AdGuard v7.20 for Windows: filtering made faster and easier
Filtering is the core of any ad blocker, and it’s the main focus of this release. We’ve introduced differential filter updates to ensure you always have the latest filters. Plus, we’ve made DNS filtering easier to customize by offering ready-to-use filters that can be added with just one click. And in other filtering-related news, we’ve revamped the screens you see for blocked websites so you can interact with them more.
A heads-up before you read on: This version does not support Windows 7. If upgrading to a newer version of Windows isn’t possible, you can stay with AdGuard v7.19.
Differential filter updates
Previously, even minor changes to a filter list required downloading the entire list again. This approach was inefficient, leading to excessive bandwidth usage, increased latency, and unnecessary server load.
Now, with differential updates, AdGuard downloads only changes to filter lists instead of the entire list. This reduces server load and speeds up the process. You don’t have to do anything — updates are applied automatically, so you always have the latest filters. And what does more filter updates mean? Yes, more effective ad blocking.
One-click DNS filters
In the DNS Protection section, you’ve always been able to import filters to customize your DNS filtering. Now adding filters is even easier: simply select from pre-built, trusted filters — the same ones AdGuard DNS users know and love. Filters are grouped into categories for convenience:
- General: block ads and trackers
- Regional: target websites in specific languages
- Security: block phishing and other threats
- Other: cover special use cases that don’t fit the above
Blocking pages: now interactive
Chances are, you’ve seen one of our blocking screens before — whether due to a phishing threat, Parental Control, or a filtering rule. Previously, these pages were more like roadblocks. Now, they’re more like intersections where you have options.
For example, If AdGuard blocks a website due to phishing suspicion, but you’re sure it’s safe, you can let us know directly from the blocked page. You can also access our security check tool to get more details about the website.
A website blocked by a filtering rule? Just click “Add this website to the allowlist” and an unblocking rule will be generated automatically and added it to User rules.
As with every new release, this one includes updated WFP and TDI drivers, along with updated filtering engines — CoreLibs and DnsLibs.
If you want to share your thoughts and impressions with us — hit up our social media.
