Step 1: Assign a fixed address to your laptop

To ensure the FRITZ!Box knows where to send requests, your laptop’s address must not change.

Step 2: Install Docker

Pi-hole runs best in a so-called „container.“ Think of it like a Tupperware container: Everything Pi-hole needs is packed inside, keeping your Windows system clean.

Step 4: Redirecting the FRITZ!Box

Now we need to tell the FRITZ!Box to no longer query your internet provider’s DNS server, but your laptop.

Step 5: Test and Enjoy!

Briefly disconnect your phone from Wi-Fi and reconnect it so the changes take effect. Now visit an ad-heavy news site. You’ll see: The white spaces where there used to be flashing banners remain empty.

A Look at the Dashboard: On your laptop, go to http://192.168.178.20/admin (or localhost/admin). You’ll now see the „Queries Blocked“ counter increasing live. These are all requests that didn’t reach you.

This solution is extremely powerful. Apps on your phone, smart TV menus, and websites will be ad-free.

But note: Since your laptop is now the „pathfinder“ for your internet connection, it needs to be running for the ad blocking to work. If you turn it off or it goes into standby mode, the FRITZ!Box’s „Alternative DNS“ takes over. The internet will continue to work, but the ads will return until the laptop is running again.

Enjoy the clean internet!