Chrome extensions are easy to install and easy to forget. Over time, the toolbar can fill with icons, and unused extensions can slow Chrome down or increase privacy risk. Every installed extension lives in one management page where you can disable, remove, pin, or inspect it.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook when you want to see installed extensions, pause one temporarily, remove one permanently, or clean up the toolbar.
Open the extensions manager
This shows every extension, whether or not it is pinned to the toolbar.
- Click the puzzle-piece icon near the address bar.
- Choose Manage extensions. If you do not see the puzzle icon, use the three-dot menu and find Extensions.
- Review the full list of installed extensions.
- Use each extension card to toggle, remove, or open details.
Disable an extension without removing it
Disable when you want to test a problem or pause an extension you may use later.
- Find the extension in Manage extensions.
- Click its blue toggle so it turns gray.
- The extension stops running immediately.
- Return later and switch the toggle on if you need it again.
Disabled extensions keep their settings, but they no longer appear in the toolbar or run in the background.
Remove an extension completely
Remove when you are sure you no longer want it.
- Open Manage extensions, or right-click the extension icon in the toolbar.
- Click Remove on its card, or choose Remove from Chrome.
- Confirm with Remove.
Removing an extension deletes it and its local settings. To use it again later, reinstall it from the Chrome Web Store.
More control
Pin only the icons you use
Click the puzzle-piece icon and use the pin beside extensions you want visible. Unpinned extensions still work but stay tucked in the menu.
Review site access
Click Details on an extension and read Site access and Permissions. An extension with access to read and change data on all websites deserves extra trust and regular review.
Pay attention to Chrome warnings
Chrome may flag extensions that are harmful, unsupported, or removed from the Web Store. If you do not recognize a warned extension, removing it is usually the right move.
Some extensions are managed
Work or school Chrome installs may include extensions locked by policy. If an extension cannot be disabled, it may be controlled by your organization.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Add, turn off, or remove extensions in Chrome (2025)
- Google Chrome Help – Manage extensions in Chrome (2025)
- Chrome Web Store – Extensions help center (2025)