How Do I Disable Cookies on Your Computer

Any internet user is responsible for protecting their identity through proper internet habits. Consumer privacy is an ever-growing concern users must know the best tactics to defend their data. You’ve undoubtedly heard of computer cookies, but many need help understanding what they are and how to manage them. Below, we’ll explain how to disable cookies on your computer for a handful of the most common web browsers.

For more consumer privacy information, feel free to dive into our adjacent content on how to delete cookies from your computer; we also have one on how to enable cookies. Lastly, for those interested in consumer privacy laws, we have an article explaining the GDPR’s right to be forgotten.

How to Disable Cookies on a Computer

Cookies are files stored on your computer that are generated by the websites you visit. These files store your browsing activity, time spent on pages, or login info.

These cookies can be helpful, as they often enhance a user’s experience as the files build a better idea of your preferences. However, cookies can also track information many would rather keep to themselves.

People often choose to delete cookies, but this can be viewed as a half measure because websites will only start from scratch and fill out another file of your data. For users who want to boost security, it’s wise to disable cookies entirely.

Disabling cookies blocks websites from building any data packet at all, and they can be highly beneficial for anyone who prioritizes security and privacy over ease of use.

The process to disable cookies is now super simple. However, the steps look slightly different depending on which browser you use. So, below, we’ve outlined a couple of the most common ways to disable cookies through web browser settings.

Disable Cookies on Google Chrome

STEP 1 Enter Into Privacy Settings

1. Open Chrome and select the icon that looks like three small buttons in the upper right-hand corner. Then press “Settings.”
2. In the new window, select “Privacy and Security” from the sidebar.

STEP 2Disable Cookies

1. Press “Site Settings.” Then, scroll down and select “Cookies and site data.”
2. From there, select which option is best for you. For example, you can block all cookies or only cookies from third parties.

Disable Cookies on Safari

STEP 1 Navigate to Privacy Settings

1. Open your browser and click “Safari” in the left-hand corner.
2. Then press “Settings.”
3. In the pop-up window, select “Privacy.”

STEP 2 Disable Cookies

1. Press the option that says “Manage Website Data.”
2. Select the specific websites where you wish to disable cookies. Or, select “Remove All” to disable cookies altogether.