Your preferred Edge extension might cease functioning soon as Microsoft adopts Chrome's approach.

      Microsoft has officially announced the shift to Manifest V3, gradually phasing out older browser extensions.

      Microsoft Edge is now following in the footsteps of Google Chrome by implementing a controversial change that may lead to the discontinuation of several popular ad blockers for the browser. The company has declared that Edge is transitioning its extensions ecosystem to Manifest Version 3 (MV3), Google's latest extension platform aimed at enhancing security, privacy, and performance. As part of this transition, Edge will gradually cease support for older Manifest V2 (MV2) extensions in the coming months, which means that legacy extensions like the original uBlock Origin will eventually become non-functional in Edge.

      What is Manifest V3, and why is Microsoft adopting it?

      Manifest V3 is the newest version of the framework for browser extensions used by Chromium-based browsers. Microsoft asserts that it provides a more secure architecture by limiting background processes, tightening extension permissions, and reducing the potential vulnerabilities for harmful extensions. The company claims that the update will also boost performance by making extensions more efficient and less demanding on system resources.

      Microsoft

      The transition to Manifest V3 will occur gradually. Starting this month, remaining Manifest V2 extensions will begin being disabled by default in the Canary, Dev, and Beta versions of Edge before also impacting the Stable release in the upcoming months. The transition for consumer devices is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026, while enterprise-managed devices will continue to support MV2 until early 2027. Additionally, Microsoft points out that only 58 MV2 extensions on the Edge Add-ons Store are still significantly used, and with the exception of three, alternatives based on Manifest V3 are already available.

      Implications for Edge users

      For the majority of users, the most significant changes will impact ad blockers and privacy extensions. Manifest V3 substitutes the more powerful WebRequest API with the more restrictive Declarative Net Request API, meaning legacy extensions like the original uBlock Origin will no longer function without being rewritten. Fortunately, numerous developers have already launched compatible alternatives, including uBlock Origin Lite, AdGuard, and Ghostery.

      uBlock / Digital Trends

      Since Google introduced Manifest V3, the change has sparked controversy. Proponents argue that it enhances the safety, speed, and efficiency of browser extensions, while critics contend it restricts the capabilities of advanced ad blockers and privacy tools, diminishing some of their previous functionality.

      By implementing Manifest V3, Microsoft is aligning Edge with the broader Chromium ecosystem. Most users should experience a relatively seamless transition, but those who still depend on older Manifest V2 extensions, particularly classic ad blockers, should begin searching for MV3-compatible substitutes. Although the browser itself will not lose its ad-blocking functionality, some of the more capable tools may never operate in quite the same manner again.