Where to find Chrome extensions and how to install them
Chrome extensions live in the Chrome Web Store, which is Google's official marketplace for add-ons. You reach it by opening Chrome, clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner, selecting "More tools," then "Extensions." From there, a link at the top left says "Open Chrome Web Store" — that's where you search for and install new extensions.
Once you find an extension you want, the installation is one click. Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button, and a popup asks you to confirm. Click "Add extension," and it installs when ready. You'll see a confirmation message, and the extension icon usually appears in your toolbar at the top right of the browser window.
Some extensions ask for permission to read your browsing history, see your passwords, or access websites you visit. Chrome shows you exactly what the extension wants access to before you install it. Read that list — it tells you what the extension can actually do on your computer. If the permissions seem too broad for what the extension claims to do, you can skip it and look for another one.
Key Takeaways
- The Chrome Web Store is built into Chrome and accessible through the menu — you don't need to go anywhere else to find extensions.
- Installing an extension takes one click on "Add to Chrome," and it starts working when ready without restarting your browser.
- Chrome shows you what permissions each extension needs before you install it, so you can decide whether to trust it.
- Your installed extensions appear in the extensions menu (the puzzle piece icon) in your toolbar, where you can turn them on and off without uninstalling.
- Extensions from the official Chrome Web Store are reviewed by Google, but you should still check the reviews and the developer's name before installing.
Searching the Chrome Web Store for what you need
The Chrome Web Store search bar works like any other search. Type what you're looking for — "password manager," "ad blocker," "grammar checker" — and the store shows you matching extensions. Results are sorted by relevance and popularity by default, so the most widely used extensions appear first.
Each extension listing shows a star rating, the number of reviews, and a short description. Click on an extension to see the full description, screenshots, the developer's name, and user reviews. Read a few reviews before installing, especially if the extension has fewer than 100 reviews or if recent reviews mention problems. A developer's name that looks like a real company (not a random string of characters) is usually a good sign.
If you're not sure what you're looking for, browse by category. The Web Store has sections for productivity, security, shopping, and other categories. This is useful if you know you want a password manager but don't know which one, or if you're exploring what extensions exist for a task you do regularly.
Managing extensions you've already installed
Once an extension is installed, you'll see its icon in your toolbar. Click the puzzle piece icon (the extensions menu) to see all your installed extensions listed. From there, you can click the pin icon next to any extension to keep it visible in your toolbar, or unpin it to hide it and save space.
To turn an extension off without uninstalling it, click the toggle switch next to its name in the extensions menu. The extension stops working when ready, but it stays installed, so you can turn it back on later without searching for it again. This is useful if an extension is causing problems with a particular website or if you only need it sometimes.
To uninstall an extension completely, right-click its icon in the toolbar and select "Remove from Chrome," or go to the extensions menu, click the three dots next to the extension's name, and select "Remove from Chrome." Uninstalling doesn't delete your data — if you reinstall the same extension later, it usually remembers your settings.
What to do if an extension isn't working
If an extension stops working or behaves strangely, the first step is to turn it off and back on. Click the extensions menu, find the extension, and toggle it off. Wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. This fixes most temporary glitches.
If that doesn't work, check whether the extension needs permission to work on the website you're visiting. Some extensions only work on certain sites. Click the extension's icon and look for a message like "Click to allow this extension on [website]." If you see that, click it to grant permission.
If the extension still doesn't work, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from the Chrome Web Store. If it works after reinstalling, the problem was a corrupted installation. If it still doesn't work, check the extension's reviews or the developer's support page — other users may have reported the same problem and found a solution.
Keeping your extensions safe and up to date
Chrome updates extensions automatically in the background, so you don't have to do anything to keep them current. You can check for updates manually by going to the extensions menu, clicking the three dots in the top right, and selecting "Update extensions." Chrome will check for newer versions and install them if they're available.
Be cautious about which extensions you install. Stick to extensions from well-known developers or those with thousands of reviews and high ratings. Avoid extensions that ask for more permissions than they should need — a straightforward note-taking extension shouldn't need access to your passwords or browsing history.
If you notice an extension behaving oddly after an update, uninstall it and look for an alternative. Sometimes developers sell extensions to other companies, and the new owner changes how the extension works. Reading recent reviews before installing helps you spot extensions that have changed for the worse.
Finding alternatives when an extension doesn't exist yet
If you search the Chrome Web Store and don't find an extension that does what you need, you have a few options. First, try a slightly different search term — "password saver" might find results that "password manager" doesn't. Second, check whether the task you want to do is already built into Chrome itself. Chrome has a built-in password manager, a screenshot tool, and a reading mode that you access through the menu.
Third, look for a web-based version of the tool you want. Many services like Grammarly, Canva, and Notion work through your browser without needing an extension. You log in on their website and use them there. This is sometimes slower than an extension, but it works on any browser.
Finally, if you're comfortable with more technical setup, you can load an extension that isn't in the Chrome Web Store by enabling "Developer mode" in the extensions menu. This is for extensions you've downloaded from other sources or built yourself, and it carries more risk because Google hasn't reviewed the code. Only do this if you trust the source completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same extension on multiple computers?
Yes. If you sign into Chrome with your Google account on another computer, your installed extensions sync automatically. The same extensions appear in the toolbar, and your settings carry over. This works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.
Do extensions slow down Chrome?
Extensions use memory and processing power, so having many installed can slow your browser slightly. If Chrome feels slow, try uninstalling extensions you don't use regularly. You can always reinstall them later. Disabling an extension (rather than uninstalling) also frees up resources.
What's the difference between an extension and an app in the Chrome Web Store?
Extensions add features to Chrome itself — they live in your toolbar and work on web pages you visit. Apps are standalone programs that run in Chrome but work more like desktop software. Most people use extensions. Apps are less common and often require you to open them separately from a Chrome apps page.
Can I make an extension work on a specific website only?
Yes. Right-click an extension's icon and select "Manage extension." Scroll to "Site access" and choose "On specific sites" or "On current site." Then enter the website address where you want the extension to work. This is useful if an extension interferes with certain websites.
What happens to my extension data if I uninstall Chrome?
Uninstalling Chrome removes all extensions and their data from that computer. However, if you sign back into Chrome with your Google account, your extensions reinstall automatically and your settings come back. Your data is stored in your Google account, not on your computer.