Google Chrome is ending support for popular ad blockers, including uBlock Origin, as part of the move to Manifest V3. However, users can keep old extensions running for up to a year by editing the Windows registry.
Ad blockers under threat
New era of Chrome: the end of uBlock Origin
Due to the transition to Manifest V3, the Google Chrome browser will no longer support uBlock Origin and other popular ad blockers. The uBlock Origin developers have already released a lightweight version of the extension that is compatible with the new manifest. However, due to permission restrictions, this version will be less effective at blocking ads.
Alternative solutions
For those who are not ready to give up their usual blockers, there are several options. You can switch to Mozilla Firefox or use Reddit's advice on changing the Windows registry.
Windows Registry Trick
Reddit user TeamDJ suggested a way to extend support for Manifest V2 extensions using the Windows registry policy ExtensionManifestV2Availability. Although this feature is intended for enterprise users, it can be used on any PC.
Step-by-step instructions
- Launch Registry Editor
- Find the path ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesGoogleChrome
- In the Chrome folder, create a new DWORD value (32-bit)
- Name it ExtensionManifestV2Availability
- Set hex value to 2
Check settings
To make sure everything is done correctly, enter chrome://policy in the Chrome address bar. You should see the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy with a value of 2. If not, update the policies and check again. After restarting your computer, old extensions will continue to work in Chrome until June 2025.
Glossary
- Google Chrome is a popular web browser from Google
- uBlock Origin - an effective ad blocker for browsers
- Manifest V3 - a new version of the extension specification for Chrome browsers
- Mozilla Firefox - Alternative open source web browser
- Reddit - Social news site and forum
Links
Questions answered
What's going on with ad blockers in Google Chrome?
How can I continue to use my old extensions in Chrome?
What alternatives are there for ad blocker users?
How can I check if setting the registry to support older extensions is working?
How long will the workaround for old extensions last?
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Discussion of the topic – How to extend the life of ad blockers in Google Chrome for a whole year
Google Chrome is ending support for popular ad blockers with the move to Manifest V3. The article tells how users can extend the operation of their favorite extensions for a year by changing the Windows registry settings. There is also mention of a lightweight version of uBlock Origin being released for Manifest V3.
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Liam
Guys, have you heard the news? Google Chrome is ending support for uBlock Origin and other ad blockers. What do you think about this? 🤔
Sophie
Yes, Liam, it's quite annoying. I'm so used to uBlock Origin. But it seems there is a way to bypass this limitation by modifying the Windows registry. Has anyone tried it?
Giovanni
Sophie, I read about this! It seems that the ExtensionManifestV2Availability setting in the registry needs to be changed. This should extend support for older extensions for another year. But I haven’t dared to try it yet 😅
Isabella
I've already switched to Firefox. There are no problems with blockers there. Plus, I think it works faster 🚀
Hans
It's all nonsense. Why are these blockers needed at all? We used to live without them and nothing was wrong, it was normal. They just fool people's minds with their newfangled gadgets.
Liam
Hans, what about without blockers? Advertising is so annoying sometimes, especially on news sites. Giovanni, thanks for the info about the registry, I’ll have to try it 👍
Sophie
Isabella, have you tried uBlock Origin Lite? They say it was released specifically for Manifest V3. True, it is not as powerful as the original version 😕
Giovanni
By the way, I found detailed instructions on how to change the registry. It doesn't look very difficult. Liam, Sophie, I can share if interested. The main thing is to be careful when working with the registry 🛠️