In today’s digital age, the vast expanse of the internet contains both enlightening content and distractions that can hamper productivity or inappropriate material that might not be suitable for younger audiences. Whether you aim to maintain focus during work hours or shield your children from potentially harmful websites, Chrome provides a feature called SafeSearch. When activated, SafeSearch filters out explicit content, ensuring a cleaner browsing experience suitable for all ages. This feature is compatible with various versions of Windows, such as Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to block websites on Chrome efficiently.
How to Turn on SafeSearch on Chrome?
To filter out Google search results that are explicit or inappropriate for your children, navigate to google.com/preferences and click Turn on SafeSearch checkbox.
Then, click the Save button.
After completing the above steps, inappropriate and explicit websites will stop appearing on Google searches for that user.
To ensure SafeSearch is turned on and working, search for something in Google. You should see “SafeSearch in” the browser’s top-right corner, just below the user profile.
But, if you want to block your children from visiting harmful websites, your problem is not solved; you need to follow some more steps.
How to Block Specific Websites on Chrome by Editing the Hosts File?
If you want to control specific websites on a Chrome browser, you need to install a paid extension, BlockSite, from the Chrome Web Store. Even you can add exact keywords to block websites. But, if you want a free option, edit the host’s file of Windows and add websites there. It will block the specific website on all your browsers. Do the following steps;
Step 1. Firstly, Log in to your Windows PC with administrative privileges.
Step 2. Navigate to the following path in File Explorer:-
C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc
Step 3. Then, right-click on the hosts file and select the Properties option.
Step 4. Under the “hosts Properties” window, navigate to the Security tab and then select the Users group.
Step 5. Now, click on the Edit button.
Step 6. Now, a new pop-up window will appear. Again select the Users group.
Step 7. Now, in Allow column, check Fullcontrol, Modify, and Write options.
Step 8. Then, click Apply.
If the Windows Security dialog appears, click the Yes to continue.
Step 9. Click OK.
Step 10. Click OK on the next window.
Step 11. Now, again right-click on the hosts file and select Open with option.
Step 12. Next, from the drop-down menu, select Notepad and then click on the OK button.
Step 13. You need to add the website address in the host’s file you want to block on your PC. Here, you need to add lines with your localhost IP in front of any domain you wish to block, like:-
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com 127.0.0.1 www.twitter.com
Ensure a space between the localhost IP address and the website domain names. You need to add the new lines of code after the last commented line that starts with #.
Step 14. Now save the notepad file.
Step 15. Restart your computer.
That’s it! Try to visit any website in any browser on your computer that you have blocked in the host’s file. It will refuse to connect.
That’s all for this article. I hope this article will add some value to your work.
Conclusion
In a world teeming with online content, both beneficial and harmful, safeguarding our browsing experience becomes paramount. The internet, while brimming with knowledge and opportunities, also brings along its set of distractions and unsuitable content, especially for the younger generation. Chrome’s SafeSearch feature offers an effective solution to this dilemma, acting as a filter against explicit material. Compatible with numerous Windows versions, this feature, when activated, promises a more refined and protected online experience. While Google’s SafeSearch serves as a foundational shield, for those seeking a more tailored approach in restricting specific websites, the BlockSite extension or editing the Windows host file provides additional layers of control. By implementing these methods, users can navigate the digital realm confidently, knowing they have measures in place to ward off undesired content. Whether for focused productivity or child safety, these tools and techniques ensure a secure and distraction-free browsing journey.
