Browser add-ons can add many features, but too many can slow down the program. Some add-ons are even dangerous and a threat to your personal information. Removing add-ons you don't use will allow you to return your browsers to normal operation and protect your personal data.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Internet Explorer
Step 1. Open the add-ons manager
If you have an add-on or toolbar that you no longer want to use, you can remove it from Internet Explorer. To do this, click on Tools → Manage Add-ons.
Step 2. Select "Toolbars and Extensions"
You can find it in the left pane, and it's usually the default entry. In the main pane of the window you will see the list of installed add-ons.
Step 3. Select the add-on to remove
A single program can install more than one. Click Disable to disable the extensions.
Step 4. Uninstall the add-on
After disabling it, you will need to uninstall it from your computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open the Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add / Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Find the add-on in the list of installed programs. Loading the complete program list may take a while.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. You will find it at the top of the list.
Step 5. Use an anti-malware program to remove stubborn toolbars
If you can't get rid of a toolbar, it's probably malicious software, requiring multiple steps to get rid of.
Method 2 of 4: Chrome
Step 1. Open the add-ons manager
If you have an add-on or toolbar that you no longer want to use, you can remove it from Chrome. Add-ons on Chrome are called "Extensions". Click the Menu button (☰), select Tools → Extensions. A new tab will open with a list of all installed extensions.
Step 2. Select the add-on to remove
You can scroll down if there are too many extensions for just one screen.
Step 3. Click the trash can icon to delete the add-on
Confirm the removal of the component by clicking Remove.
Step 4. Uninstall the add-on
After disabling it, you will need to uninstall it from your computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open the Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add / Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Find the add-on in the list of installed programs. Loading the complete program list may take a while.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. You will find it at the top of the list.
Step 5. Use an anti-malware program to remove stubborn toolbars
If you can't get rid of a toolbar, it's probably malicious software, requiring multiple steps to get rid of.
Method 3 of 4: Firefox
Step 1. Open the add-ons manager
Click the Menu button (☰) and select "Add-ons". This will open a new tab with the list of add-ons, called "extensions" on Firefox. If you don't see the "Extensions" tab, click on it on the left side of the page.
Step 2. Select the add-on to remove
Click Remove to uninstall the add-on.
Step 3. Restart Firefox
You will need to restart your browser to complete the operation.
Step 4. Uninstall the add-on
After disabling it, you will need to uninstall it from your computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open the Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add / Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Find the add-on in the list of installed programs. Loading the complete program list may take a while.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. You will find it at the top of the list.
Step 5. Use an anti-malware program to remove stubborn toolbars
If you can't get rid of a toolbar, it's probably malicious software, requiring multiple steps to get rid of.
Method 4 of 4: Safari
Step 1. Open the list of installed plugins
On Safari, add-ons are called "plug-ins". Click on Help → Plug-ins Installed. A new page will open with all plugins installed.
Step 2. Find the plugins to remove
You will see the filename of the plugin (for example the QuickTime file is called "QuickTime Plugin.plugin"). You won't be able to uninstall the plug-in from within Sagari, so make a note of the file name.
Step 3. Enable the Library folder
On OS X the Library folder is hidden, and is the location where add-on files are saved. You will need to make the Library folder visible to find the file you are looking for.
- Open the Home folder in the Finder.
- Click on View → Show View Options.
- Check the "Show Library Folder" folder.
Step 4. Find the plugins to remove
Refer to the file you wrote in Step 2. Navigate to the folder that contains the plug-in files. You can find them in Library / Internet Plug-Ins / or ~ / Library / Internet Plug-ins /.
Step 5. Delete the file
Click and drag the plugin file to the Trash. Restart Safari for the changes to take effect.
