Tech Fix Daily

Want to block distracting or harmful websites on your Windows 10 or 11 PC without using any third-party software? Whether it's for productivity, parental control, or network security, blocking websites can be done easily using built-in tools. Here's a simple step-by-step guide.

🔐 Why Block Websites?

• Prevent access to adult or malicious content

• Block social media or distractions during work hours

• Control web usage for children or employees

🛠️ Method 1: Block Websites Using the Hosts File

✅ Step-by-Step:

1. Open Notepad as Administrator:

   • Search for Notepad > Right-click > Run as Administrator

2. Go to File > Open and navigate to:

   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

   • Select All Files from the dropdown

   • Open the file named hosts

3. At the bottom of the file, add lines like this:

   127.0.0.1 facebook.com
   127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
   127.0.0.1 youtube.com
   127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com

4. Save and close the file

5. Restart your browser or PC

🎉 Now those websites will be blocked!

🔧 Method 2: Use Windows Firewall

1. Open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall

2. Click Advanced Settings > Outbound Rules > New Rule

3. Select Program > Browse to browser EXE (e.g., chrome.exe)

4. Choose Block the connection

5. Apply the rule for specific profiles (Domain, Private, Public)

6. Give the rule a name and click Finish

You can now block web access per program (e.g., Chrome) at certain times or for certain users.

❗ Important Notes

• This method doesn’t work with HTTPS-only websites in all browsers — use firewall for stronger rules

• Anyone with admin access can undo the changes