Surfshark
We’ve updated our web content blocker feature for Windows users. If you’ve been blocking entire website categories to keep harmful content off your network, you now have more control over what gets through.
What is web content blocker?
Web content blocker is a feature that automatically blocks access to website categories you don’t want on your device.
You can block seven categories:
- Pornography and sexually explicit content;
- Websites promoting or selling illegal drugs;
- Vaping, tobacco, and related equipment sites;
- Gambling websites;
- Websites promoting or selling weapons;
- Racist, extremist, or offensive language;
- Websites hosting malicious downloads.
What's new: the allowed websites list
The update adds an allowed websites list for Windows users. This means you can block an entire category — let’s say gambling sites — but still have access to a specific website within that category for work or research. You add that site to your allowed list, and it becomes accessible again while the rest of the category stays blocked.
This means you can keep broad filters in place but make targeted exceptions for websites you trust or need.
Why this matters
Category-based blocking works well for filtering harmful or unwanted content, but it’s not always precise. Legitimate websites sometimes fall into broader categories, and you shouldn’t have to disable an entire filter just to access one trusted site.
The allowed list gives you both protection and flexibility. You decide what stays blocked and what gets through.
How to use the allowed websites list
If you’re using web content blocker on Windows, all you have to do is:
- Open your Surfshark app.
- Click the Settings (cogwheel icon) in the left navigation menu.
- Navigate to Web content blocker.
- Scroll down and click on Allowed websites.
- Press Add.
- Add specific website URLs to the allowed list.
The sites you allow will remain accessible while the rest of the category stays filtered. You can toggle web content blocker on or off at any time.
Block harmful content without losing access to what you need
Web content blocker with an allowed websites list gives you control over what’s accessible on your network. You can protect devices from harmful content while still reaching the sites that matter.
