How do I Disable JavaScript®?

JavaScript® is a scripting language used in websites as a way to create interactive features on websites. The decision to deactivate JavaScript® is typically to close some potential security risk, to stop pop-up ads — which are commonly programmed through JavaScript® — or to make pages load faster, because JavaScript® takes extra time to load. If you are worried about security risks, realize such risks are more rumor than fact, because JavaScript® is generally regarded as a safe scripting language. The steps to disable JavaScript® are different for each Internet browser. Here's a look at how to disable JavaScript® through Internet Explorer®, Firefox®, Safari®, Opera™ and Chrome™.

For Internet Explorer®, click the “Tools” option at the top of the browser window and select “Internet Options.” Click on the tab labeled “Security” and set it to “Custom Level.” Scroll through the listing and click on “Scripting.” Click “Disable” and then close Internet Explorer®. Restart Internet Explorer® to disable JavaScript®.

With Firefox®, open the “Preferences” menu by clicking “Firefox®” at the top for Apple® computers or “Tools” then “Options” on Windows® operating systems. Click the “Content” icon at the top of the preferences window. Go down to the listing labeled “Enable JavaScript®” and click the checkbox to make it blank. Close the Firefox® preferences menu to disable JavaScript®.

In Safari®, open the Safari® preferences window. Do this on Windows®-based computers by clicking to “Edit” then “Preferences.” Do this on Apple® computers by clicking “Safari®” then “Preferences.” Click the “Security” padlock icon. Go to “Enable JavaScript®” and click the checkbox to make it blank, then close the window to disable JavaScript®.

Opera™ users will disable JavaScript® by first opening the “Quick Preferences” window. Windows® users find this window through the “Tools” menu at the top, and Apple® users find this through the “Opera™” menu at the top. Click “Enable JavaScript®” so the checkbox is off and JavaScript® will be disabled.

Disable JavaScript® in Google Chrome™ by first clicking the wrench icon at the top right of the browser window. Click “Options” and then select the “Under the Bonnet” tab. Under the "Privacy" heading, click “Content Settings” and choose “Do not allow any site to run JavaScript®.” Click “Close” twice to disable JavaScript®.

While there are some benefits to disabling JavaScript®, such as stopping pop-ups and needing less load time, there are consequences, as well. Websites that function primarily through JavaScript® and use pop-ups as an explanatory device will not work properly. Other websites that use JavaScript® for its interactivity also will not function properly. You may have to enable JavaScript® at times to get certain websites to work.