RELATED: How to Uninstall Extensions in Chrome, Firefox, and Other Browsers How to Permanently Disable Extensions, Browser-by-Browser Doing so simply leaves a giant door open for everything from stealthy tracking extensions to spy on them or malware extensions to pop up and scam them with fake tech support. So for those of you that are on top of your security game, only use browser extensions from known and reputable companies, and frequently check in to make sure your browser hasn’t been hijacked by scummy extensions, by all means keep using those few and wonderful extensions you love.įor everyone else, however, there’s no good reason to leave their browser’s extension system active when they’re not even using it. When they’re written by scummy companies that install them automatically to spy on you or outright hijack your web browser, browser extensions are a nightmare. When extensions come from a reputable company (like LastPass) and perform a useful function (like helping your create and use strong passwords), browser extensions are really awesome. I asked them what it was, and they responded: “What’s a browser extension?” These are the people for whom browser extensions should just be disabled. I was recently helping a relative with their computer problem, and saw they had a browser extension I didn’t recognize. This article isn’t for you–it’s for the people who don’t use them, and are more likely to harm their computer by allowing them. If you use and love web browser extensions, great. RELATED: Warning: Your Browser Extensions Are Spying On You Why You Might Want to Turn Browser Extensions Off If you don’t use extensions (or someone you know doesn’t), here’s how to disable extensions entirely. Browser extensions can be incredibly useful, but install the wrong one, and you’ll open yourself up to security risks.

Start chrome with extensions disabled