Top 7 Ways to Remove Chrome Extensions Permanently
2. Remove extensions from the extensions screen
If you do not see the Chrome extension you wish to remove listed next to the Chrome address bar, it's time to dive into the Extensions screen. Open the Chrome menu, point to Tools, and click Extensions to do that.
On the Chrome extensions screen that appears, you will see a list of all the extensions you have installed. Locate the extension that you want to remove, and then click Remove to uninstall it.
3. Use Extension Manager
If you regularly use many extensions, consider using a dedicated extension manager to manage them. In addition to easily enabling and disabling installed add-ons, these extension managers also allow you to remove extensions quickly and efficiently, often with one click.
Extension managers such as NooBoos and SimpleExtManager are some of the best. Here is a complete list of the best extension managers for Chrome.
4. Clean the computer tool
Sometimes you will encounter extensions that can not be deleted normally. These extensions usually carry a malicious intent, which means that they will not feature the uninstall option or will be reinstalled automatically later. Even worse, they can also hijack some browser functions.
If this is the case, try using Chrome's built-in cleaning tool. This tool scans your computer for malicious add-ons and other harmful software that affect Chrome, and removes them if it detects them.
To start a scan, type chrome: // settings / cleaning in the address bar of a new tab, then press Enter. On the screen that appears, click Search.
5. Forcibly remove the extensions
If Chrome's built-in cleaning tool fails to remove problematic add-ons, it's time to use Revo Uninstaller Pro. This software removal utility offers the ability to forcefully remove extensions. Revo Uninstaller Pro is a paid product, but a 30-day trial period (no billing information is required) is more than enough for the task at hand.
After installing Revo Uninstaller Pro, open it, and then click Browser Extensions to launch an analysis of all installed browser extensions. Once the results are generated, select the extension you want to delete, and then click Delete. Repeat the operation for any other extensions that you want to remove.
6. Reset Chrome
Resetting Chrome is another effective way to remove problematic extensions. The reset procedure disables all Chrome extensions. You can then remove the malicious add-ons quite easily.
However, resetting Chrome will also remove your browser cache and cookies, including custom start pages, search engines, and pinned tabs. Passwords and bookmarks will remain intact. However, it's a good idea to sign in to Chrome (if you have not done so already) and first sync your data to Google's servers to be safer.
To reset Chrome, type chrome: // settings / reset in a new tab, then press Enter. On the screen that appears, click Restore default settings.
In the confirmation dialog box, click Reset Settings to confirm. When the reset procedure is complete, go to the Extensions screen (Chrome menu> Tools> Extensions) and remove the unwanted extensions.
7. Reinstall Chrome
If resetting Chrome did not help you, you should consider reinstalling it. However, it is best to completely remove Chrome, including the remaining files and registry items, to prevent any malicious extension from hijacking the browser again. Using Revo Uninstaller (the free version or the Pro version) is the most convenient way to do it.
Before you remove Chrome, you must also make sure that Chrome Sync for apps and extensions is disabled. This prevents the browser from automatically resynchronizing problematic add-ons after reinstalling Chrome.
To do this, copy and paste chrome: // parameters / syncSetup / advanced In the URL bar, press Enter, and then disable the switches on Applications and Extensions.
However, it also means that you must install all your other Chrome extensions manually after reinstalling Chrome. Do not forget to write them down.
Warning: You will lose all locally stored data during the delete process, including saved passwords, bookmarks, and auto-populate data. Before continuing, make sure the other switches in the Manage Sync screen are enabled. This will ensure a safe backup of your data on Google's servers.
After installing Revo Uninstaller, open it. In the application list, right-click on Google Chrome and select Uninstall.
Be sure to set the scan mode to Advanced. During the uninstall procedure, delete all registry entries associated with Chrome. Also delete the remaining files and folders detected by Revo Uninstaller.
After the removal process, restart your computer and download and reinstall Google Chrome.
After the reinstallation procedure, reconnect to Chrome. Most likely, unwanted add-ons are removed. It is now time to go to the Chrome Web Store and manually install the important extensions.
Extension = Done
As you have seen, removing an extension is usually a pretty easy task. But malicious extensions can make things too difficult. Before you install an extension, always make sure to check the notes and comments of the user.
In this way, you will avoid the worst. You will not waste time trying to delete them using some of the more complex methods listed above. Of course, avoid installing extensions outside the Chrome Web Store at all costs.
Then: Did you know that you can install Chrome extensions in the Chrome version of Microsoft Edge? Here's how to do that.