Google Chrome doesn’t have a single “trusted sites” list. Instead, you trust a site by allowing specific permissions for it. Click the site information icon (the tune or lock icon) to the left of the address, choose Site settings, and set things like Pop-ups and redirects, Notifications, Camera, or Insecure content to Allow. You can also add sites under Allowed to… lists in Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings. For work sites that need Windows sign-in, add them to the Windows Trusted sites zone in Internet Options.
Here’s how each option works on Windows 10, and when to use it.
Which option do you need?
| Goal | Where to change it |
|---|---|
| Allow pop-ups, notifications, downloads, or camera for one site | Chrome Site settings for that site |
| Keep cookies for a site you trust | Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies > Sites allowed to use third-party cookies |
| Stop a safe download from being blocked | Chrome’s download warning > Keep, or adjust Safe Browsing |
| Company intranet sign-in or legacy apps | Windows Internet Options > Trusted sites |
Method 1: Allow permissions for one site
- Open the site in Chrome.
- Click the site information icon to the left of the web address.
- Click Site settings.
- Next to each permission, choose Allow. Common ones include Pop-ups and redirects, Notifications, Automatic downloads, Camera, Microphone, and Location.
- Reload the page.
Only allow permissions for sites you know and use. Notifications and pop-ups from unfamiliar sites are a common source of scams.
Method 2: Add sites from Chrome Settings
- Click the three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings. Or type chrome://settings/content in the address bar.
- Open a permission, such as Pop-ups and redirects.
- Next to Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects, click Add.
- Type the site, like [*.]example.com to include all its subdomains, and click Add.
Method 3: Add a site to the Windows Trusted sites zone
This setting belongs to Windows, not Chrome. It matters mainly for Internet Explorer mode in Edge, some older business apps, and Windows integrated sign-in on company networks. Chrome may use these zones for automatic Windows authentication depending on your organization’s policies.
- Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
- Click the Security tab, select Trusted sites, and click Sites.
- Type the website address and click Add.
- Uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone only if the site doesn’t use HTTPS, which is rare and not recommended.
- Click Close, then OK, and restart Chrome.
Chrome blocking a download from a site you trust?
- Click the download icon in the toolbar, then click the warning and choose Keep or Download dangerous file if you’re sure it’s safe.
- Don’t turn off Safe Browsing entirely. If a file keeps getting flagged, confirm it with the source or scan it first.
Managed by your organization?
If Chrome says “Managed by your organization,” your IT team may control site permissions with policies, and your changes may not stick. Ask them to add the site.
Frequently asked questions
Does adding a site to Trusted sites in Internet Options affect Chrome?
Mostly no, for everyday browsing. It can affect automatic Windows sign-in on some company networks, depending on policies.
How do I remove a site’s permissions?
Open Site settings for the site and click Reset permissions, or remove it from the Allowed list in Chrome Settings.
How do I stop pop-ups from other sites?
Keep Pop-ups and redirects set to Don’t allow by default, and add only the sites you trust to the allowed list.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.