Quick Start
Get W.Control running in under 5 minutes.
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store (or load unpacked for development).
- Create a free account at wcontrol.app/login.
- Configure your AI provider and API key in the extension Options page.
- Settings sync automatically. You're protected.
Installation
Chrome Web Store (Recommended)
Search for "W.Control" in the Chrome Web Store and click "Add to Chrome". The extension works on Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.
Load Unpacked (Development)
# Build the extension
.\build.ps1
# In Chrome, go to chrome://extensions
# Enable "Developer mode"
# Click "Load unpacked" -> select dist/wcontrol/
System Requirements
- Google Chrome 88+ or Microsoft Edge 88+
- Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or ChromeOS
- Internet connection for AI classification (cached verdicts work offline)
Configuration
AI Providers
W.Control supports three AI providers. All use OpenAI-compatible APIs:
- Kimi (Moonshot) — Default. Endpoint:
api.kimi.com. Model: kimi-k2.7
- Qwen (Aliyun) — Endpoint:
maas.aliyuncs.com. Model: qwen3.7-plus
- z.ai (GLM) — Endpoint:
api.z.ai. Model: glm-5.2
Blocking Rules Priority
Rules are evaluated in this order (first match wins):
- Whitelist — Always allow (overrides everything)
- Blacklist — Always block (overrides AI)
- Gaming list — Block known gaming domains
- Short-video list — Block TikTok, Douyin, etc.
- YouTube mode — AI analysis, full block, or full allow
- AI classification — Analyze unknown sites
AI Classification
When an unknown site is visited, the extension sends the page title and content (truncated to 3,000 characters) to the AI provider. The AI returns a JSON verdict:
{
"category": "gaming",
"language": "English",
"reason": "This is a gaming platform"
}
Blocked categories: adult, gambling, violence, gaming, short_video, attention_trap
Allowed categories: educational, entertainment, social, news, shopping, tool, reference, other
Custom Rules
Add plain-text rules in the dashboard that shape AI decisions:
# General rules (apply to all sites)
No content about pranks or challenges
Allow math puzzle games
# Domain rules (apply only when domain matches)
scratch.mit.edu: kids may create projects, but playing others' games is blocked
YouTube Protection
YouTube has three modes:
- AI mode — Each video is classified individually. Educational content is allowed; harmful or attention-trap content is blocked. YouTube Shorts are hidden if short-video blocking is enabled.
- Block mode — All of YouTube is blocked.
- Allow mode — All of YouTube is allowed (no classification).
Channel Blocking
Add YouTube channel handles (e.g., @guagua883) to the blocked channels list. Videos from these channels are blocked regardless of AI verdict.
Escalation System
When 5 or more subdomains of the same registered domain are blocked (e.g., foo.itch.io, bar.itch.io), the domain is escalated for parent review.
In the dashboard Escalated Domains tab, you can:
- Allow this domain — Clears the escalation. The domain will no longer be auto-blocked.
- Keep blocked — No action. The domain remains blocked.
- Add to whitelist — Go to Settings and add the domain to the whitelist for permanent allowance.
Desktop Agent (Family Plan)
The Desktop Agent is a Windows service that makes W.Control tamper-proof. It requires the Family plan.
What It Enforces
- Force-installs the extension on all Chrome/Edge profiles via HKLM registry policy
- Disables Incognito/InPrivate mode
- Blocks guest mode and new profile creation
- Disables developer tools
- Reapplies policies every 30 seconds
Installation
# Download the agent installer from the dashboard
# Run as Administrator
wcontrol-agent-setup.exe
# The agent installs to C:\Program Files\W.Control\
# Configuration: C:\ProgramData\W.Control\config.json
Troubleshooting
Extension not blocking sites
- Check that protection is enabled in the extension popup
- Verify your AI provider and API key are configured correctly
- Check the Options page for any whitelist entries that might override blocking
- Clear the AI cache and try again
YouTube videos not being classified
- Ensure YouTube mode is set to "AI analysis"
- Check that the extension has permission to run on youtube.com
- Look for errors in the browser console (F12)
Settings not syncing
- Verify you're signed in to the same account on all devices
- Sync runs every 6 hours automatically, or on extension restart
- Check your internet connection
Desktop agent not working
- Ensure you're on the Family plan
- Run the agent installer as Administrator
- Check that
wcontrol-agent.exe is running in Task Manager
- Review logs at
C:\ProgramData\W.Control\