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How to Manage Browser Extensions

Applies toMicrosoft EdgeGoogle Chrome
8 min fix Updated 9 Mar 2026 · 6 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

In Edge or Chrome, click the puzzle piece icon in the top right corner, select Manage extensions, and use the toggle switches to turn extensions off, or click Remove to delete them.

Checked against Google Chrome Releases between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Browser extensions add functionality to Edge and Chrome but can also cause performance issues, conflicts, or security risks. This article explains how to view, disable, and remove extensions — all without needing admin rights.

Before You Start ​

  • Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Instructions ​

1. View Installed Extensions in Edge ​

See what extensions are currently installed.

  1. Open Edge.
  2. Click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece 🧩) in the toolbar.
    • If not visible, click the three-dot menu (⋯) > Extensions > Manage extensions.
  3. The Extensions page lists all installed extensions with their status (On/Off).

2. View Installed Extensions in Chrome ​

See what extensions are currently installed.

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece 🧩) in the toolbar.
  3. Click Manage extensions.
    • Alternatively, type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter.
  4. All installed extensions appear with their status.

3. Disable an Extension ​

Turn off an extension without removing it (useful for troubleshooting).

Edge:

  1. Go to edge://extensions or click ⋯ > Extensions > Manage extensions.
  2. Find the extension and toggle the switch to Off.

Chrome:

  1. Go to chrome://extensions.
  2. Find the extension and toggle the switch to Off.

4. Remove an Extension ​

Permanently uninstall an extension.

Edge:

  1. Go to edge://extensions.
  2. Click Remove below the extension.
  3. Click Remove again to confirm.

Chrome:

  1. Go to chrome://extensions.
  2. Click Remove on the extension.
  3. Click Remove to confirm.

5. Troubleshoot Extension Conflicts ​

Identify if an extension is causing a problem.

  1. Disable all extensions — toggle every extension off.
  2. Test the website or feature that was having issues.
  3. If the problem goes away, re-enable extensions one at a time:
    • Enable one extension, test, then enable the next.
  4. When the problem returns, the last enabled extension is the culprit.
  5. Either keep it disabled, remove it, or check for updates. If the problem never returned as you re-enabled them, no extension is at fault and cached site data is the next thing to clear. For the full step-by-step, see How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies.

6. Check for Extension Updates ​

Ensure extensions are running the latest version.

Edge:

  1. Go to edge://extensions.
  2. Toggle Developer mode on (top-right).
  3. Click Update at the top of the page.

Chrome:

  1. Go to chrome://extensions.
  2. Toggle Developer mode on (top-right).
  3. Click Update at the top of the page.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

If a website is not working correctly, try opening it in an InPrivate (Edge) or Incognito (Chrome) window — extensions are disabled by default in private browsing, making it a quick way to test.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Browser is slow or using high memoryAn extension is consuming resourcesOpen Task Manager (Shift+Esc in Chrome, or browser's built-in task manager) to identify high-memory extensions. Disable or remove them.
Website displays incorrectlyExtension modifying page contentDisable all extensions and refresh. Re-enable one by one to find the culprit.
Cannot remove an extension (Remove button greyed out)Extension installed by organization policyPolicy-installed extensions cannot be removed locally. Ask IT to remove it from the managed extension list for your account, and name the extension and what it is breaking.
Cannot install an extension ("Blocked by administrator")Extension is not on the organization's allowlistAsk IT to add the extension to the browser allowlist — give them its exact name and its Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons link.

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Frequently asked questions

Do browser extensions slow down my computer?
Yes. Every active extension uses a small amount of memory and processing power. Having too many extensions, especially coupon clippers or ad blockers, can significantly slow down your browser.
Why can't I remove an extension?
If an extension has a small building icon next to it and no 'Remove' button, it means the extension was installed forcefully by your IT department for security or compliance reasons.