Google has announced plans to stop supporting extensions like uBlock Origin in the Chrome browser. The move, called Google Manifest 3, will affect many users who rely on uBlock Origin to block ads and intrusive content while browsing. However, there is a simple trick that Chrome and Edge users can use to continue using uBlock Origin for another year.
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Google Manifest V3
Google is changing the way extensions work in Chrome and Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc. The new extension framework called Manifest V3 will limit the capabilities of ad blockers. Extensions like uBlock Origin that use a lot of system resources will no longer be supported. This will stop them from working in Chrome and Edge.
How Happens Without uBlock Origin
Without uBlock Origin, users will be shown intrusive ads and popup ads again while browsing the web. Many websites have become bloated with advertisements these days. This can significantly slow down browsing and consume a lot of data. Users who care about privacy will also lose control over the third party trackers being loaded on websites.
Extend uBlock Origin For Another Year
Luckily, there is a workaround that allows users to continue using uBlock Origin and other classic extensions for one more year until June 2025. Google is providing enterprises with the option to extend support for the older extension framework called ExtensionManifestV2Availability. Home users can also take advantage of this by making one simple change in the Windows Registry.
How to Enable the Workaround
The following steps need to be followed to enable the Manifest V2 workaround:
- 1. Activate the Start button and type regedit.exe.
- 2. Open the Registry Editor
- 3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
- 4. Right-click on Chrome and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value.
- 5. Create a new DWord value called “ExtensionManifestV2Availability”
- 6. Set the value of the new DWord to 2 by double-clicking on it.
- 7. Restart Chrome and Edge for the change to take effect
This will enable the enterprise policy that extends Manifest V2 support until June 2025. Users can continue blocking ads comfortably for another year using this ad blocker.
Going Forward
While this is not a permanent solution, it buys ad-blocking enthusiasts some more time to find effective alternatives before Google phases out popular ad blockers. With patience and creativity, users will hopefully overcome this new challenge to their online privacy and smooth browsing experience.
| Related: Google Chrome Warns the Removal of Popular Ad Blocker uBlock Origin
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