The short version
On a computer, open Chrome's menu and choose Extensions > Manage Extensions to review installed add-ons. Turn off an extension to test whether it is causing a problem, or choose Remove to uninstall it. Before adding a new extension, check its publisher and requested permissions, because some extensions can read or change data on sites you visit.
Open the extensions page
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Choose Extensions, then Manage Extensions.
- Review the list, including extensions you do not recognize or no longer use.
You can also type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter. On a work or school computer, an administrator may control which extensions can be installed or changed.
Temporarily turn an extension off
On the extension card, switch its toggle off. This disables the extension without removing its stored settings, so you can turn it on again later. If Chrome behaves unexpectedly, disable extensions one at a time and reload the page to identify whether one is involved.
Turning off an extension is also a useful first troubleshooting step for slow pages, conflicting toolbars, or features that stop working. If the problem continues with all extensions disabled, the cause may be elsewhere in Chrome or the website.
Remove an extension you no longer need
- On the extension card, select Remove.
- Confirm the removal when Chrome asks.
- Restart or reload the affected page and check whether the unwanted behavior has stopped.
You can also right-click a visible extension icon and choose Remove from Chrome. Removing is different from turning off: it uninstalls the extension from the browser. If you need it later, install it again from the Chrome Web Store and check its permissions before approving.
Review before installing
Open the extension's Chrome Web Store listing and check its name, publisher, description, and requested permissions. Install only software you trust and understand. If a permission request seems broader than the feature needs—for example, access to data on every site for a simple one-site tool—pause and look for an alternative.
Chrome may ask you to approve access to data or websites. Read the prompt before choosing Add extension. Avoid installing extensions from unfamiliar download sites or instructions that ask you to disable browser protections.
Extensions missing or controlled by an organization
If Chrome says the browser is managed, some settings may be controlled by your organization. On a personal computer, verify that Chrome is signed in to the expected profile; each profile has its own extensions. If an extension keeps returning after removal, check whether another desktop program or a managed policy is reinstalling it.
Keep the number of extensions small and review them occasionally. An extension that is no longer maintained or needed is another piece of software with access to your browsing environment. Remove it rather than leaving it enabled indefinitely.