Has school destroyed your creativity and self-confidence? I'm working on a book called Recovering From School, to help you heal the damage caused. Join the Patreon or Newsletter to be notified about updates. Paid Patreon members will get early draft previews, as well as a free digital copy when it's done.

How To Unblock Websites At School On PC

Unblocking Websites on PC using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They offer a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a effective tool because it values your privacy - no recording of your activity, no speed limits, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust globally. The sense of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the monotony of school life.

Now, there's one caveat: you'll need to have the ability to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a barrier. In such cases, check if you have admin rights or if there's a way to request them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much easier.

To install ProtonVPN, simply go to the app store on your device and search for ProtonVPN. Download the app - it's free. Once it's installed, open the app, and follow the setup instructions. You'll be able to connect to their servers and start browsing as if you're anywhere other than the confines of your school's network.

The free version of ProtonVPN is quite generous, but if you find you need more features - such as faster speeds or access to more servers - you can consider upgrading to the paid version. If you choose to use our affiliate link, we'll earn a small commission, but more importantly, you'll get a tool that might just make those long school days a little more bearable.

Other ways to unblock Websites on PC

Schools filter websites for reasons that often seem as overbearing as they are illogical. They want to enforce conformity, keep interferences at bay, and preserve a appearance of order. In the process, they quash curiosity and creativity, making us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The websites that might offer a bit of respite, a moment of comfort, or even a spark of understanding, are often inaccessible. These aren't just trivial distractions; they're sometimes the only sources of support and engagement for those of us feeling isolated and separated. Here is a list of commonly blocked sites and our instructions to unblock them:
[Facebook] [Spotify] [Pinterest] [YouTube] [Google] [TikTok] [Instagram] [Reddit] [Discord] [Telegram] [WhatsApp] [Snapchat] [LinkedIn] [Twitter]

Unblocking Websites On PC using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you need to locate a friend's house, but you only know their identity, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the online world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those knowledgeable people. When you type a website's name (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers convert that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can understand and employ to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be restricted by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to find a website) go through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

1. Different DNS Servers: By changing to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these blocks. These other servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block Websites on PC.

2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can help you circumvent the restrictions imposed by your school.

There exist many no-cost DNS providers. This guide demonstrate how to set up OpenDNS, however you are able to replace the IP addresses using alternative options if you prefer.

There is a big list of DNS servers here: https://public-dns.info/

Here are some of the popular ones:
Google: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

How to Change DNS Settings on Windows 10

Step 1: Open Network Connections

1. Right-Click the Start Menu:

   • Move your cursor to the Start menu located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
   • Right-click on the Start menu icon to open the context menu.

2. Select Network Connections:

   • In the context menu that appears, click on "Network Connections". This will open the Network & Internet settings page.

Step 2: Access Adapter Options

1. Click Ethernet:

   • On the left side of the Network & Internet settings window, you will see a list of options.
   • Click on "Ethernet" (if you are using a wired connection). If you're connected via Wi-Fi, you should click "Wi-Fi" instead.

2. Open Adapter Options:

   • Under the Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) section, find and click on "Change adapter options". This will open a new window displaying all network connections on your computer.

Step 3: Modify Network Connection Properties

1. Right-Click Your Network Connection:

   • In the Network Connections window, locate the network connection you are currently using. This might be labeled something like "Local Area Connection" or "Wi-Fi".
   • Right-click on this network connection.

2. Select Properties:

   • From the context menu that appears, choose "Properties". This will open the Properties dialog for your network connection.

Step 4: Change IPv4 Settings

1. Locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):

   • In the Properties window, you will see a list of items that are being used by the connection. Look for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" in this list.
   • Click to highlight this item.

2. Open Properties:

   • With "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" highlighted, click the "Properties" button below the list. This opens the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.

Step 5: Enter New DNS Server Addresses

1. Select Use the Following DNS Server Addresses:

   • In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog, look for the section labeled "Use the following DNS server addresses".
   • Click the radio button next to this option to enable it.

2. Enter DNS Server Addresses:

   • In the "Preferred DNS server" field, type 208.67.222.222.
   • In the "Alternate DNS server" field, type 208.67.220.220.

3. Confirm and Apply:

   • Click "OK" to close the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog.
   • Click "Close" to exit the network connection properties window.

Step 6: Restart Network Connection (Optional)

• For the changes to take effect immediately, you might need to disable and then re-enable your network connection. To do this, right-click the network connection again in the Network Connections window and select "Disable". After a few moments, right-click it once more and select "Enable".

Your DNS settings have now been updated to use OpenDNS. This can help you access Websites on PC.

If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!