Are you tired of intrusive ads popping up while browsing the web? Whether it’s flashy banners, auto-playing videos, or trackers following your every move — ads can slow down your PC and ruin your browsing experience.
The good news? You can block ads on Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 using built-in settings and a few trusted extensions.
In this comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll show you how to block ads on Microsoft Edge — step by step. You’ll learn different methods, from using Edge’s built-in privacy features to adding powerful ad-blocking extensions.
🧩 Why Block Ads on Microsoft Edge?
Here are some solid reasons to block ads while browsing:
- 🚀 Faster browsing — Ads slow down page loading.
- 🔒 Improved privacy — Many ads track your online activity.
- ⚡ Better performance — Fewer background scripts mean smoother browsing.
- 🎧 Distraction-free experience — No more annoying pop-ups or auto-playing videos.
- 🧠 Less data usage — Helpful if you’re on a limited internet plan.
⚙️ Method 1: Use Microsoft Edge’s Built-In Tracking Prevention
Microsoft Edge comes with a Tracking Prevention feature that blocks most ads and trackers automatically.
🪟 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the left sidebar, choose Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Tracking prevention, toggle it On.
- Choose Strict for the highest level of blocking.
✅ This blocks most trackers and ad networks by default. You’ll notice cleaner pages and faster load times immediately.
🧱 Method 2: Enable “Block Pop-ups” in Edge
Pop-up ads are some of the most annoying types of ads — and thankfully, Edge lets you block them easily.
Steps:
- Open Edge Settings (
edge://settings/in the address bar). - Go to Cookies and site permissions.
- Scroll down and click Pop-ups and redirects.
- Turn Block (recommended) ON.
This will stop websites from opening unwanted pop-ups or redirecting you to shady pages.
🧰 Method 3: Use Ad-Blocking Extensions (Best Option)
For total ad-free browsing, installing a dedicated ad blocker extension is the most effective method.
Recommended Ad Blockers for Edge:
| Extension Name | Description | Free Version |
|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin | Lightweight and highly customizable ad blocker. | ✅ Yes |
| Adblock Plus | Easy to use, blocks banners, pop-ups, and video ads. | ✅ Yes |
| Ghostery | Blocks ads and trackers while showing privacy insights. | ✅ Yes |
| AdGuard | Offers strong filtering and parental controls. | ✅ Yes |
How to Install:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Visit the Edge Add-ons Store: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons.
- Search for the ad blocker you prefer (e.g., uBlock Origin).
- Click Get, then Add extension.
- Once installed, the extension icon appears in your toolbar.
💡 Tip: You can click the icon to pause or whitelist certain websites if you want to support them.
🔍 Method 4: Enable “Strict” Privacy Settings in Edge
Edge offers a “Strict” privacy mode that enhances ad and tracker blocking.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Tracking prevention, select Strict.
- Optionally, turn on Send “Do Not Track” requests.
This ensures Edge actively prevents websites from collecting your data or displaying personalized ads.
🧼 Method 5: Use Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
SmartScreen protects against malicious ads and scam sites disguised as legitimate pages.
Steps:
- In Edge Settings, open Privacy, search, and services.
- Scroll down to Security.
- Enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.
This adds another layer of safety against fake ads and phishing links.
🌐 Method 6: Use DNS-Level Ad Blocking (Advanced)
For power users, blocking ads at the DNS level stops them before they even reach your browser.
Option 1: Use an Ad-Blocking DNS
Change your DNS to one that blocks ads network-wide:
| DNS Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
|---|---|---|
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 |
| NextDNS | Custom | Custom |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
Steps to Change DNS in Windows 11:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
- Click your active connection → Edit DNS settings.
- Select Manual, enable IPv4, and enter the new DNS addresses.
- Click Save.
✅ Now, ads will be blocked across all browsers — not just Edge.
🧩 Method 7: Block Ads on YouTube in Edge
YouTube ads can be persistent, but you can reduce or remove them using ad blockers.
Steps:
- Install uBlock Origin or AdGuard as mentioned earlier.
- Open YouTube, and you’ll see ads automatically disappear.
- To fine-tune, click the extension icon → Block Element → click the ad section.
🎬 Enjoy uninterrupted video playback!
🔧 Troubleshooting: Why Are Ads Still Showing?
If you’re still seeing ads, try the following:
- 🔁 Restart Microsoft Edge after changing settings.
- ⛔ Disable conflicting extensions.
- 🧹 Clear cache and cookies (Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data).
- 🧩 Update your ad blocker to the latest version.
📱 Bonus Tip: Block Ads on Mobile Edge (Android/iOS)
If you use Microsoft Edge on your phone:
- Open Edge mobile app.
- Tap the three dots → Settings → Privacy and security.
- Enable AdBlock Plus (Edge mobile has built-in support).
This keeps your browsing smooth on both desktop and mobile.
🧠 Conclusion: Enjoy a Cleaner, Faster, and Safer Browsing Experience
Blocking ads on Microsoft Edge in Windows 11 isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about privacy, performance, and security.
By combining Edge’s built-in tools with ad-blocker extensions and optional DNS-level blocking, you can enjoy a lightning-fast and distraction-free internet experience.
So go ahead — tweak your settings, install your preferred ad blocker, and browse the web without interruptions!
❓FAQs About Blocking Ads on Microsoft Edge
1. Does Microsoft Edge have a built-in ad blocker?
No, Edge doesn’t have a traditional ad blocker, but its Tracking Prevention and Pop-up blocker features help reduce ads significantly.
2. What’s the best free ad blocker for Edge?
uBlock Origin is widely considered the best free ad blocker for Microsoft Edge due to its efficiency and low resource usage.
3. Will blocking ads affect website functionality?
Sometimes. Some websites rely on ads for revenue. You can whitelist trusted sites in your ad blocker to support them.
4. Can I block YouTube ads on Edge?
Yes. Using uBlock Origin or AdGuard effectively removes YouTube ads from your videos.
5. Does Edge’s mobile version block ads too?
Yes. The mobile Edge app includes built-in AdBlock Plus integration to block ads on phones and tablets.
📝 Summary — Key Takeaways
| Action | Method |
|---|---|
| Block pop-ups | Enable “Block Pop-ups” in Settings |
| Block trackers and ads | Set Tracking Prevention to Strict |
| Total ad blocking | Install uBlock Origin or AdGuard |
| Protect from scam ads | Turn on SmartScreen |
| Network-wide blocking | Use AdGuard DNS or NextDNS |
By following these steps, you can transform Microsoft Edge into a clean, fast, and secure browser for your daily use. 🚀