uBlock Origin is a must-install extension for all browsers, providing not only ad blocking but also an array of privacy and security tools that protect you while you browse. I will introduce you to customisation to the standard uBlock Origin extension that can enhance your individual and network security, whilst also offering an improved browsing experience by removing harmful or annoying web elements.
Enabling too many overlapping filter lists can reduce performance and increase site breakage.
NOTE: The new uBlock Origin Lite (Manifest V3) extension is not covered in this guide due to the limitations of the Manifest V3 platform.
Extension Installation
If you have not already got uBlock Origin installed you can install it from the below links
During installation select the option to allow this extension to run in private mode, this allows the extension to function in private windows; browsing data remains isolated by the browser.
Disabling uBlock Origin on a web page
uBlock Origin can be enabled and disabled on a per website basis, this is useful if you are encountering errors or you wish to support that website creator by viewing ads.
(1) Select the uBlock Origin extension icon in the top right of your taskbar.
(2) Click the large power symbol to Disable/Enable filtering for the website, click the reload icon to the right to reload the web page with filters Disabled/Enabled.
You can select the More option in the bottom left of this panel to expand the information on what is being blocked on a website.
Filter Customisation
To begin our customisation we need to open the settings dashboard, select the uBlock Origin icon from the top right menu bar then click the gears icon to open the dashboard.
Removing Cookie Notices
Firstly, let’s remove the cookie notices that are presented on many sites, note that this does not accept or decline the cookies; it simply removes the banner this may break some sites that require interaction with the banner before you can proceed.
(1) Under Filter lists > Cookie notices click the arrow to the right of the first item EasyList/uBO – Cookie Notices, this will expand to show two sub options.
(2) Select the second option uBlock filters – Cookie Notices this is the safest option.
(3) Once done click Apply changes button at the top of the page.
If you feel that you are still seeing too many cookie banners you can additionally select EasyList – Cookie Notices this however will increase the chance of some sites not loading properly.
SUMMARY – Enable Filter lists > Cookie notices > EasyList/uBO – Cookie Notices > uBlock filters – Cookie Notices
Removing Website Annoyances
Next we will enable filters to remove Annoyances, these are web elements such as Chat Widgets, newsletter notifications and other notification popups.
(1) Under Filter lists > Annoyances select the EasyList – Annoyances & uBlock filters – Annoyances lists.
(2) You can select the arrow to the right of EasyList – Annoyances to expand to see the four main categories of filters this applies, you can deselect sub lists if you do not wish to remove these elements.
(3) Once done click Apply changes button at the top of the page.
SUMMARY – Enable Filter lists > Annoyances > EasyList – Annoyances & uBlock filters – Annoyances
Prevent Websites Accessing Local Devices
This section focuses on enhancing your network security by blocking websites from accessing local devices on your network or local services running on your machine. This setting is recommended for personal computers to enhance security but a must for company devices.
This will disrupt applications and sites that rely on this access so be aware of this (local device pages like routers and NAS) it can be temporarily disabled or bypassed on a per-site basis when needed..
(1) Under Filter lists > Privacy select the Block Outsider Intrusion into LAN.
(2) Once done click Apply changes button at the top of the page.
SUMMARY – Enable Filter lists > Privacy > Block Outsider Intrusion into LAN.
Disable uBlock Origin on individual webpage if setting up a local device or requiring access to a web address in these ranges 127.0.0.1, 10.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0-172.31.255.255 & 192.168.0.0
Regional & Language Lists
uBlock Origin default filter lists focus on English language and these filters work best on English websites. This section shows you options to enable lists for other languages.
If you live within one of the countries or frequent web pages with these languages you can significantly improve your ad blocking and privacy by enabling the associated lists.
(1) Under Filter lists > Regions, languages select your country or language of websites you frequently visit.
(2) Once done click Apply changes button at the top of the page.
SUMMARY – Enable suitable lists under Filter lists > Regions, languages.
Blocking all Facebook/META Content
This section is ONLY for those that want to remove any tracking elements related to Facebook and the overall META services, some META services may partially load but fail to function correctly.
These filters are useful in business environments to enhance privacy and enable additional enforcement options to block unwanted activities.
For individuals they enable those that do not use these services to enhance their privacy whilst online.
(1) Under Filter lists > Social widgets enable the EasyList – Social Widgets & Fanboy – Anti-Facebook.
(2) Once done click Apply changes button at the top of the page.
SUMMARY – Enable Filter lists > Social widgets > EasyList – Social Widgets & Fanboy – Anti-Facebook
Removing Filters
You can remove any filter list by deselecting its checkbox on the right and clicking Apply changes at the top of the screen, this can be done to individual lists or by deselecting multiple lists.
Resetting all uBlock Origin settings to default
If you wish to reset all the settings so that the uBlock Origin extension operates as if just installed you can follow the below steps. This is useful if you are experiencing multiple issues and want to remove customisations to isolate the issue.
(1) Within the uBlock Origin dashboard on the first tab Settings scroll to the bottom of the page and select Reset to default settings…
(2) Click OK in the confirmation dialogue box.
(3) The uBlock Origin dashboard will close and the extension will reset all settings.
SUMMARY – Reset uBlock Origin from the Settings tab using Reset to default settings…
