How to manage Chrome extensions

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for managing Chrome extensions.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Managing Chrome extensions involves enabling, disabling, or removing extensions to enhance your browsing experience. This can be accomplished through the Chrome browser settings or directly from the Chrome Web Store.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before managing Chrome extensions, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A computer running Windows 10/11, macOS, or a compatible Linux distribution.
  • •Google Chrome installed (latest version recommended).
  • •Internet access to download or update extensions.
  • •Administrative access to install or remove extensions if required.

Method 1: Using Chrome Settings

This method is the primary way to manage extensions directly from the Chrome browser settings.
  • •Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
  • •Step 2: Select 'More tools' from the dropdown menu, then click on 'Extensions'.
  • •Step 3: You will see a list of installed extensions. To disable an extension, toggle the switch to the left; to remove it, click on the 'Remove' button.
  • •Step 4: To verify changes, refresh the page or check the extension's status in the list.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users will find the interface slightly different but the steps remain the same.
  • •Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the Start menu, then select Chrome.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same steps as above to access 'Extensions'.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can follow the same steps as outlined above.
  • •Step 1: Open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots (⋮).
  • •Step 2: Navigate to 'More tools' and then 'Extensions'.

Method 2: Using Chrome Web Store

This method is useful for managing extensions from the source where they were installed.
  • •Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Web Store (https://chrome.google.com/webstore).
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Extensions' in the left sidebar to view available extensions.
  • •Step 3: To manage an installed extension, click on 'Manage your extensions' at the top right.
  • •Step 4: Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to disable or remove extensions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions for common issues related to Chrome extensions.
  • •Error: 'Extension not responding' - Solution: Disable the extension and restart Chrome.
  • •Issue: 'Chrome crashes on startup' - Fix: Start Chrome in incognito mode (Ctrl + Shift + N) to disable all extensions temporarily.
  • •Problem: 'Extension missing' - Workaround: Reinstall the extension from the Chrome Web Store.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some tips for power users managing Chrome extensions.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + B - Toggles the bookmarks bar, which can help manage extensions quickly.
  • •Command line: chrome://extensions/ - Directly access the extensions page.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Keyboard shortcuts for extensions' - Access this via 'chrome://extensions/shortcuts' to customize shortcuts for each extension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly review and manage your extensions to ensure optimal performance and security.