YouTube can be a great source of entertainment and learning, but it can also be a big distraction, especially if you’re trying to focus on work or limit your screen time. If you’re a Microsoft Edge user, blocking YouTube on this browser can be an effective solution.
In this article, let’s first discuss why you should block YouTube on Edge browser. Then, you can get three practical methods to do so.
Why Block YouTube on Microsoft Edge
The following are several common reasons why you should block YouTube on Edge:
- Productivity: Spending too much time watching videos on YouTube can negatively impact your productivity. No matter whether you’re a student or a worker, you may need to block it if you waste your time on this platform. This action can help you focus better on your studies or work, ultimately boosting your productivity.
- Manage your Internet usage: Watching high-quality YouTube videos can use a lot of bandwidth. If you have limited bandwidth, blocking YouTube on your Edge browser can help manage your Internet consumption.
- Parental control: Blocking YouTube on Edge is especially useful if you’re a parent. Children may come across inappropriate or violent content on this platform. Therefore, you can prevent them from accessing YouTube by blocking it.
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How to Block YouTube on Edge
How to block YouTube on Microsoft Edge? There are three useful methods:
Method 1: Use Microsoft Family Safety
Microsoft offers a built-in parental control tool called Microsoft Family Safety, which works across Windows devices and the Edge browser. You can also use it to restrict YouTube from working on your Edge.
Follow the guide below:
1. Open Microsoft Edge and log in to your account.
2. Click on the More icon in the top right corner and select Settings from the menu.
3. Expand the Settings menu, choose Privacy, search, and services, and then click on Privacy.
4. Click on the Set up button next to the Set up family safety features option.
5. Click Add a family member to add your child’s or secondary account to the family group.
6. Once the account is added, go to Content filters > Blocked sites.
7. Enter www.youtube.com in the blocked websites list and click on Add.
The restriction will automatically apply to Microsoft Edge, and you can’t access YouTube on the browser.
Method 2: Use the Host File
If you want to block YouTube for all users and all browsers, editing the Windows hosts file can do the trick. This method works for all browsers, not just Edge, and no extra software is needed.
The steps are given below:
1. Search for Notepad on your Windows, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
2. In Notepad, click File > Open and navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. Then, select All Files in the file type dropdown, click the hosts file, and open it.
3. At the bottom of the hosts file page, type 127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com to add YouTube to the block list.
4. Next, click on File > Save to save the file.
By following these steps, the YouTube website is blocked on all your browsers, including Edge.
Method 3: Use a Site Blocking Extension
In addition, you can utilize a site blocking extension to block YouTube on Edge browser. There are several reliable extensions on Edge, such as Block Site and StayFocusd, that allow you to block specific websites.
Here are the steps:
1. Go to your Microsoft Edge Add-ons store and search for Block Site.
2. Click on the Get button to install this extension.
3. After installation, click the Extensions icon in the top toolbar and click the Block Site extension.
4. Enter www.youtube.com in the web address field and click on Add website to block YouTube on Edge.
Bottom Line
Wondering how to block YouTube on Edge? It can be done in minutes, but the right method depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a quick solution, an Edge extension is the easiest option. If you want complete control, Microsoft Family Safety or using the hosts file is more effective.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Lydia is always interested in new things and has been attracted deeply by writing. Her love for writing makes her become an English editor about multimedia in MiniTool. She’s determined to write articles about photos, audio, video, and other news to offer readers useful suggestions. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, and having fun with friends.