How to Disable Extensions and Plug-Ins in Google Chrome

Extensions are third-party programs that add functionality to Google Chrome and are one reason for the browser's popularity. Plug-ins are less common, but Chrome uses them to process web content such as Java and a few other functions. Plug-ins and extensions are free to download and easy to install. However, you might need to disable or delete extensions and plug-ins due to security issues, or troubleshoot a problem with Chrome.

How to Delete or Disable Chrome Extensions

There are two ways to remove or disable Chrome extensions. One is through the Chrome menu, and the other is by entering a specific URL in the Chrome navigation bar.

1. Enter chrome://extensions in the navigation bar in Chrome or use the menu button (the three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner of Chrome to access the More tools > Extensions option.

   

2. Next to the extension you want to manage, slide the toggle to the left to disable it or click Remove to delete it and click again to confirm. To re-enable an extension, slide the toggle to the right.

   

If you delete a Chrome extension that you didn't install and suspect it was installed by a malicious program, select the Report abuse check box before confirming the deletion to tell Chrome that the extension might not be trustworthy.

Re-enabling extensions in Chrome is as easy as going back to the Extensions screen and checking the box next to Enable.

How to Disable a Chrome Plug-In

Chrome plug-ins are managed through the Chrome Content Settings window.

1. Go to chrome://settings/content or open the Chrome menu and select Settings.

   

2. Click Privacy and security > Site Settings.

   

3. Scroll to the plug-in you want to control and click it.

   

4. Click the toggle switch to turn on or turn off the plug-in. You may also see Block and Allow sections where you can input specific websites on which to disable (or enable) the plug-in.

   

   You can also get alerts when a site wants to use a plug-in. On the Site Settings screen, click Unsandboxed plug-in access, and toggle on Ask when a site wants to use a plug-in to access your computer.