The fastest way to disable an extension
Open Chrome and click the puzzle piece icon in the top right corner of your browser window. This icon shows all your installed extensions. Find the extension you want to turn off, then click the eye with a slash through it (the hide icon) next to its name. The extension is now disabled — it will not run, but it stays installed on your device.
If you do not see the puzzle piece icon, your extensions may be hidden. Click the three vertical dots (the menu icon) in the top right corner instead, then select Extensions and Manage extensions. You will see the same list and the same hide button for each one.
Disabling is different from removing. A disabled extension takes up almost no resources and can be turned back on later with one click. Removing deletes it entirely. Most of the time, disabling is what you want — it lets you test whether an extension is causing a problem without losing it.
Key Takeaways
- Click the puzzle piece icon in the top right corner of Chrome to see all your extensions and disable any of them with one click.
- A disabled extension stops running but stays on your Chromebook, so you can turn it back on later without reinstalling.
- If an extension is slowing down your Chromebook or causing problems, disabling it is the first thing to try before removing it.
- You can disable extensions one at a time to figure out which one is causing a specific problem.
- Some extensions run in the background even when you are not using them, so disabling unused ones can improve battery life.
Why you might want to disable an extension
Extensions use memory and battery power, even when you are not actively using them. If your Chromebook is running slowly, or if the battery drains faster than usual, a misbehaving extension could be the cause. Disabling extensions one at a time helps you figure out which one is the problem.
Some extensions also request access to your browsing history, passwords, or the websites you visit. If you installed an extension months ago and no longer use it, disabling it removes that access without the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling later. You might also disable an extension temporarily while troubleshooting a website that is not loading correctly.
How to disable all extensions at once
If you want to turn off every extension quickly — for example, to test whether extensions are causing a problem — go to chrome://extensions in your address bar and press Enter. At the top left of the page, toggle the Developer mode switch off and on again. This will disable all extensions temporarily.
A faster method is to use Guest mode. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of Chrome and select Guest. Guest mode runs Chrome without any extensions, so you can test whether a problem goes away. When you close the guest window and return to your normal account, all your extensions will be back and enabled.
Re-enabling an extension you disabled
Click the puzzle piece icon again and find the extension you want to turn back on. Instead of the hide icon, you will now see an eye icon. Click it to re-enable the extension. The extension will start running again when ready.
If you cannot find the extension in the list, it may have been removed instead of disabled. Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension by name, and click Add to Chrome to reinstall it.
Removing an extension instead of disabling it
If you are sure you will not use an extension again, you can remove it completely. Click the puzzle piece icon, find the extension, and click the trash icon (or the three dots menu and select Remove from Chrome). The extension will be deleted from your Chromebook.
Removing an extension frees up a small amount of storage space and removes any permissions it had. However, if you change your mind later, you will need to reinstall it from the Chrome Web Store. For extensions you use occasionally, disabling is usually the better choice.
What to do if disabling an extension does not help
If your Chromebook is still slow after disabling extensions, the problem may be something else. Too many open browser tabs, a full hard drive, or outdated software can all cause slowdowns. Try closing unused tabs, clearing your browsing cache, and checking for Chrome updates by clicking the three dots menu and selecting About Google Chrome.
If a website is not working correctly and you suspect an extension, try opening the site in Guest mode (which has no extensions). If the site works in Guest mode but not in your normal account, an extension is definitely the problem. You can then disable extensions one at a time in your normal account until the site works again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling an extension delete my data or settings?
No. Disabling an extension pauses it but keeps all its data and settings intact. When you re-enable it, everything will be exactly as you left it. Only removing an extension deletes its data.
Can I disable extensions on a school or work Chromebook?
It depends on your administrator's settings. Some school and work Chromebooks have restrictions that prevent you from managing extensions. If you cannot see the puzzle piece icon or the disable option, contact your IT department or school administrator.
Do disabled extensions still use battery power?
Disabled extensions use almost no battery power or memory. They are completely paused. If you want to save battery, disabling unused extensions is worth doing, especially ones that run in the background.
What is the difference between disabling and removing an extension?
Disabling turns an extension off but keeps it installed, so you can turn it back on later. Removing deletes it entirely. Disabling is better if you might use the extension again; removing is better if you are certain you will not.
Why does Chrome ask for permission when I disable an extension?
Chrome does not usually ask for permission to disable an extension. If you see a permission prompt, you may be trying to remove the extension instead. Check whether you clicked the hide icon (disable) or the trash icon (remove).