Blocking Facebook on Internet Explorer can help you stay focused and productive when you need to avoid distractions. There are a few different methods you can use to block or restrict access to Facebook on IE depending on your needs.
Use Parental Controls
One of the easiest ways to block Facebook on IE is to use parental controls. Internet Explorer has built-in parental controls that allow you to block specific websites like Facebook.
To set up parental controls in IE:
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the Tools menu (cog icon) > Internet Options.
- In the Internet Options window, click on the Content tab.
- Click on the Enable button under Parental Controls.
- Click on Sites to block specific sites. This will open the Blocked Sites window.
- Enter https://www.facebook.com and click Add. This will block the main Facebook website.
- You can repeat Step 5 to block other Facebook-related domains like facebook.com, fb.com, and facebook.net.
- Click OK when finished to save your blocked sites list.
With parental controls enabled, Internet Explorer will block access when you attempt to navigate to Facebook. You can password protect the parental controls settings to prevent them from being changed by other users of your computer.
Edit the Hosts File
You can also block Facebook by editing the Windows hosts file on your computer. This will redirect Facebook URLs to your local system to prevent them from loading.
Here is how to edit the hosts file to block Facebook:
- Open Notepad as an administrator by right-clicking and selecting Run as Administrator.
- In Notepad, go to File > Open and open the following file: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
- At the bottom of the hosts file, add the following lines:
127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 facebook.com
127.0.0.1 static.ak.fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 login.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 www.login.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 www.fbcdn.net
127.0.0.1 m.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 0.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 1.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 2.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 3.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 4.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 5.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 6.facebook.com
127.0.0.1 static.ak.connect.facebook.com
- Save the hosts file after adding these Facebook domains.
- Flush your DNS cache by running “ipconfig /flushdns” in a command prompt.
Now when you try to access Facebook in IE, it will fail to load since the domains are mapped to your local computer. This will persist even if you delete your browsing history or cookies.
Use a Browser Extension
There are various browser extensions available for Internet Explorer that can block or limit access to Facebook:
- Facebook Blocker – Completely prevents Facebook from loading in IE.
- StayFocusd – Allows you to block Facebook for set periods of time per day.
- BlockSite – Use blacklist to block specific websites like Facebook.
These extensions work in a similar way by blocking requests to Facebook domains. Install the extension in IE, customize the settings if available, and Facebook will be blocked.
Change Facebook Password
If you want to block yourself from accessing Facebook but don’t want to completely block it on your browser, you can change your Facebook password to something random that you don’t know.
Here are the steps:
- Go to the Facebook Password Reset page and enter your account email.
- Facebook will send a password reset link to your email.
- Click the reset link and you will be asked to enter a new password.
- Randomly generate a long, alphanumeric password that you do not know and cannot guess.
- Enter the random password and reset your Facebook password.
Now when you try to access Facebook, it will prompt you for a password you don’t have. This essentially blocks access without actually blocking it on the browser or computer level. Just be sure not to reset or change your password again until you want to access Facebook again.
Use Website Blocking Software
Using dedicated website blocking programs is another option to block Facebook access in IE. Some popular options include:
| Program | Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Turkey | Free or Paid Premium | Windows & Mac |
| FocusMe | Free or Paid Premium | Windows & Mac |
| Freedom | Free or Paid Premium | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Website Blocker | Free | Windows |
These programs run in the background and allow you to configure blocked websites and schedules. Once configured, they will restrict access to Facebook on IE and other browsers based on your settings.
Change Date & Time Settings
Here is an unconventional method to block Facebook access by manipulating your computer’s date and time settings:
- Go to your Windows Date & Time Settings (Control Panel > Clock & Region > Date & Time).
- Change the date setting to a past date before Facebook existed, like January 1, 2000.
- Apply the date change and open Internet Explorer.
- When you try to navigate to Facebook, it will fail to load and show an error page.
This works because Facebook requires your system date & time to be accurate to serve content. By changing to an incorrect date, you essentially break Facebook functionality.
The downside is you will have to change your system date back any time you need to access websites that require accurate date & time.
Conclusion
Blocking Facebook on Internet Explorer can be done in several ways, from simple browser settings to using third-party software. The best option for you depends on whether you need to block Facebook temporarily or permanently, only on IE or other browsers too, and how much effort you are willing to expend.
Using parental controls, browser extensions, hosts file edits, and blocking programs are good permanent options requiring a small amount of setup. Changing your password or system date are quick temporary options. Combining a couple methods can also help reinforce restrictions.
Blocking Facebook may help boost productivity, focus, and concentration when needed. But use these tools responsibly as part of a healthy balance between work, rest, and socializing online.