How to Install AdGuard Home on Windows for a Better Internet Experience
Install and use AdGuard home to protect your home network and bypass DNS-based censorship
If you’re like me, you know the internet is a vast ocean of information, entertainment, and endless possibilities. However, it’s not without its annoyances, like ads and trackers that can infringe on your privacy and slow down your browsing experience. If you live in certain countries, there is also a chance that the ISP is actively blocking your favorite websites.
That’s where AdGuard Home comes in - it’s a network-wide software to block ads, trackers, and other unwanted content directly from your home network. It’s also will bypass your ISP DNS lookup so you can visit your favorite websites. And guess what? Installing it on Windows is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step.
If you prefer to watch the video instead of reading, you can watch following video.
Step 1: Open Terminal
First things first, let’s get our hands dirty by opening the Terminal. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your Start menu and clicking on it. It’s like opening the door to the command-line world where the magic begins.
Step 2: Install AdGuard Home
Once you’re in the Terminal, type the following command and press ENTER:
winget install AdGuard.AdGuardHome
This command is your magic spell to summon AdGuard Home onto your system. The Windows Package Manager, winget, takes care of the installation process, so sit back and relax for a moment.
Step 3: Close and Re-open Terminal with Admin Privileges
After the installation is complete, you’ll need to close the Terminal. Then, right-click on the Terminal in your Start menu and select “Run as administrator.” This step is like leveling up your powers because you’ll need administrative privileges for the next part.
Step 4: Run AdGuardHome.exe
With your Terminal now running on steroid mode (aka admin privileges), enter the following command:
AdGuardHome.exe
This command starts the AdGuard Home application. Now, open your favorite web browser and go to 127.0.0.1:3000. You’ll be greeted by the AdGuard Home setup wizard, which feels like finding a secret passage on the internet.
Step 5: Follow the Installation Instructions
The setup wizard is pretty straightforward. It’ll guide you through the necessary steps to configure AdGuard Home. Follow the prompts, and you’ll have AdGuard Home ready to protect your network in no time.
Step 6: Register a Windows Service
To ensure AdGuard Home runs seamlessly in the background, let’s register it as a Windows service. Go back to your admin Terminal and type:
AdGuardHome.exe -s install
This command is like telling Windows, “Hey, make sure AdGuard Home is always on guard, will ya?”
Step 7: Change Your DNS Settings
Next, we need to tell your computer to use AdGuard Home as its DNS server. This means all your internet requests will go through AdGuard Home first, blocking any unwanted content. Change your computer’s DNS settings to use your machine’s IP address. This step is like setting up a checkpoint for all your internet traffic.
Step 8: Update Your Wi-Fi Router’s DHCP Settings
For the best experience, you’ll also want to update your Wi-Fi router’s DHCP settings to use AdGuard Home. This way, all devices connected to your Wi-Fi will benefit from AdGuard Home without needing individual configuration. It’s like casting a protective spell over your entire network.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Better Internet Experience!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed AdGuard Home on your Windows machine. Surf the web with fewer ads, enhanced privacy, and a smoother browsing experience. It’s like having a VIP pass to the internet without the annoyances.
Conclusion
Installing AdGuard Home on Windows is a great way to improve your internet experience by reducing ads and enhancing privacy. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more secure online environment. Happy browsing!
