Browser extensions are small programs that can add additional functionality to the core browser. The latest Chromium based Microsoft Edge browser allows you to install extensions from Edge Add-ons store as well as Chrome Web Store. Though millions of people install and use these extensions in Edge, they may create problems in certain situations. In this article, we will discuss different methods that help you to disable installing extensions in Microsoft Edge.
Why You Should Not Use Extensions?
In one of our articles, we have explained the problems you may face when using third-party extensions. Here are some of the major reasons to stay away from browser extensions.
- Third-party extensions track all your activities including login passwords.
- Free extensions may not be maintained actively causing performance and security issues.
- Too many extensions slow down your computer and you want to avoid distractions by removing all of them.
- You share computer with family members and do not want your kid or others to install extensions. Or you are a network administrator and want to disable extension feature for all users in the network.
1. Disable and Delete Extensions in Microsoft Edge
If it is for your own use, we recommend you can simply disable or delete the installed extensions. This means, you can anytime enable or install them back when you need.
- Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the window. Then select “Extensions” from the list.
- You will see a puzzle icon appears next to the address bar with a dropdown. Now click on “Manage extensions” option from the list.
- This will open Edge extension management page where you can see all the installed extensions on your browser. If you want to remove any extension, click on the “Remove” option under that extension name. A dialog box appears. Again, click on “Remove”. This will completely uninstall the extension from Microsoft Edge. Repeat the same process to uninstall as many extensions as you want.
- And if you just want to disable a particular extension, turn the toggle button in front of the extension off. You can do the same to all the extensions you want to disable.
2. Disable Installing Extension Feature in Edge
For controlling others using your computer or in the network, you can completely disable installing extension in Edge. Follow one of the below options, depending upon your need.
2.1. Disable Installing Extensions in Edge Using Local Group Policy Editor
Policy editor as the name indicates offers polices to control the behavior of apps and features in OS. There is also a policy for disabling extensions in Edge which is the best option to use without hassle. However, Local Group Policy Editor tool comes only with Windows Pro, Student or Enterprise editions. If you are using Home edition, first you need to enable it as explained in this article.
- Press “Windows + R” key to open the Run dialog box.
- Then type “gpedit.msc” and hit OK.
- When you are in Local Group Policy Editor app, go to “Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates” section from the menu on the left side of the Editor
- Expand “Windows Components” section and find “Microsoft Edge”.
- You will see lot policies controlling the Edge browser and find “Allow Extensions” policy.
- Double-click on it and then select “Disabled”. As you can see in the “Help” box, disabling the policy will prevent employees installing extensions in Edge. Click “Apply / OK” to apply your change and permanently disable installing extensions in Microsoft Edge.
Restart your PC and then go to Microsoft Edge, you will find the Extensions option disabled.
2.1. Disable Installing Extensions with Registry Editor
In the above method, you can anytime enable the extension back or install it from Edge Add-on store. The next three One of the methods to disable installing extensions in Microsoft Edge is using the Registry Editor for it. We will create a new key in Microsoft Edge that will disable the installing extensions. It is a permanent change and can’t be undone until you modify the key again. Therefore, it is recommended to back up your Registry before making any modifications to it.
- First, press “Windows Logo and R” keys to open the Run dialog box. Then type “regedit” and press OK.
- Go to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft folder. You can copy the location, paste it in the address bar and press enter key to directly reach this location.
- Right-click on the “Microsoft” folder and then select “New” and click on “Key”. Name this folder “MicrosoftEdge” and press Enter.
- Again, right-click on the “MicrosoftEdge” and select “New” and then “Key”. This time name it as “Extensions” and hit Enter.
- Next, right-click on the right-side pane and select “New > DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Give the name as “ExtensionsEnabled” and double-click on it.
- On the pop-up, make sure the “Value data” is set to 0.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your system. Check Edge and this is a straightforward method to disable extensions in Microsoft Edge.
2.3. Disable Installing Extensions in Edge from Command Prompt
If you do not wish to use Registry Editor, you can use the same Registry feature as a command from Command Prompt.
- Press “Windows Logo + R” keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press enter key.
- Now type the following command and hit enter key.
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Extensions" /v ExtensionsEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0- It takes few seconds and you will see a message showing the operation is completed successfully”.
Final Thoughts
It is a good idea to revisit your extensions page in Edge and disable or remove all unused extensions. This will not only help to improve the security but also the stability of your browsing experience. For multiple users’ setup, disabling installing extensions in Edge through Local Policy Editor is preferrable though other two methods also work.
