The add-ons of an internet browser are represented by extensions and plugins produced by third parties for the purpose of improving the user experience. This type of products have the ability to customize and improve one or more of the features offered by the internet browser on which they are installed. If a particular add-on is no longer required, you can disable its use by the browser or completely uninstall it from your computer. This article shows the simple procedure to follow using one of the most popular browsers.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Google Chrome
Step 1. Access the Google Chrome main menu by pressing the "☰" button
It is located in the upper right corner of the browser window.
Extensions are not installable on the mobile version of Chrome
Step 2. Choose "More Tools", then select the "Extensions" option
This will display the page relating to the extensions installed in the browser. Alternatively, you can use the special chrome: // extensions / URL by typing it into the Chrome address bar.
Step 3. Find the extension you want to disable
The complete list of all extensions installed in the browser will be displayed; scroll through it to locate the one you want to disable or uninstall.
Step 4. Uncheck the "Enable" checkbox
In this way the extension in question will be automatically deactivated.
Step 5. If you need to uninstall an extension, click its trash can icon
In this case, the selected item will be permanently removed from the system, so if you need to use it again in the future, you will need to install it first.
Step 6. Reset Google Chrome settings to disable all active extensions at the same time
If you have lost control of the extensions installed on Chrome, by doing a factory reset you will be able to disable them all in a single step.
- Access the Google Chrome main menu by pressing the "☰" button, then choose the "Settings" option.
- Click the "Show advanced settings" link at the end of the menu that appeared.
- Scroll through the whole new section of options to locate and hit the "Reset Settings" button. At this point, confirm your willingness to restore the default settings of Google Chrome.
Step 7. If some extensions are not disabled, run a system scan with anti-malware software
If you are having trouble uninstalling or disabling a third-party extension or toolbar, it is highly likely that it is malware. Download software specifically designed to correct this type of problem, such as AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes, and use it to scan your entire computer. These free programs are capable of removing most malicious programs.
See this article for more information on how to get rid of malware or adware from your computer
Method 2 of 5: Internet Explorer
Step 1. Press the "Tools" button, characterized by a gear icon, then choose the "Manage add-ons" item
This will bring up the new "Manage Add-ons" window.
- If the gear icon is not visible, go to the "Tools" menu, then select the "Manage add-ons" item. If the menu bar is not visible, simply press the alt="Image" key on your keyboard.
- Note: Add-ons cannot be installed on the version of Internet Explorer for mobile devices or for the new Windows interface called "Metro".
Step 2. Press the "All Add-ons" button located within the "Show" menu
This will show you a list of all add-ons installed in your browser, including those that were hidden by default.
Step 3. Locate the item you want to disable
Add-ons are listed in the "Toolbars and Extensions" section of the "Manage Add-ons" window. All currently active items will be marked with "Activated" in the "Status" column.
Step 4. Select the add-on to disable, then press the "Disable" button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window and appears only after selecting an item from the list.
Step 5. Confirm your action
You will be asked to confirm your desire to disable the chosen component, and you will also be informed of all related elements that will eventually be disabled.
Step 6. Press the "Remove" button to uninstall the selected component (only if possible)
Not all add-ons can be uninstalled, as some are essential for Internet Explorer and Windows to function properly. If an add-on can be uninstalled, its "Remove" button will appear next to the "Enable" and "Disable" buttons.
Step 7. Disable all installed components at the same time by resetting Internet Explorer
If you have lost control of the toolbars and add-ons installed in your browser, you can perform a factory reset of Internet Explorer to disable them all in a single step.
- Press the "Tools" button and select "Internet Options".
- Go to the "Advanced" tab, then hit the "Reset" button. Press the appeared "Reset" button again to confirm your action.
Step 8. If you are unable to disable or uninstall some specific extensions, scan your computer for malware
If you are unable to remove a toolbar or are continually bombarded with pop-up advertising windows, it means that your computer is most likely infected with adware. Download AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes Antimalware to scan your computer and eliminate any malicious programs detected. Both of the above software are completely free.
See this article for more information on how to get rid of malware or adware from your computer
Method 3 of 5: Firefox
Step 1. Access the Firefox main menu by pressing the "☰" button, then choose "Add-ons"
This will bring up the "Manage Add-ons" window.
The mobile version of Firefox does not support installing add-ons
Step 2. Go to the "Extensions" tab on the left of the page
This will display the complete list of all extensions currently installed in the browser.
Step 3. Press the "Deactivate" button next to the item you want to disable
In this way, the selected extension will be immediately deactivated.
Step 4. If you need to completely uninstall the chosen item, press the "Remove" button
If you still need to use this tool in the future, you will need to reinstall it first. To reinstall the last deleted component now, you can press the "Undo" button.
Step 5. Reset Firefox to default settings to remove all installed extensions at the same time
Unlike other internet browsers, Firefox doesn't just disable existing extensions, it uninstalls them completely.
- Access the Firefox main menu by pressing the "☰" button, then choose the "?" Item.
- Select the "Troubleshoot" option and choose the "Reset Firefox" option. After confirming your action, Firefox will reset to default settings and all installed extensions will be deleted.
Step 6. If some add-ons cannot be removed, scan your computer using anti-malware software
If you are having trouble getting rid of a toolbar or other extension, your system is most likely infected with adware or malware. Scan using AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes Antimalware - two powerful programs that can automatically detect and remove most malicious software. Both are completely free.
See this article for more information on how to get rid of malware or adware from your computer
Method 4 of 5: Safari
Step 1. Access the "Safari" menu, then choose the "Preferences" option
This will display the "Preferences" window relating to the Safari configuration settings.
The mobile version of Safari does not support installing add-ons
Step 2. Go to the "Extensions" tab
The complete list of all extensions currently installed in the browser will be displayed in the left pane of the window in question.
Step 3. Select the extension you want to disable
The detailed information about the chosen item will be shown in the right pane of the window.
Step 4. Uncheck the "Enable" button to disable the use of the selected extension
The latter will be disabled immediately.
Step 5. To simultaneously disable all installed extensions, move the cursor located in the upper right part of the window to the "Inactive" position
Step 6. To uninstall a specific extension, press the "Uninstall" button after selecting it from the list
This way, the chosen item will be completely removed from your computer.
Step 7. Download Malwarebytes for Mac and use it to run a system scan if you are having difficulty uninstalling a toolbar
It is a well-known anti-malware software, initially produced under the name of AdwareMedic, which after the acquisition of the project by Malwarebytes was renamed to "Malwarebytes for Mac". It is free software that can detect and eliminate most adware.
See this article for detailed information on how to remove adware from a Mac
Method 5 of 5: Opera
Step 1. Enter the "Opera" menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the browser window.
The mobile version of Opera does not support the installation of add-ons
Step 2. Choose the "Extensions" item, then select the "Manage extensions" option
This will bring up the "Extensions" tab. Alternatively, you can press the hotkey combination Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + E.
Step 3. Press the "Deactivate" button for the extension you wish to disable
The latter will be deactivated immediately.
Step 4. If you want to uninstall a specific extension, click the "X" icon in the upper right corner of the extension you wish to remove
You will be asked to confirm your decision to permanently remove the chosen item.
Step 5. If you can't get rid of a toolbar or are bombarded with a lot of pop-up advertising windows, scan your computer with anti-adware software
If you find yourself in this situation, it is very likely that the cause is adware or malware. Scan using Malwarebytes Antimalware and AdwCleaner to find and remove most adware. Both programs are completely free.
