Encountering unwanted websites in your Google Search results can be both distracting and potentially harmful. Whether it's sites that tempt you away from work, shopping platforms that encourage impulsive spending, or malicious links you're keen to avoid, controlling what appears in your search results can enhance your browsing experience. Fortunately, there are ways to block specific websites from appearing in your Google searches.
How to Block a Website on Google Chrome
Step 1: Open the Chrome Web Store in your browser. You can do this by clicking the Apps shortcut on your bookmarks bar and selecting the Web Store. If the Apps shortcut isn't visible, right-click on your bookmarks bar and select Show Apps shortcut. Alternatively, visit the Web Store directly by clicking here.
Step 2: In the Chrome Web Store, locate the search bar on the left side labeled Search the store.
Step 3: Type "Personal Blocklist" into the search bar. Although it was previously managed by Google, "Personal Blocklist" remains a useful extension for blocking unwanted websites from your search results. Once you find it, click the Add to Chrome button to install the extension in your browser.
Step 4: A confirmation dialog will appear requesting permission to add the extension. Click Add extension to proceed with the installation.
Step 5: After the installation is complete, the extension's icon will appear next to the address bar in your browser.
Step 6: Now, when you perform a Google search, you'll notice an option to Block <website's name> displayed beneath each search result. Click on this option to prevent the website from appearing in your future search results.
Remember, blocking a website through this extension only removes it from your search results. You can still access the site directly by entering its URL into the address bar.
How to Block a Website on Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge allows you to install extensions from the Chrome Web Store, making it possible to use the same tools available to Chrome users.
Step 1: To enable the installation of Chrome extensions, click on the ellipsis (...) icon at the top-right corner of the Edge browser and select Extensions from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: In the Extensions pane, look for the option labeled Allow extensions from other stores at the lower left corner. Toggle this switch on. When prompted, click Allow to confirm your choice.
Step 3: With this setting enabled, open the Chrome Web Store in Edge by visiting this link.
Step 4: In the Chrome Web Store, use the search bar to find the "Personal Blocklist" extension. Once located, click the Add to Chrome button to install it in Edge.
Step 5: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Add extension to proceed with the installation.
Step 6: The extension will be added to Edge, and its icon will appear next to the address bar.
Step 7: Just like in Chrome, when you search on Google using Edge, an option to Block <website's name> will appear beneath each search result. Click this option to block the website from future search results.
Removing a Website from the Block List
If you wish to unblock a website you've previously blocked, simply click on the extension icon next to the address bar. A list of all the websites you've blocked will be displayed. Click the Remove option next to the website you want to unblock.
By utilizing these extensions, you can tailor your Google Search experience by filtering out unwanted websites, resulting in more relevant and secure search results.
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