Is Do Not Track Plus for IE Still Worth Installing in 2026?

Do Not Track Plus for IE: Complete Installation & Setup Guide

Overview

Do Not Track Plus (DNT+) is an extension that blocks third‑party trackers in your browser to reduce cross‑site profiling and targeted ads. This guide shows how to install, configure, and verify DNT+ for Internet Explorer (IE), plus troubleshooting and alternatives.

System requirements

• Windows 7 or later with Internet Explorer 9–11 (IE is deprecated in modern Windows; consider a supported browser for security).
• Administrator rights for installation.
• Internet connection to download the installer.

Download & installation

1. Get the installer: Download the Do Not Track Plus installer from the official distributor or a trusted software archive.
2. Run as administrator: Right‑click the downloaded installer and choose Run as administrator to allow extension integration with IE.
3. Follow prompts: Accept the license, choose default install location, and complete the setup.
4. Restart Internet Explorer: Close all IE windows and reopen to activate the extension.

Enable the extension in Internet Explorer

1. In IE, click the gear icon (Tools) → Manage add‑ons.
2. Under Toolbars and Extensions, locate Do Not Track Plus.
3. Select it and click Enable (if disabled).
4. If prompted, restart IE again.

Initial configuration

1. Click the DNT+ icon in the IE toolbar (or open via Manage add‑ons if no icon appears).
2. Turn protection on: Toggle the main protection switch to On.
3. Set blocking level: Choose from available modes (e.g., Standard, Strict) — use Standard for broad compatibility, Strict for maximum blocking but possible site breakage.
4. Whitelist sites: Add sites you trust that break when trackers are blocked (click “Allow on this site” or add domain to exceptions).
5. Advanced options: If offered, enable features like cookie handling, social widget blocking, or local storage controls per your preferences.

Verifying it works

• Visit a tracker‑heavy site (news or social widgets). Look for the DNT+ icon to show blocked trackers count.
• Use a third‑party tracker test page (e.g., “trackers test” pages) — blocked requests should reduce compared to a fresh IE profile without the extension.

Troubleshooting

• Extension not visible: Confirm installation completed and DNT+ is enabled in Manage add‑ons; reinstall if missing.
• Sites broken after enabling Strict mode: Add affected sites to the whitelist or switch to Standard mode.
• Installer blocked by Windows SmartScreen/antivirus: Temporarily allow installation from a trusted source; re‑scan file and proceed only if safe.
• IE compatibility issues: Ensure you’re using IE 9–11; older IE versions may not support modern extensions.

Security and maintenance

• Keep the extension updated via the vendor’s updater or re‑download new releases.
• Keep Windows and Internet Explorer security updates current.
• Consider moving to a modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) with actively maintained privacy extensions for better long‑term security.

Alternatives

• Privacy Badger (Firefox, Chrome) — automatic tracker learning.
• uBlock Origin (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) — efficient ad and tracker blocking.
• Ghostery — tracker visibility and controls.

Quick checklist

• Downloaded installer from trusted source
• Installed with admin rights and restarted IE
• Enabled in Manage add‑ons
• Protection turned on and blocking level set
• Whitelisted any necessary sites
• Verified blocking using test pages

If you want, I can convert this into a step‑by‑step printable checklist or provide direct links to recommended alternative extensions.