Tired of pop-ups, banners, and video ads ruining your browsing experience? You’re in the right place. Stopping ads on Microsoft Edge is a two-part process. First, you can adjust Edge’s built-in privacy settings to a “Strict” level, which blocks many intrusive trackers that deliver ads. For a more complete solution, you can then install a dedicated ad-blocking browser extension from the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. This combination gives you a faster, cleaner, and more private way to surf the web.
Tutorial – How to Stop Ads on Microsoft Edge
Following these steps will guide you through maximizing Edge’s built-in privacy features and then installing a powerful browser extension to block nearly all advertisements. This one-two punch is the most effective way to clean up your browsing.
Step 1: Adjust Edge’s Tracking Prevention
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the settings menu to find the “Privacy, search, and services” section.
You can get to your settings by clicking the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the dropdown menu, choose “Settings.” On the left-hand side of the new tab that opens, you will see a list of options. “Privacy, search, and services” should be right near the top. This is the control center for your online privacy.
Step 2: Select the “Strict” Tracking Prevention Level
Step 2: Choose the “Strict” option to block the majority of trackers from all sites.
Edge offers three levels of tracking prevention. “Balanced” is the default, and it blocks some trackers from sites you haven’t visited. “Strict,” however, is the one we want. It blocks a vast majority of trackers across the web. Think of it as putting up a strong fence around your digital yard. While this might occasionally cause a part of a website to not load correctly, the trade-off for privacy and fewer ads is often worth it.
Step 3: Find and Open the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store
Step 3: Go to the main menu again and select “Extensions” to open the add-ons page.
Just like you did to find settings, click the three-dot menu icon again. This time, look for “Extensions.” Clicking this will take you to a page that shows any extensions you already have installed. From here, you will see a link or button that says “Get extensions for Microsoft Edge,” which will take you to the official add-ons store.
Step 4: Search for a Reputable Ad Blocker
Step 4: In the add-ons store, search for a well-known ad blocker like uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus.
The search bar is your friend here. Type in “ad blocker” and see what comes up. You’ll want to choose an extension that is well-known and has thousands of positive reviews. Names like uBlock Origin, AdBlock, and AdGuard are popular for a reason, they are effective and trustworthy. It’s always a good idea to pick one that is actively updated by its developers.
Step 5: Install the Ad Blocker Extension
Step 5: Click the “Get” button next to your chosen ad blocker and then confirm the installation by clicking “Add extension.”
Once you’ve found an ad blocker you trust, installing it is simple. Click the “Get” button. A small pop-up window will appear asking for your permission to add the extension to Edge. It will list the permissions the extension needs to function, such as reading and changing data on websites you visit. This is normal for an ad blocker. Click “Add extension” to finish the process.
After you complete these steps, you’ll notice a dramatic change right away. Web pages will load without those annoying banner ads and pop-ups. Videos on sites like YouTube may start instantly without a pre-roll commercial. Your browsing will feel faster, smoother, and far less cluttered.
Tips for Stopping Ads on Microsoft Edge
- Whitelist websites you trust. If you want to support a specific creator or website, most ad blockers allow you to “whitelist” them, which disables the ad blocker for that site only.
- Some websites fight back. Be aware that certain sites can detect ad blockers and may ask you to turn yours off before they let you see their content.
- Keep your extension updated. Just like any software, ad blockers need updates to keep up with new types of ads and trackers. Make sure your extensions are set to update automatically.
- Don’t install too many. Using more than one ad blocker at the same time can cause conflicts and slow down your browser instead of speeding it up. Stick with one good one.
- Explore the settings. Dive into your ad blocker’s settings menu. You can often find options to block other annoyances, like social media buttons or cookie consent pop-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blocking ads on Microsoft Edge safe?
Yes, it is very safe, provided you download your ad blocker from the official Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. These extensions are checked by Microsoft for security issues. Avoid downloading extensions from third-party websites.
Will blocking ads make my internet faster?
Absolutely. Ads, especially video and interactive ones, consume a surprising amount of data and processing power. By blocking them, you prevent your browser from having to download and display them, which often results in noticeably faster page load times.
Can websites still track me if I use an ad blocker?
An ad blocker dramatically reduces the amount of tracking that occurs, but it may not stop everything. That’s why combining a good ad blocker with Edge’s “Strict” tracking prevention setting is so effective. It creates multiple layers of defense for your privacy.
What’s the difference between Edge’s built-in tracking prevention and an ad blocker extension?
Think of it like this: Edge’s tracking prevention is designed to stop the invisible spies (trackers) following you from site to site. An ad blocker extension is designed to remove the noisy billboards (visual ads) from the websites themselves. They have overlapping functions, but using both gives you the best of both worlds.
Do I have to pay for an ad blocker?
No, you don’t. The most popular and effective ad blockers are completely free to use. Some developers may ask for optional donations to support their work, but you are never required to pay for the core service.
Summary of Steps
- Open Edge Settings.
- Navigate to “Privacy, search, and services.”
- Set Tracking Prevention to “Strict.”
- Go to the “Extensions” menu.
- Search the Edge Add-ons store for an ad blocker.
- Install your chosen ad blocker and confirm permissions.
Final Thoughts
Taking control of your browsing experience is one of the most empowering things you can do online. The modern internet can feel like a chaotic marketplace, with every website shouting for your attention through a sea of distracting advertisements. It doesn’t have to be that way. By following the simple steps outlined here, you’re not just blocking an ad, you’re reclaiming your focus and your bandwidth. You’re telling websites that you are there for the content, not the commercials.
The change is often more profound than people expect. Web pages don’t just load faster, they feel cleaner and more professional. Reading an article becomes a pleasure again when you aren’t fighting off pop-ups or auto-playing videos in the corner of your screen. This cleaner environment also translates to better security. Many malicious ads, a practice known as “malvertising,” can be a gateway for viruses and scams. By blocking the ad, you block the threat before it ever has a chance to load. Learning how to stop ads on microsoft edge is a fundamental skill for any modern internet user.
Remember that the relationship between content creators, advertisers, and users is always evolving. Ad blockers are part of a constant cat-and-mouse game. That’s why it’s important to use a well-maintained extension that receives regular updates. Don’t be afraid to dive into your ad blocker’s settings and customize it. You can choose to support your favorite websites by allowing ads on their pages while blocking them everywhere else. This is your internet experience, and with these tools, you are firmly in the driver’s seat. Enjoy the peace and quiet of a cleaner web.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.