Browser add-ons can add a lot of functionality to your web browser, but too many add-ons can really slow down your computer. Some add-ons are actually malicious programs and pose a threat to your personal information. Removing unused add-ons will keep your browser running smoothly and help protect your data.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Internet Explorer
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Step 1. Open the add-on manager
If you have add-ons or toolbars that you no longer want to use, you can remove them from Internet Explorer. To do so, click Tools → Manage Add-ons.
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Step 2. Select "Toolbars and Extensions"
It can be selected in the left frame, and will usually be selected by default. A list of installed add-ons will be listed in the main frame of the window.
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Step 3. Select the add-on you want to remove
There may be several add-ons installed by a program. Click Disable to turn off the extension.
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Step 4. Remove the add-on
Once the add-on is disabled, you must remove the add-on software from the computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl+X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add/Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Look for the add-on in the list of installed programs. The complete list of programs may take a while to load.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. The Uninstall button is located at the top of the list.
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Step 5. Use antimalware software to remove stubborn toolbars
If you are unable to remove the toolbar, it may be a malicious program and requires some additional handling to remove it. See this guide for detailed instructions.
Method 2 of 4: Chrome
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Step 1. Open the add-on manager
If you have add-ons or toolbars that you don't want to use anymore, you can remove them from Chrome. Add-ons in Chrome refer to "extensions". Click the Menu button (☰), select Tools → Extensions. This will open a new tab with a list containing all installed extensions.
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Step 2. Locate the add-on that you want to remove
You can scroll the mouse if you have too many add-ons that cannot be displayed on one screen.
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Step 3. Click the trash can icon to remove the add-on
Confirm that you really want to remove the add-on by clicking Remove.
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Step 4. Remove the add-on
After the add-on is disabled, you must remove the add-on software from the computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl+X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add/Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Look for the add-on in the list of installed programs. The complete list of programs may take a while to load.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. The Uninstall button is located at the top of the list.
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Step 5. Use antimalware software to remove stubborn toolbars
If you are unable to remove the toolbar, it may be a malicious program and requires some additional handling to remove it. See this guide for detailed instructions.
Method 3 of 4: Firefox
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Step 1. Open the add-on manager
Click the Menu button (☰) and select "Add-ons". This will open a new tab with a list of installed add-ons, which refer to "extensions" in Firefox. If the "Extensions" tab is not already selected, click this tab on the left side of the page.
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Step 2. Locate the add-on that you want to remove
Click Remove to remove the add-on.
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Step 3. Start restart Firefox. You will need to restart your browser to complete the removal.
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Step 4. Remove the add-on
Once the add-on is disabled, you must remove the add-on software from the computer. You can do this from the Windows program manager.
- Open Control Panel. You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu. Windows 8 users can press Ctrl+X and select Control Panel from the menu.
- Select "Add/Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features".
- Look for the add-on in the list of installed programs. The complete list of programs may take a while to load.
- Select the add-on and click Uninstall. The Uninstall button is located at the top of the list.
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Step 5. Use antimalware software to remove stubborn toolbars
If you are unable to remove the toolbar, it may be a malicious program and requires some additional handling to remove it. See this guide for detailed instructions.
Method 4 of 4: Safari
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Step 1. Open the list of installed plug-ins
In Safari, add-ons refer to "plug-ins". Click Help → Installed Plug-ins. This will open a new page containing all the plug-ins installed.
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Step 2. Locate the plug-in you want to remove
The file name for the plug-in will be displayed (eg the QuickTime file is named "QuickTime Plugin.plugin"). You won't be able to remove plug-ins from within Safari, so note the filename.
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Step 3. Activate your Library folder
OS X has hidden the Library folder, which is used to store add-on files. You'll need to show the hidden Library folder to find the plug-in file.
- Open your Home folder in Finder.
- Click View → Show View Options.
- Check the "Show Library Folder" box.
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Step 4. Locate the plug-in file that you want to remove
Locate the file you noted in Step 2. Navigate to the folder that contains the plug-in file. The plug-in files may be in Library/Internet Plug-Ins/ or ~/Library/Internet Plug-ins/.
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Step 5. Delete the file
Click and drag the plug-in file into the Trash. Restart Safari for the changes to take effect.