Google Chrome could be about to disable some of your most-loved browser extensions for good
These Chrome extensions need to be updated immediately
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Googlehas been on the offensive in recent months, revealing (and delaying) a handful of plans to modernize Chrome’s architecture - and one such plan, set to come into effect soon, could stop you using some of your favoritebrowserextensions.
This particular initiative will see Manifest V2 tools stop working by early 2025 as part of the company’s effort to enhance security, privacy and performance.
The change will meanChrome extensionswill need to comply with the Manifest V3 specification, and any extension developers failing to keep up-to-date will pay the price by losing users.
Manifest V2 Chrome extensions set to lose support
The good news is that more than 85% of the actively maintained extensions available in the Chrome Web Store are running Manifest V3, including a number of content filtering extensions. The specification previously came under fire for its impact on ad blockers, butChromeexpanded its functionality in response to criticism.
For those on the Chrome Beta, Dev and Canary channels, a warning banner on chrome://extensions will be shown from June 3. Google will also start removing the ‘Featured’ badge from any Manifest V2 extensions.
The phase-out process will continue with the gradual disabling of Manifest V2 extensions, and for a limited period, users will still have the option to re-enable their V2 extensions. As part of the transition, Chrome will also guide users towards V3 alternatives in the Web Store.
The companysummarized: “The changes will be rolled out over the coming months to Chrome Stable, with the goal of completing the transition by the beginning of next year.”
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
More from TechRadar Pro
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
LG Electronics sets ambitious B2B revenue goal to offset declining consumer demand
New fanless cooling technology enhances energy efficiency for AI workloads by achieving a 90% reduction in cooling power consumption
Phishing attacks surge in 2024 as cybercriminals adopt AI tools and multi-channel tactics
