How to Block Ads on Microsoft Edge Browser

Ever felt like the internet is working against you? Endless pop-ups, autoplaying videos, and sneaky trackers not only slow you down but also invade your privacy. Microsoft Edge isn’t immune to these issues, but the good news is — you don’t have to put up with them.

This guide will show you how to block ads on Edge browser through built-in features, browser extensions, or an all-in-one solution like AdLock. Whether you’re new to ad blockers or looking to block ads on Microsoft Edge and optimize your browsing experience, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

Key points:

1. Commercials on Microsoft Edge can be intrusive, slow down browsing, and pose privacy risks. Blocking them ensures security and enhances the overall browsing experience.
2. Edge has an inbuilt pop-up blocker but it is insufficient. Getting a reliable adblocker extension or even a standalone product is a must these days if you care about safety and security, and want the Internet to be clean of annoying ads.
3. A full-fledged adblocker like AdLock will ensure all the latter and even more. It’s a powerful tool created and maintained by cybersecurity experts who value your privacy and safe online experience.

Types of Ads on Microsoft Edge

Right before we get to methods of blocking ads on Edge, it would be helpful to understand the “enemy”. Let’s figure out what types of ads are common for the browser and what users usually get to see when browsing.

Pop-ups

First, come the pop-ups. These usually appear on the screen of a new tab or page and can be very annoying. Apart from interrupting your viewing of the content, they often don’t have a “close ad” button or are so tiny and disguised that clicking it can be quite challenging. 

Banner ads

Second, flashy banners. This type of commercial is as old as the Internet. Banners appear at the top, bottom, and both sides of the page. I’ for instance, find banners even more distracting than pop-ups — they’re large and motley, and they make it harder to focus on the content you’ve come for.

Autoplaying video ads

Third, autoplaying video commercials. These ads are bad in several ways: they’re extra annoying from a viewer’s perspective and they consume extra data to load and play. Some of them even come with sound (ear-piercing volume), which can be very frustrating.

All of the latter come either forced by Microsoft (generated and displayed by the company) or third-party companies that pay for placing their commercials. There’s also another way ads are getting delivered — they’re based on tracking users’ online behavior. These don’t have a fixed place to appear, they just follow you on the Internet because last month you were searching for a baby stroller to present your friend.

Third-party advertisements are particularly annoying and intrusive because they’re designed to blend in with the content on the page, oftentimes being disguised as a legit piece of the website.
Read also: How to get rid of ads in the bottom right corner of Windows 10

How to Block Pop-ups in Microsoft Edge

Please note, that this section and instructions are for the new Edge only. You will find our guide for the legacy version in further sections of the article.

First, let’s see how one can block pop up ads on Microsoft Edge via settings.

For this, you should do the following:

• Go to (⋯)Settings => Cookies and site permissions;
• Select Pop-ups and redirects;
• Move the Block toggle to On.

Also, you should consider enabling the “Strict mode” for tracking prevention. This will help reduce the amount of commercial content based on your online activities — e.g. search, clicks, browsing, etc.

To enable the strict prevention, you should:

1. Go to (…) => Settings;
2. Click “Privacy, search, and services”;
3. Choose the “Strict” mode in the “Tracking prevention” section.

Please note, that these methods will not disable ads in Microsoft Edge but will help you significantly reduce their number.

Blocking or allowing a specific URL in Microsoft Edge

Sometimes, it’s necessary to allow a particular website to display popups for it to work correctly. By blocking everything everywhere via the “block popups” feature in Edge, some web apps won’t display login frames or payment popups, for instance. So, if you encounter such a problem, you should:

1. Go to Settings => Cookies and site permissions;
2. Select the “Pop-ups and redirects” option under the “All permissions”;
3. Locate the “Allow” option and select “Add”;
4. Type in the URL of the website you want to add in the format https://www.abcd.com and press “Add”.

The same goes with blocking a particular website but instead of “Allow”, you should choose the “Block” option.

