Manually Uninstall Chrome Extension - Global Installation

System-Wide Chrome Extension Installation

Google Chrome permits applications installed on your system to deploy extensions that function across the entire browser.

Notably, Chrome’s architecture even enables these extensions to resist user attempts to deactivate or uninstall them through the standard Chrome Extensions management interface.

A Common Example: Ask Toolbar

A frequently encountered illustration of this capability is the problematic Ask Toolbar, often bundled with Java security updates.

However, this method isn't limited to unwanted toolbars; it presents a potential avenue for exploitation by malicious software.

Potential Security Implications

This functionality introduces a security risk, as it allows programs beyond the browser itself to exert control over Chrome’s behavior.

Consequently, users may find themselves with persistent extensions that are difficult to remove, potentially impacting browser performance and privacy.

• Extensions can be installed without explicit user consent.
• Removal through Chrome’s settings may be blocked.
• This technique could be leveraged by malware.

It’s crucial to exercise caution when installing software and to regularly review your installed Chrome extensions for any unexpected or unwanted additions.

Control Panel Uninstallations

A well-behaved extension developer will provide the ability to remove a globally installed extension through the Windows Control Panel. These extensions will appear listed with your other installed applications within the Programs and Features area.

Should you be able to locate the extension, uninstalling it via the Control Panel is the recommended method.

Example: Ask Toolbar

For instance, the Ask Toolbar can be removed from your system directly through the Control Panel, as offered by Ask.com. This is despite the fact that disabling the toolbar isn't possible within the Chrome browser itself.

However, it’s important to note that a developer could potentially design a harmful extension that blocks removal through the Programs and Features window.

Manual Removal Procedures

Therefore, we will also detail how to manually eliminate such an extension, providing a workaround should standard uninstallation methods be unavailable.

Windows Registry

Chrome’s functionality allows external applications to link extensions through the Windows Registry. Managing these extensions often necessitates the use of the registry editor. To launch this tool, press the Windows key to access the Start menu (or Start screen on Windows 8).

Then, type regedit into the search bar and press Enter to initiate the Registry Editor.

Locating the Extension Keys

Within the registry editor, navigate to one of the following keys, depending on your Windows version:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions (for 32-bit Windows)
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions (for 64-bit Windows)

Each subfolder under the ‘Extensions’ key corresponds to a Chrome extension installed globally on your system.

Identifying Extensions

To determine which extension a specific key represents, open the key. Examine the ‘Path’ value within that key; this will reveal the extension’s location.

This allows you to identify the extension associated with each registry entry.

Removing an Extension

In this instance, we’ve identified an unwanted “SweetIM” toolbar that was bundled with other software. To remove this extension, right-click on its corresponding key within the registry.

Select the ‘Delete’ option from the context menu to remove the registry entry.

Deleting Extension Files

For complete removal, you can also delete the extension’s files. Note the file path displayed in the ‘Path’ box.

Navigate to this folder in your file system and delete the extension’s .crx file, or the entire folder containing it.

Removing a Managed Chrome Extension

Initial attempts to locate the Ask toolbar within the Windows registry have been unsuccessful. This indicates that the toolbar isn't being attached to Chrome through standard registry entries.

Therefore, it must reside within one of Chrome’s designated extension directories. To access your Chrome user data folder, input the following path into the address bar of Windows Explorer:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data

Within this location, open your profile folder – typically labeled “Default,” unless you’ve configured additional profiles – and then navigate to the “Extensions” folder contained within it.

The resulting path will resemble this structure:

C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions

If numerous extensions and applications are installed, you’ll observe a corresponding number of subfolders. Identifying the folder associated with the Ask Toolbar – or any other globally installed extension you intend to remove – can be achieved by enabling “Developer mode” on Chrome’s Extensions page.

This allows you to view the specific extension ID of the Ask Toolbar.

Once the folder matching the extension ID is located, deleting it and subsequently restarting Chrome will effectively remove the extension.

However, in the specific instance of the Ask Toolbar, the deleted folder is often automatically recreated. A background process, Updater.exe, operated by Ask.com appears to restore the extension’s folder each time Chrome is launched.

This ensures the Ask Toolbar reinstalls itself whenever a new Chrome profile is created.

This situation highlights the necessity of addressing underlying malicious software when dealing with persistent extensions. Malware can continually reinstall extensions even after manual removal attempts.

Fortunately, the Ask Toolbar can also be uninstalled through the Windows Control Panel, mitigating the impact of this automatic recreation. Nevertheless, Ask.com’s approach provides a concerning example for developers of malicious software seeking to circumvent Chrome’s safeguards against globally installed extensions.

Chrome also supports global extension installation via a preferences file located within the Chrome application directory. However, this method is rarely utilized by extensions for self-installation.

A pre-existing bug ensures that extensions installed using a preferences file are automatically uninstalled with each Chrome update to a newer version. Further details regarding this preferences file method are available on Chrome’s developer website.

Important Note: Removing extensions manually doesn't always resolve the underlying issue if malicious software is present.

Here's a summary of the steps:

• Locate the Chrome user data folder.
• Navigate to the Extensions directory.
• Identify the extension ID.
• Delete the corresponding folder.
• Restart Chrome.