The Google Chrome extension ecosystem is extensive. They can help you save and track time, switch between tabs seamlessly, and increase your productivity. However, sometimes, you may find yourself in a frustrating predicament when you can't remove an extension from Chrome. Fortunately, there are ways to resolve the issue and regain control over your Chrome extensions. Here are 5 fixes if you can't remove an extension from Chrome.
This issue is more common than you might think and can be caused by a variety of factors. You might be unable to uncheck the add-on, the remove option is grayed out, or you're seeing this message. This extension is managed and cannot be removed or disabled.And all of this can be resolved. So, if you can't remove Chrome extensions, read on as we explore the possible causes and solutions.
How to remove the extension from Chrome
Before diving into the solutions, let's first make sure you're using the right method.
Step 1: Open Chrome Click on the icon The three points From the upper right corner.
Step 2: Click Additions ثم Manage add-ons.
Step 3: Here, choose add which you want to remove and click on the details.
Step 5: Click Remove again to confirm.
You may no longer need the extension, it's slowing down your browser, or you're experiencing other issues, such as not being able to Copy and paste on Chrome Or VPN not working properly Due to a damaged or defective accessory.
At such times, it's wise to permanently remove or disable the extension that may be causing the problem. However, if you can't remove the extension from Chrome, our guide can help.
Fixes to try when you can't uninstall Chrome extensions
1. Check if the plugin is installed by your administrator.
It's important to determine whether the add-on you're trying to remove was installed by your administrator. Your office, university, or school may have installed the add-on for monitoring or administrative purposes.
It's worth noting that you can't remove Chrome extensions installed by an administrator unless they allow it or do so themselves. However, you can certainly check whether the extension was installed by an administrator and contact your IT department accordingly.
Note: To collect this information, you'll need to enable developer mode in Chrome. Check out the tutorial below to learn how.
Step 1: Open Chrome, click the icon Three dots → Add-ons → Manage add-ons.
Step 2: Switch to mode Developer From the upper right corner.
If you don't encounter such a message but still can't remove the extension from Chrome, try the following troubleshooting methods.
2. Delete Chrome extensions via File Explorer or Finder
If you can't remove extensions from the Chrome extensions page, here's an alternative method you can try.
Use Windows File Explorer
But before you can do that, you'll need to enable two settings,
- Enable developer mode in Chrome (open Chrome, click the three dots icon → Extensions → Manage extensions → Switch to developer mode).
- Show hidden files (Open File Explorer → View → Show → Hidden items.
Step 1: Open Chrome, Click on the icon Three dots → Add-ons → Manage add-ons.
Step 2: Scroll to add which you want to remove and note The identifier.
Step 3: Open File Explorer Copy and paste the following into the address bar. Replace: “Your username” With your username on your computer.
C:\Users\your username\Appdata\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
Step 4: Here, find the folder that matches the ID found on the Chrome Extensions page and delete it. vol.
Use Mac Finder
Step 1: Open Chrome, Click on the icon Three dots → Add-ons → Manage add-ons.
Step 2: Note the ID of the add-on you want to uninstall.
Step 3: After that, open Finder, Click Go from the menu bar, and then navigate to the folder (you can also use Cmd + Shift + G).
Step 4: Here, copy and paste the following:
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/Extensions
Step 5: Find a folder with the same add-on ID, right-click, and select Move to trash.
3. Reset Chrome settings
When you reset Chrome settings to their original settings,
- Resets changes to startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs.
- Disable all extensions.
- Clear temporary data such as Cookies and Cache.
- This will not affect your bookmarks and history.Saved passwords.
Although this procedure won't delete the extension, it may disable or reset an error or malware that's preventing you from removing it. Follow the instructions below to reset the settings.
Step 1: Open Chrome ← Click on the icon The three points ← Select Settings.
Step 2: Locate Reset settings from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click “Reset settings to their original defaults” And reset the settings again to confirm.
4. Use antivirus software.
These stubborn extensions may be due to malware or viruses on your device. You can use a reputable antivirus or antimalware program to not only identify the problem but also remove it from your device. All you need to do is run a comprehensive scan, be patient while the scan completes, and do the necessary—remove the malware if it's found.
Once finished, open Chrome to confirm that the extension has been automatically removed. If it hasn't, try removing it manually again. If the extension remains, follow this last resort.
5. Uninstall and reinstall Google Chrome
When you uninstall Google Chrome, data associated with it is also deleted, including any extensions installed on your device. While Google Sync can help restore your saved bookmarks, passwords, and other settings, it doesn't automatically install extensions.
So, sync your data to restore it later, and follow the instructions below to uninstall Google Chrome.
On Windows
To uninstall Google Chrome, click the icon. Windows → All Apps → Search for Google Chrome Select it → Right click and select uninstall.
On Mac
To uninstall an app from your Mac, Go to Finder → Applications → Google Chrome → Right click and select Move to Bin.
Remove Google Chrome extension easily
There could be several reasons why you're unable to remove extensions from Google Chrome. From lack of administrative permissions to malware, we've tried to provide solutions for every possibility. We hope you're enjoying this solution now, without a stubborn extension stuck in your browser.