How to Manage Browser Extensions

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Access the extensions management panel

   In Google Chrome, enter chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter. In Safari, navigate to Safari > Settings in the menu bar and select the Extensions tab.

   Note: On Windows, use Ctrl + E to open browser shortcuts if available.
2. 1 min

   Review installed extensions

   Examine the list of all active and inactive extensions currently installed in your browser. Identify tools that you no longer recognize or use daily to reduce unnecessary background memory usage.

   Note: Look for extensions with broad access permissions, as these present the highest security risk.
3. 30 sec

   Disable unused extensions

   Locate the toggle switch next to each extension. Click the toggle to disable any plugin you do not currently require, effectively pausing its execution without removing the configuration files.

   Note: Disabling extensions is safer than removing them if you intend to use them intermittently.
4. 30 sec

   Delete unwanted extensions

   Select the Remove or Uninstall button associated with the extension. Confirm the action in the browser prompt to permanently delete the extension and its associated data.

   Note: Removing an extension will not delete your account data stored on the extension developer's remote server.
5. 1 min

   Adjust site access permissions

   Click the Details button on an extension to review its site access settings. Restrict extensions to only run on specific websites rather than all sites to limit potential data exposure.

   Note: Choosing 'On click' ensures an extension only activates when you manually trigger it via the browser toolbar.