Update August 26: It appears that uBlock Origin was accidentally replaced/updated with uBlock Origin Lite. uBlock Origin is once again available in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store.
With Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers leaving Manifest V2-based extensions behind, uBlock Origin, one of the most popular content blockers, is going away. Google is already not allowing you to install the extension with convenient methods (check out this article to learn how to fix that), and now, Microsoft Edge is ditching uBlock Origin as well.
uBlock Origin has been updated in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store, and now, it is uBlock Origin Lite, a Manifest V3-based extension that complies with Google"s latest extension rules. As such, uBlock Origin Lite lacks plenty of features that made the original version so beloved among enthusiasts.
Fortunately, like with Google Chrome, there is still a way to bring back the original uBlock Origin to Microsoft Edge. While the process is not as straightforward as one-click installation in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store, it will only take you a few minutes. Here is what to do:
- Go to uBlock Origin"s GitHub repository and download the latest release for Chromium.
- Unpack the archive wherever convenient.
- Launch Microsoft Edge and go to edge://extensions.
- Toggle on "Developer mode."
- Click "Load unpacked."
- Find the unpacked folder with the extension files.
That"s it. Now you have the old uBlock Origin extension with all of its capabilities and features.
Interestingly, Microsoft has no detailed plans regarding Manifest V2 extensions. The official documentation still has no exact details on when Microsoft plans to stop accepting updates for existing MV2 extensions (new ones are no longer accepted) or when installed extensions will stop working. While we wait for Microsoft to share more details, you can enjoy uBlock Origin while you can. The same applies to other Manifest V2-based extensions.
As an online publication, Neowin relies on ads for operating costs, and if you use an ad blocker, we"d appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support!