Google announced today that it will begin prohibiting the Chrome extensions that were installed outside of the Chrome Web Store (CWS).
Google has decided to examine extensions carefully and change the procedure for installing third-party extensions.
The new change seems to only affect Windows users for the time being.
Previously installed extensions you’re using that didn’t come from the Web Store may also be automatically disabled.
You will not have the access to re-enable or re-install these extensions unless they enter the Chrome Web Store.
“Malware can change how browsers work by silently installing extensions on your machine that do things like inject ads or track your browsing activity,” Google said in a blog post announcing the policy enforcement. “If you notice strange ads, broken web pages or sluggish browsing after installing some new software or plugins, you could be affected.”
Click the three-line button at the top right-hand corner and select ‘Help’.
As an updating process, chrome will automatically initiate it, and will ask the user to reload and relaunch the web browser.
Step 1
First download the *.CRX (Chrome extension) file from a third-party source. A pop-up will appear at the bottom of Chrome. Click on Continue from the ‘Continue’ and ‘Discard’ option. The user won’t get any prompt to install it.
Step 2
Click the three-line button at the top right-hand corner. Go to Tools > Extensions, then check in the box next to ‘Developer’ mode at the top of the page.
Step 3
The user has to locate a *.CRX file on his computer system, then drag and drop it on the ‘Extensions’ page. To confirm the installation a pop-up window will appear showing the permissions the extension contains. Just click add to complete the installation.
