How to Disable or Remove Extensions From All Popular Browsers
Browser extensions enable you toadd featuresthat aren’t natively present in your browser. But many users tend to install too many extensions and leave them active, even after they don’t need them anymore. Some extensions can also conflict with other extensions, slow down the browsing experience, or pose a security risk. Here’s how to disable or remove extensions in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and a few other browsers.
Table of Contents
Disable or Remove Extension From Chrome
you may access the Extensions page in Chrome using the Settings section or directly from the Extensions pin. Here’s how to disable or remove an extension in Chrome:
1.Go to the top bar in Chrome and click on theExtensionsicon. Then, click on theManage extensionsoption.
2.Pick an extension and click on thetogglenext to it to disable it.
3.If you want to permanently remove the extension, click on theRemovebutton.
4.A popup window will appear. Click on theRemovebutton.
If you have sync enabled in Chrome, removing an extension will remove it from all Chrome browsers running on different systems with the same Google account. You can use the Chrome web store to re-add the extension in the future.
2. Disable or Remove Extension From Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge shifted to the Chromium engine in 2020 and now supportsChrome web store extensionstoo. Here’s how to disable or remove an extension:
1.Press theCtrl + Tkeys to open a new tab in Edge. Typeedge://extensions/in the address bar and pressEnterto open the Extensions page.
2.You will see a complete list of installed extensions. Click on thetogglenext to an active extension to disable it.
3.If you don’t need the extension anymore, click on theRemoveoption present below the extension’s description.
4.A popup window will open in the top right corner. Click on theRemovebutton to confirm your decision.
3. Disable or Remove Extension From Firefox
Firefox clubs extensions,themes, and plugins in the Add-ons section. It also displays active and inactive extensions in separate sections. Follow the below-mentioned steps to disable or remove an extension in Firefox:
1.Navigate to the top right area and click on theExtensionsicon. Then click on theManage extensionsoption.
2.Go to theEnabledsection and find the extension you want to disable. Then click on the toggle to disable it.
3.Firefox will move the extension to the Disabled section.
4.To remove an extension, click on themeatballs (three-dot icon)icon. Click on theRemoveoption.
5.You will see a popup window. Click on theRemovebutton.
Unlike other browsers, Firefox does offer an Undo option after you remove an extension. You can use it to restore an extension you removed unintentionally.
4. Disable or Remove Extension From Opera
Opera browser also uses the Chromium engine but has some distinct features like a sidebar and an in-built VPN. Here’s how to disable or remove an extension in Opera:
1.Go to theaddress barin Opera and click on it. Typechrome://extensionsin the address bar and pressEnterto directly go to the extensions page.
2.Click on theEnabledtab.
3.Pick an extension and click on the toggle to disable it. Alternatively, you can click on theDisablebutton. Opera will move the extension to the disabled tab.
4.Click on theRemovebutton below an extension.
5.Reconfirm your decision by clicking on theRemovebutton in the popup window.
5. Disable or Remove Extension From Brave
Brave browser doesn’t have an independent store for extensions and relies on the Chrome web store. Here’s how to disable or remove extensions in Brave:
1.Press theCtrl + Tkeys to open a new tab in Brave. Typebrave://extensionsin the address bar and pressEnter.
2.Navigate to the extension you want to disable and click on the toggle to disable it.
3.Lastly, to remove the extension, click on theRemovebutton. Now, finalize your decision by clicking on theRemovebutton in the popup window.
- How do I open Chrome with all extensions disabled?
Chrome doesn’t offer a single button to disable all extensions at once. So, you have to disable each extension manually and restart the browser, if required. Or you can simply use theIncognito modebecause it runs a separate instance of Chrome without any extensions active. There is also an extension available on the Chrome Web Store calledExtension Managerwhich you can use to disable extensions on the fly.
- Why disable browser extensions?
The most obvious reason is to free up system resources while using the browser. Extension load and run when you launch the browser and continue running in the background even when you are not using them actively. So, disabling at least the unused ones makes sense, especially on a low-spec PC with little system resources to spare.
- What are the risks of Chrome extension?
Privacy is the biggest risk while using an extension in Chrome or any other browser. Malicious extensions can attempt to access and steal your personal data and continuously track your browsing sessions across websites. So, avoid installing third-party extensions from unknown sources and stick to official sources.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Browser Extensions
It is common to overlook extensions that run when the browser starts but aren’t pinned to the Extensions section in the toolbar. Disable all the extensions that you don’t use regularly but might need a few times a month. This will stop them from consuming system resources and will improve your browser experience.
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Abhishek Mishra
Abhishek likes to tinker with operating systems and is always hunting for apps that can improve his Windows and Android experience. He devotes his spare time to keeping track of the latest developments in anime and cinema. But he occasionally goes for short rides if the weather is forgiving enough.
