How to Block Ads on uTorrent? [2024 Guide]

22.3% of web users find ads disruptive since they claim ads ruin their browsing experience and slow down computer performance. 

However, sponsored ads keep sites like uTorrent free. Since its launch in 2005, ads kept the popular torrenting site free for its 150 million users. 

In this article, learn everything you need to know on how to block ads on uTorrent without breaking the bank. 

Enjoy Ad-free uTorrent With 3 Methods

uTorrent is a proprietary software product of BitTorrent, Inc. It is used to download and share files over the Internet in a lightweight and efficient capacity. 

Aside from the limited anonymity and protection from different types of malware, ads contributed to the decreasing number of user visitors. 

If you want to enjoy ad-free uTorrent, below are methods to disable ads in uTorrent. 

Method 1: Remove Ads From uTorrent in Preferences

You can disable uTorrent ads using the app’s built-in settings. Get a detailed step-by-step guide in the text version below:

Step 1: Open the uTorrent application.

Step 2: Click Options in the menu bar.

Step 3: From the dropdown, choose Preferences. 

Step 4: Click Advanced. 

Step 5: On the right-side panel, type the following in the filter search box and change their value to false:

• offers.left_rail_offer_enabled/left_rail_offer

• Gui.show_plus_upsell

• offers.sponsored_torrent_offer_enabled/sponsored_torrent_offer_enabled

• Bt.enable_pulse

• Gui.show_notorrents_node

• offers.content_offer_autoexec

Step 6: Click the OK button. 

Step 7. Close uTorrent and restart the application. 

You can also check out the video below detailing how to turn off ads in uTorrent’s Preferences setting. 

Method 2: Upgrade to uTorrent Premium (Ad-free)

Another way of securely blocking ads is by upgrading to a uTorrent ad-free account, which only costs $4.95 annually. Follow these steps to upgrade your subscription:

Step 1: Open the uTorrent app. 

Step 2: Click Upgrade to Pro in the left menu. It will redirect you to upgrade options. 

Step 3: Choose the Ad-free version by clicking the BUY NOW button. 

Step 4: Type your email address, first name, last name, zip/postal code, and country. 

Step 5: A payment page will appear, requesting your personal and payment details. Fill out the necessary information and complete the payment. 

Step 6: Tick the Confirm Subscription checkbox. Click Buy Now at the bottom of the page.

Aside from the “no ads” feature, upgrading to a premium uTorrent subscription increases download speed and offers layers of protection against viruses and malware. 

Method 3: Download Third-Party Ad-Blocking Software

There are a few software that can turn off uTorrent ads. If you’re looking for one, AdLock is one of the most straightforward ad blockers available. 

Once you open AdLock, it will automatically stop any running adware and third-party trackers. Follow the steps below to install and use AdLock:  

Step 1: Download and install AdLock. 

Step 2: Toggle the button to ON to automatically block uTorrent ads. 

Once you've successfully installed AdLock, you will automatically have the 15-day free trial version. Subscribe to their monthly plan if you want the service for longer. 

Benefits of uTorrent

uTorrent has a market share of 68.8%, and it dominated the P2P industry for years. Below are some benefits that uTorrent users enjoy, making the platform a staple among torrent users:

1. User-Friendly Interface

The uTorrent application has a clean layout, displaying all basic controls. Its main window shows an overview of all pending and completed downloads. 

With its user-friendly interface, beginners can set up uTorrent without advanced technical knowledge. 

2. Lightweight on Memory and CPU

uTorrent is popular for its efficient and lightweight nature, unlike other torrent clients that require significant computer resources. This makes uTorrent an ideal torrenting software for older and less powerful computers. 

3. Remote Management 

With uTorrent, you can start, stop, and continue downloads on the go through the uTorrent remote account feature. Creating a remote account lets you monitor and act on your downloads on any device. 

4. Comprehensive Torrent Management

Users prefer uTorrent over other torrenting software due to its multiple features. The app offers a wide range of controls and supports downloads from different sources. uTorrent software also allows selective file downloading and bandwidth control for each torrent. 

5. Speed Limits

With uTorrent, you can control the download and upload speed. This feature is handy when limiting bandwidth and prioritizing certain downloads. 

Learn how to speed up uTorrent’s download with the video tutorial below:

6. Scheduled Downloads

uTorrent lets you schedule the start and end of your downloads. You can download at a particular time when your computer is idle to optimize the downloading process. 

7. Intuitive Integrating Power

uTorrent seamlessly integrates with common media players. This feature lets you view videos and audio files even if they are still being downloaded. 

You can also add convenient plugins like antivirus and RSS feed integration to your uTorrent app.

Risks of Using uTorrent

Over 150 million uTorrent users actively utilize the software monthly. However, not everyone knows the risks of torrenting—especially when it involves copyrighted material.

Prevent future issues by knowing the most common risks of using uTorrent: 

1. “Bloatware” History 

uTorrent faced issues attributed to bloatware in 2015.  Bloatware is a third-party program that slows down computer performance and increases the risk of cybersecurity issues. 

Some users reported they got bloatware while installing old uTorrent versions. However, the recent uTorrent client no longer comes with malware as long as you download from the official website.

2. Weak Privacy Security

Although uTorrent is relatively safe, its privacy policy isn’t solid. Here are some of the crucial information collected that’s exposed to all sorts of cyberattacks:

• Name

• Payment info

• IP address

• Location

• Any information linked to an individual’s identity

A section of uTorrent’s privacy policy is not even reassuring. According to uTorrent:

It is best to minimize the information that you reveal while torrenting. You can also learn how to download torrents anonymously to give your personal data maximum protection. 

3. Zero Protection Against  Malicious P2P Files

560,000 new malware components are found on the Internet daily. These malicious files are waiting to be downloaded by unsuspecting uTorrent users. Unfortunately, the free version of uTorrent provides zero protection against such threats.

With uTorrent’s P2P file sharing, you can be exposed to:

• Shady torrents with different types of malware
• Hackers that can steal your identity or attack your device
• Unintentional copyright infringements

4. Ads That Might Be Malware-Infected

Ads are risky. The most common type of malware takes the form of pop-ups, making ads a standard instrument for malware distribution. 

From 2016 to 2017, there was news about uTorrent ads being compromised by Meadgive, a tracking rig that installs ransomware. 

5. Not Open-Source 

The proprietary software’s source code is unavailable for inspection. Hence, third-party security researchers can’t analyze code quality or know how the client uses your data. 

Conclusion

uTorrent’s light nature and quick download capability are a cut above other torrenting sites. However, as a free version, it has risks and inconveniences—like ads and malware.  

Use uTorrent ad-free by adjusting its preferences, upgrading to the pro version, or installing a third-party ad-blocker. You no longer have to be put off by uTorrent’s ads using any of those methods.