this post, we’re going to investigate today how to block all websites except approved websites on Windows 10 PCs. It is helpful for those kids who use a computer to work on school projects or browse it for entertainment. For this we use the Internet Explorer proxy settings. Do not you worry. We will not force you to use Internet Explorer as your default browser.
The good thing about Internet Explorer is that once the proxy server is enabled, it works on the whole system, including Windows apps and browsers. So you can consider it as a super safe method to block all websites on Windows 10. For those who don’t know, a proxy server acts as the gateway between your computer and the Internet. Let’s see how to get this done.
1. Via the Internet Explorer proxy server
Step 1: Open Internet Explorer. If this is your first time using IE, chances are it will take a few seconds to start. Once it starts, tap on the gear-shaped icon in the top right corner and select internet options.
Step 2: In the Internet Options menu window, navigate to the Connections tab and click LAN Settings.
Step 3: Check the option ‘Use a proxy server settings’ to enable the text box for address and port number. All you need to do is enter the following address: 127.0.0.1
Let the port number remain 80. Step 4: Now click on Advanced buttonYou will see that the addresses for HTTP and FTP have already been entered. Scroll down and enter the addresses of the sites you want to whitelist. Make sure to enter the full addresses. Separate multiple addresses with a semicolon.
When done, press OK. Now all websites except the ones you whitelisted will be blocked on your Windows 10 PC regardless of the browsers you are using. You see the message “Internet not available” or “The proxy server is not responding” when you try to access the blocked sites.
The above method should be used as a last resort if you have exhausted all other resources. In the case of a shared computer on home, this method can also become annoying for other users in the long run.
Limitations of this method
The only setback you may face is that this method will not work for dial-up connections or when using VPNs. Plus, it’s pretty easy to turn off. However, this is true if your little one has only heard of Internet Explorer at all. There are a few other alternatives. However, they do not block all websites. Instead, you have to specify the sites you want to block. In addition, this method can prove to be cumbersome if you have a long list.
2. Alternative method: Modify host files
Host files allow you to overwrite domain names and redirect traffic from your computer to a specific IP address. Editing these host files can be dangerous and may prevent some apps or websites from loading up not at all, especially in Windows 10. That’s why Windows 10 doesn’t allow you to tinker with these files directly. You must first provide the correct permission. Let’s see how to get this done. Step 1: Go to the following path on your Windows 10 PC and right click on the file named Hosts. C: WindowsSystem32driversetc
Step 2: Select Properties and tap the Users tab. Select Users and click Edit.
Step 3: Now select Users again and check the Change box. Press Apply and OK.
Step 4: Now open the Hosts file with Notepad and hit Enter to add a new line after localhost. Type the following address followed by a space and the address of the website you want to block. 127.0.0.1[space][website URL]
If it is Facebook it would be something like “127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com” without the quotes. Enter a new line for multiple websites and then add the address. Then save the file. Now go back to the browser of your choice and try to connect to the sites you just blocked. You see the message ‘Site cannot be reached’. This is a pretty foolproof method where a user profile that is not an administrator cannot make changes.
Shut out evil
Another method you can explore is Microsoft Family, where you can block inappropriate websites for a child’s profile. That’s similar to the second method we discussed above, but Family has a better UI and way too many options. You can specify the age and age-appropriate games and apps will be displayed accordingly. Other than that, you can also specify the screen time. Family, of course, needs a Microsoft account to sign in.
How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC: benefits
Faq
Final note
I hope you like the guide How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. For our visitors: If you have any queries regards the How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC, then please ask us through the comment section below or directly contact us. Education: This guide or tutorial is just for educational purposes. Misinformation: If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide “How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC”, then kindly contact us. Want to add an alternate method: If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide How to Block All But Approved Websites on Windows 10 PC, then kindly contact us. Our Contact: Kindly use our contact page regards any help. You may also use our social and accounts by following us on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter for your questions. We always love to help you. We answer your questions within 24-48 hours (Weekend off). Channel: If you want the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, then here is our Telegram channel.
