Problems with websites are often caused by third-party add-ons for your web browser. These may also be called “Extensions” or “Plugins”, depending on the browser you have chosen.
A browser extension is a small software application that brings a new feature or functionality to a web browser. With browser extensions, you can control how websites are displayed and perform, as well as add additional functionality to your browser.
Internet Explorer was the first browser to support extensions, followed by Mozilla’s Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft’s Edge.
Extensions are important and very numerous whether it is for games, notifications, translations… thousands and thousands of them exist on anything that comes to your head, and you want the solution.
First of all, be aware that not all extensions are safe to use and to only install extensions that you trust, because an abusive extension can easily record your typing to steal passwords and personal information. The extension might secretly forward your search experience elsewhere or even sell out your web browsing history and information for ads.
The extensions work permanently in your browser. They run when you check your social media accounts, when you deposit money from your online bank and when you enter your credit card information to shop online for goods and services.
Now, let’s get back to the problems caused by the extensions and how to control them. Below are solutions that can help to disable Add-Ons in the most popular web browsers.
►For Chrome Browser
① To install Google Chrome extensions
↪ Go to the Google Chrome Web Store
↪ Search for the extension you want and select it
↪ Click Add to Chrome
↪ Click Add Extension to approve
② To manage your add-ons or extensions
↪ Open Google Chrome.
↪ Click on the three dots (⋮) at the top right corner, then click on More tools and finally on Extensions
Now make your modifications to the extension.
③ To enable extensions, access and modify site data
↪ Open Google Chrome
↪ Click on Extensions at the top right corner
↪ select the extension you want, Click More on the three dots (⋮) and point to This can read and change site data
The only thing this setting allows is for the extension to be accessed in the tab or window that is open when you click on the extension. Once you close the tab or window, the extension will need to be clicked to be enabled again.
This means that you can enable the extension to automatically read and modify data on the current website or on all sites.
④ To Uninstall an extension
↪ Find the extension’s icon on the right side of your address bar
↪ Right-click on the icon
↪ select Remove from Chrome
In case you are not able to see the extension icon:
↪ Open Google Chrome
↪ Click on the three dots (⋮) at the top right corner, then click on More tools and finally on Extensions
↪ Click on the extension you wish to remove
↪ Click on Remove to confirm
►For Firefox Browser
① To install Firefox extensions
↪ Go to Mozilla add-on page
↪ Search for the extension you want and select it
↪ Click Add to Firefox
↪ Click Add extension to approve
② To deactivate or turn off any extensions
↪ Click on the menu button in the upper right corner
↪ Click on Add-ons and Themes
↪ Select Extensions
↪ Scroll through the list of extensions
↪ Click on the blue button of the extension you wish to disable
To reactivate the extension again, find it in the list of extensions and hit its corresponding toggle button. When enabled, the toggle will turn blue.
③ To remove extensions
↪ Click on the menu button
↪ Click on Add-ons and Themes
↪ Select Extensions
↪ Scroll through the list of extensions
↪ Click on the ellipsis icon (⋯) of the extension you would like to delete
↪ Select Delete
►For Microsoft Edge Browser
① To add Microsoft Edge extensions
↪ Open Microsoft Edge
↪ At the top right corner of the browser, select Settings and More (Alt+F)
↪ Extensions
↪ Get Extensions for Microsoft Edge
↪ Select the extension you are looking to add
↪ Select Get
When asked what permissions the extension requires, carefully review the permissions and then select Add Extension.
You will see a prompt indicating that the extension has been added.
② To turn off an extension
↪ Open Microsoft Edge
↪ At the top right corner of the browser, select Settings and More (Alt+F)
↪ Extensions
↪ Manage extensions
↪ Select the switch next to the extension you wish to disable.
The icon of the extension next to the address bar will disappear.
③ To remove an extension
↪ Find the extension’s icon on the right side of your address bar
↪ Right-click on the icon
↪ select Remove from Microsoft Edge
In case you are not able to see the extension icon:
↪ Open Microsoft Edge
↪ At the top right corner of the browser, select Settings and More (Alt+F)
↪ Extensions
↪ Manage extensions
↪ Select Remove under the extension you want to remove
↪ Click on Remove again to confirm
The attached video will explain all the steps to follow for these browsers.
Finally, follow these steps to select the extensions that work best for your browser.
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