Google might be cutting support for ‘the world’s most popular ad-blocker,’ but this Windows Registry trick will help Chrome and Edge users keep intrusive ads at bay for a year longer

Google might be cutting support for 'the world's most popular ad-blocker,' but this Windows Registry trick will help Chrome and Edge users keep intrusive ads at bay for a year longer

What you need to know

  • Google is ending support for classic extensions in Chrome, including uBlock Origin, and transitioning to the Manifest V3 framework as part of its broader campaign against ad blockers.
  • Through the Windows Registry, users can leverage the ExtensionManifestV2Availability Enterprise policy to extend Manifest V2 support in Chromium-based browsers for one year—until June 2025.
  • DISCLAIMER: Tweaking the Windows Registry may brick your device. Proceed with caution!

As an experienced tech user with a knack for navigating the digital landscape, I find myself constantly adapting to changes in the ecosystem. The recent announcement by Google to phase out support for classic extensions like uBlock Origin on Chrome has left me a bit concerned, given my reliance on such tools to maintain a clutter-free and ad-free browsing experience.


As a long-time user of Google Chrome and an advocate for ad-free browsing, I find myself disappointed by Google’s recent decision to phase out support for uBlock Origin on their browser. Over the years, I have come to rely on this extension to protect myself from intrusive ads while surfing the web, particularly when using Google services. This change in extension support from Manifest V2 to V3 leaves over 30 million Chrome users like me vulnerable to an influx of unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements.

As a long-time user of various web browsers and an avid supporter of ad blockers, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment upon learning that uBlock Origin will no longer function in Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge, Opera, and more. Having grown accustomed to its efficiency in blocking unwanted ads and protecting my online experience from annoying pop-ups, it has become an essential tool in my digital life. The upcoming change is expected to affect millions of users who rely on uBlock Origin for a smoother browsing experience. While I understand that technology evolves and changes are inevitable, this news serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between innovation and user convenience. It’s crucial for developers to consider the impact their decisions have on individuals like myself, who rely on these tools to navigate the web with ease and efficiency.

The updated version of uBlock Origin, which conforms to Manifest V3, is now available as uBlock Origin Lite. Although this lighter version retains many of the original features, it has certain limitations in key areas. For one, it doesn’t allow dynamic filters for preventing scriptlet injection.

This hack will extend support for classic extensions on Chromium browsers for a whole year

Google might be cutting support for 'the world's most popular ad-blocker,' but this Windows Registry trick will help Chrome and Edge users keep intrusive ads at bay for a year longer

As changes roll out in Chromium-based web browsers, Firefox from Mozilla is set to keep running the Manifest V2 framework. One possible solution could be switching to Firefox and carrying on with the use of uBlock Origin, taking advantage of its features.

However, you can stick to your Chromium-based browser and continue using uBlock Origin with the Manifest V2 framework. 

In my exploration as a researcher, I’ve discovered an intriguing method to prolong the compatibility of Manifest V2 extensions on Google Chrome, especially useful for enterprise users. This technique involves leveraging the Windows Registry in conjunction with the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy, a tool specifically designed for this purpose.

Tutorial – Extend Manifest V2 – “ExtensionManifestV2Availability” Chrome Policy from r/chrome

Google is discontinuing support for Manifest V2 for regular users right away, but enterprise users have the option to prolong the platform’s support for another year. Fortunately, a similar workaround can be employed by home users to extend the support period as well.

Here’s what you’ll need to do, as highlighted by TeamDJ on Reddit:

  1. Open up the “Registry Editor” Program
  2. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
  3. With the Chrome folder on the left highlighted, select Edit/New/DWORD (32-Bit Value) <<>>.
  4. Name it ExtensionManifestV2Availability and hit enter.
  5. Right click what you just created (ExtensionManifestV2Availability) and click Modify. Set the Hexadecimal value to 2, and click OK.
  6. You’re done, but check your work by opening Chrome, and pasting chrome://policy in the URL Address bar and hit enter. You should see the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy, and the value should be set to 2. If you don’t see it, click “Reload Policies” and/or review your work.

Apart from making the necessary change, it’s essential that you reboot your computer for the adjustment to take effect. From now on, the ExtensionManifestV2Availability policy intended for enterprise clients will be activated in your system. This means you can continue using classic browser extensions until June 2025.

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2024-08-16 21:52