Using AdLock for Blocking Microsoft Edge Ads

To remove ads from Edge browser (and not only) you need to download and install the AdLock application. After the installation is over and AdLock is launched, it will automatically start blocking advertisements, trackers, redirects, and other pesky stuff. So if that’s what you were looking for, you can enjoy your ad-free online activities. Close the AdLock window and go web surfing with no more ads. 

But if you’re curious, you can adjust our ad blocker to meet your specific needs. Our app’s settings are set up to hide all types of commercial content on browsers and applications yet you can set a list of exclusions. For example, if you want to shut off ad blocking on a certain website but don’t want to deactivate AdLock completely, then you add the URL of such a website to your list of exclusions. The list can contain both websites and applications. 

To do so:

• Go to the “Ad Blocking” tab in the application;
• Press the “Allow List” option;
• Click the “Add Item” option;
• Type/paste in a URL in this format: www.example.com;
• Press “Add” to save changes.

As soon as you do that, all websites except the one you’ve added will be ad-free.

Other Ad Blockers for Microsoft Edge

Let’s now consider how to stop ads on Microsoft Edge using alternative solutions. There are several ad blockers available for Microsoft Edge. However, not all of them may be as effective or feature-rich as some top-rated ad blockers. If you ask what’s better — an adblocking extension or a standalone application, we’d suggest you stick with a standalone ad blocker for Microsoft Edge. And while some of the extensions on the market offer somewhat decent adblocking, they won’t be as effective as applications. Ever. The reason for that is that there are strict operational limitations for any ad blocker in Edge browser.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of ad blockers can vary based on factors such as the blocking rules they use, the frequency of updates, and the level of user customization available. For a more robust and reliable ad-blocking experience on Microsoft Edge, consider using popular and well-established ad blockers such as AdLock, Adblock Plus (which should not be confused with AdBlock mentioned above), or uBlock. These products have a good reputation for effectively blocking ads and providing a range of customization options for users. Always check user reviews, ratings, and recent updates to ensure you choose an ad blocker that suits your needs and preferences.

Here’s both long and short as to why AdLock is superior. It goes beyond basic ad-blocking with system-wide protection, ensuring a seamless experience across browsers and apps. Unlike others that might lack customization or actively block non-ad content, AdLock provides robust features like anti-tracking, privacy protection, and no slowdowns. Plus, it’s actively maintained and optimized for top performance.

Benefits of Using AdLock For Edge Browser

AdLock for Edge brings a host of benefits that make your online experience smoother and much more secure. By effectively blocking ads, pop-ups, and all sorts of intrusive online stuff, AdLock speeds up browsing and reduces distractions, leading to a more enjoyable time online. The extension also goes beyond just ad-blocking by protecting your privacy—blocking trackers and preventing third-party advertisers from collecting your personal information while you surf the web.

A standalone application, on the other hand, is on another level. It works systemwide, which means it cleans up every browser, app, and game you have on your PC of ads at once. Additionally, AdLock provides an extra layer of protection by blocking harmful ads that may contain malware or phishing attempts. With customizable settings and filters, you can tailor your ad-blocking experience to suit your needs. AdLock’s system-wide coverage ensures you’re protected across all apps and browsers, making it a powerful solution for those seeking both performance and security while also seeking to stop ads on Edge browser.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the best way to stop ads in Microsoft Edge. It’s simple with AdLock. This reliable ad blocker doesn’t just stop ads — it gives you peace of mind by protecting your privacy and boosting security. With AdLock, you’ll enjoy a system-wide ad-blocking solution that keeps your data safe from third-party trackers and malicious content.

But AdLock is more than just an ad blocker. It actively prevents harmful redirects, phishing scams, and unwanted pop-ups, all while keeping your browsing speed fast and uninterrupted. Choose AdLock today, and experience the web as it should be — safe, fast, and ad-free on all browsers.

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