Block all internet activity
Use the most restrictive starting point for a shared, training-room, front-desk, or public-use PC. Add only the exceptions required for approved work.
Best for: allow-list-only accessWebLock User Guide
How to Configure GiliSoft WebLock on Windows
Choose an internet access policy, keep approved websites and applications online, protect policy changes with a password, and review blocked events on shared Windows PCs.
Approved AccessWork websitesTrusted programs
Internet PolicyBlock all accessAllow approved accessReview blocked events
Choose the right internet access policy
Start with the result you want for the PC. WebLock provides three clear policy directions, then lets you preserve access to approved websites, programs, services, and IP addresses where needed.
Block selected websites and services
Keep normal internet access available while restricting specific destinations or network services that should not be used on the computer.
Best for: focused workplace or study rulesBlock harmful content
Apply content-oriented restrictions while preserving useful learning, communication, and everyday browsing resources.
Best for: family and supervised computers1. Select the main WebLock policy
Set the default behavior before adding exceptions
- Open WebLock and enter the administration password when prompted.
- Choose the policy that matches the computer's main use.
- Apply the policy and test the browser before building an allow list.
- Keep WebLock running while you verify required work applications and network destinations.
A restrictive policy is easier to manage when you add approved access deliberately instead of opening the full internet and trying to identify every unwanted destination later.
Policy modes: block all internet activity, restrict selected access, or block harmful content2. Allow only approved websites
Build a website allow list for work, study, or communication
- Open the Allowed Websites area.
- Add each website that must remain available under the active policy.
- Use clear entries for required company, school, support, or communication sites.
- Test the approved site and a non-approved site from the same browser.
This setup is useful when a Windows PC should reach a controlled set of websites without providing unrestricted browsing.
Website allow list: preserve access to approved destinations3. Keep trusted Windows programs online
Allow applications that require internet access
- Open the Allowed Programs area.
- Add the executable for each trusted Windows application.
- Confirm the selected executable is the program that actually makes the network connection.
- Launch the application and verify its required online features.
Some applications use helper processes or background services. If the main executable is allowed but the application still cannot connect, review the blocked log before adding another exception.
Program exceptions: keep approved applications online4. Allow required services and IP addresses
Use service and IP exceptions when a restrictive policy must still support a known network function or destination. Add only the entries required for the computer's assigned task.
Services: preserve required web, mail, FTP, remote desktop, or file-sharing access
IP addresses: permit known network destinations without opening general accessTest each exception after adding it. A smaller, verified allow list is easier to review and maintain than a broad set of unused entries.
5. Password protect WebLock settings
Prevent ordinary users from changing the policy
- Open the WebLock password settings.
- Create an administration password that is not shared with restricted users.
- Confirm the password and save the settings.
- Close and reopen WebLock to verify that policy changes require authorization.
Password protection keeps the configured website, program, service, and IP rules from being casually edited on a shared computer.
Administration password: protect policy changes and access settings6. Temporarily unlock internet access
Restore access without deleting the policy
Use Temporary Unlock for maintenance, approved short sessions, or troubleshooting. WebLock can restore access under a selected condition:
- Until Windows restarts.
- For a specified period.
- Until the computer is idle.
- Until the screen saver starts.
Temporary Unlock preserves the configured rules. It is safer and faster than deleting exceptions or rebuilding the policy after maintenance.
Temporary Unlock: choose when unrestricted access should end automatically7. Review blocked access logs
Use event details to refine the policy
- Open the blocked access log after testing the computer.
- Review the event time, process, action, and available details.
- Identify whether a required website, program, service, or destination needs an exception.
- Export the log when a record is needed, or clear old entries after review.
Logs make troubleshooting more precise because they show what WebLock intercepted instead of forcing you to guess which rule is responsible.
Blocked access log: review process, event, time, and detailsRecommended WebLock configurations
Allow only work or study websites
Start with a restrictive policy, add approved websites, then allow only the programs and services required for the user's assigned work.
Block distracting websites but keep business tools online
Restrict selected destinations while preserving access for approved applications, communication services, and required company resources.
Control a shared or public-use Windows PC
Protect WebLock with an administration password, use a small allow list, and review blocked events after users have tested the computer.
Recommended WebLock rollout order
A short test cycle prevents an over-restrictive policy from interrupting approved work.
Choose the default internet policy.
Add required websites and programs.
Add necessary services and IP addresses.
Protect settings with a password.
Test approved and blocked access.
Review logs and refine exceptions.
WebLock troubleshooting and FAQ
Why is an approved website still unavailable?
Confirm the website entry is correct, then review whether the browser, a required service, or a related network destination is also being restricted.
How do I allow only one program to use the internet?
Start with the restrictive policy, add the program executable to Allowed Programs, and add only the services or destinations that application requires.
What is the difference between Temporary Unlock and removing rules?
Temporary Unlock suspends restrictions under a selected end condition while keeping the policy intact. Removing rules changes the saved configuration.
How can I see what WebLock blocked?
Open the blocked access log and review the time, process, event, and details. Use that information to decide whether a narrow exception is appropriate.
Why can a trusted application still not connect?
The application may use another executable, background service, or network destination. Check the log and add only the verified dependency.
Should restricted users know the WebLock password?
No. Keep the administration password with the person responsible for policy changes, temporary access, and exception review.
Configure practical internet access rules on Windows
Use GiliSoft WebLock to manage website availability, trusted program access, temporary unlock sessions, protected settings, and blocked access records.
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