Ads can cover the page, slow down browsing, or keep following you across sites. In Microsoft Edge, desktop ad blocking starts with an extension, while Edge on Android and iPhone has built-in Adblock Plus controls. Start with the desktop store method, then tighten where the blocker runs and turn on Edge's own pop-up, intrusive-ad, and tracking controls.
1. Install an Edge ad blocker from Microsoft Edge Add-ons
For Windows, macOS, or Linux, Microsoft Edge Add-ons is the first place to install a desktop ad blocker.
- 1.Open Microsoft Edge and select Extensions.
- 2.Select Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge.
- 3.Search for an ad blocker, such as Adblock Plus, AdBlock, or uBlock Origin.
- 4.Select Get on the extension page.
- 5.Review the permission prompt, then select Add extension.
It is Microsoft's current extension store for the Chromium-based Edge browser. After installation, keep Edge open long enough for the extension icon or confirmation prompt to appear. The blocker is now installed through Edge's supported desktop extension path.
2. Add a Chrome Web Store blocker when Edge Add-ons is not enough
- 1.In Microsoft Edge, open chromewebstore.google.com.
- 2.Search for the ad-blocking extension and open its details page.
- 3.Select Get extension or Get.
- 4.When Edge asks, select Allow extensions from other stores.
- 5.Review the permissions, then select Add extension.
Microsoft says Chrome extensions work in Microsoft Edge, so the Chrome Web Store is the next place to check when the extension you need is not in Edge Add-ons.
Use Edge Add-ons as the first stop and the Chrome Web Store as the backup path. Cross-store access is not guaranteed for every store or every extension.
3. Pause the blocker when a website stops working
Test a broken site with the blocker paused before you remove anything.
- 1.Select Extensions.
- 2.Select Manage Extensions.
- 3.Find the ad-blocking extension.
- 4.Use the toggle next to the extension to turn it off.
- 5.Reload the site and test it again.
- 6.Return to Manage Extensions and use the same toggle to turn the blocker back on.
This keeps the extension installed while you check whether it is causing the site problem, including pages that will not load, sign in, or play media correctly.
4. Restrict the ad blocker to the sites that need it
- 1.Select Extensions.
- 2.Select Manage Extensions.
- 3.Under the ad blocker, select Details.
- 4.Under Site access, choose On specific sites.
- 5.Enter the website URLs where the blocker should run.
- 6.Choose On click when you want the extension to run only after you click it.
You do not have to run an installed blocker on every website. Edge lets you control site access from the extension details page.
Use On specific sites for pages where ads are aggressive. Use On click when you want to approve the extension site by site.
5. Turn on Edge's own pop-up intrusive-ad and tracking controls
Edge includes browser settings that reduce specific kinds of ad behavior, though these controls do not replace a full desktop ad-blocking extension.
- For pop-ups, select Settings and more, then Settings, Privacy, search, and services, Site permissions, All permissions, and Pop-ups and redirects. Turn on Blocked (recommended).
- For intrusive ads, open edge://settings/content/ads, or select Settings and more, Settings, Privacy, search, and services, Site permissions, All permissions, and Intrusive ads. Keep Block ads on sites with intrusive ads selected.
- For tracking prevention, select Settings and more, then Settings, Privacy, search, and services, and Tracking prevention. Choose Basic, Balanced (recommended), or Strict.
- For InPrivate windows, go to edge://settings/privacy and turn on Always use "Strict" tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate.
The pop-up blocker handles pop-up ads, not normal in-page ads. Microsoft also says website advertisements that look like pop-ups are not blocked by the Edge pop-up blocker. Tracking prevention reduces tracker-based ads and personalization, but it is not a full cosmetic ad blocker.
6. Block ads in Edge on Android and iPhone
- 1.On Android, tap ..., then Settings, Privacy and security, and Content blockers. Turn on Block ads.
- 2.On iPhone, tap ..., then Settings and Content blockers. Turn on Block ads, then tap Done.
Microsoft documents built-in Adblock Plus controls in the Edge mobile apps. The menu path is different on Android and iOS.
These mobile controls are separate from desktop extensions. Set them inside the Edge app on each phone or tablet you use.
7. Remove an Edge ad blocker cleanly
Remove the extension when it causes repeated problems or you no longer want it in Edge.
- 1.Select Extensions.
- 2.Select More actions next to the ad blocker.
- 3.Select Remove from Microsoft Edge.
- 4.Select Remove to confirm.
There is another supported route from the extensions page. Select Extensions, choose Manage Extensions, select Remove under the installed ad blocker, then select Remove again.
8. Skip old Microsoft Store app instructions
Older Edge ad-blocker tutorials point to the Microsoft Store app for Edge extensions. Do not use that path for current Microsoft Edge. Microsoft's current support guidance says Edge Legacy extensions are not compatible with the new Microsoft Edge. Use Microsoft Edge Add-ons for desktop Edge extensions instead.
9. Check policy controls on managed Edge devices
Locked policy settings can override the normal extension controls on work, school, and managed family devices.
An administrator can force-install an approved ad blocker, block or remove unwanted extensions, set the intrusive-ad blocker, and set the tracking prevention level. Which controls apply depends on the platform: the tracking prevention and intrusive-ad policies cover managed Edge on Windows and macOS (tracking prevention is not available on Android or iPhone, and the intrusive-ad policy is not available on iPhone), while the extension policies also reach managed mobile devices on supported versions.
When these controls are locked, the normal extension buttons do not give you full control. Use the organization's device controls or ask the administrator to change the Microsoft Edge policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Microsoft Edge have a built-in ad blocker on desktop?
Desktop Edge has built-in controls for pop-ups, intrusive ads, and tracking prevention. For full desktop ad blocking, Microsoft documents installing an extension from Microsoft Edge Add-ons or a compatible Chrome Web Store extension.
Is Edge's pop-up blocker the same as an ad blocker?
No. Microsoft's pop-up blocker handles pop-ups, not normal in-page ads, and it does not block website advertisements that only look like pop-ups.
Can Microsoft Edge use Chrome ad blocker extensions?
Yes. Microsoft says extensions designed for Google Chrome can be used in Microsoft Edge. Edge may ask you to select Allow extensions from other stores before installing one.
How do I make an Edge ad blocker run only on one website?
Open Extensions, select Manage Extensions, choose Details under the ad blocker, then use Site access. Pick On specific sites and enter the URLs, or pick On click to run it only after you activate it.
Does Microsoft Edge on iPhone and Android support ad blocking?
Yes. Microsoft documents Adblock Plus controls in Edge mobile. Android uses Settings, Privacy and security, Content blockers, then Block ads. iPhone uses Settings, Content blockers, Block ads, then Done.
