How Can I Completely Block All Downloads on a Laptop Without Admin Access?

If you're comfortable with network management, tools like AdGuard Home or Pi-hole could help. You can configure them to block downloads from certain domains while allowing essential ones, which can filter out a lot of junk automatically. Just be prepared to manage your blocklists regularly!

If you have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, you can block downloads based on the browser used. For example, in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, you can adjust settings to prevent downloads entirely. Just navigate through the administrative templates, and set the policies accordingly. This method is a bit technical but effective.

One straightforward approach is to create a Standard user account for your family member, while keeping the Administrative account separate. This way, they won't be able to install anything without permission. A good move is to also set the User Account Control (UAC) settings to the highest level to add an extra layer of protection.

Taking away admin permissions and setting everyone up as Standard users is the best practice. In our household, we all use Standard accounts, and for admin tasks, I just log into the admin account when needed. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental downloads or installations as well. Pairing this with a robust antivirus can really boost security, too!

Consider using browser extensions like uBlock Origin combined with enhanced Windows Defender settings to limit downloads. Completely blocking downloads can severely limit functionality, so using a solution that adds restrictions without breaking useful features is crucial.