How to block ads in IE11 in Win 8.1 using built-in Tracking Protection Lists feature

[FlyingPenguin]

Only works in Win 8.1. Also works on the Surface RT 8.1 which is the reason I researched this since there's no other browser available for RT. There's a feature in IE11 called "Tracking Protection Lists" that isn't very well known.

http://www.windowscentral.com/here-how- ... windows-81

Basically this is what you do (detailed instructions and a video in the link above, but it's very simple. If you have Charms disabled, you'll need to turn them on temporarily:

- Open IE11 in Modern or Desktop mode
- Bring up the Charms bar (swipe from the right)
- Tap 'Settings'
- Select 'Privacy'
- Tap 'Add Tracking Protection Lists'

This will take you to a Microsoft web page that allows you to select which lists you want. I selected "Stop Google Tracking" and "EasyList Standard". The latter is the same list that AdBlock Plus uses.

You can still override the block on a per-site basis.

This made a big difference for me using the Surface tablet on the tech news sites I like to read that have a LOT of ads and scripting going on in the background that slows things down.

[FlyingPenguin]

Ok, there's a way to do this without charms from within the classic desktop IE11:

- Internet Options -> Programs tab -> Manage Add-ons -> Tracking Protection. This is where you can manage your lists (add & remove).

- Then click on the link "Get a tracking protection list online"

If IE isn't your default browser, then it will open that page in your default browser which won't do you any good. You can copy and paste the URL into IE, or use this link: http://www.iegallery.com/en-us/trackingprotectionlists

If you want to see if it works try going here before and after: http://www.bluesnews.com/
Blues is my go-to tech & gaming news site, but he has a lot of animated ads on the right side that slow down the page load because the ads want to load first before the text. With tracking protection enabled, there will be practically no ads visible.