How to add extensions or add-ons to your browser

Updated: 03/10/2024 by Computer Hope
Web browsers

Most web browsers allow you to install extensions, also called "add-ons." Extensions are small applications that add features and functionality to your browser and enhance or modify how web pages are displayed.

Select your browser in the list below and follow the instructions to find and add extensions.

Google Chrome

Chrome logo
  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Access the Chrome Web Store.
  3. Search the store for a phrase or extension name, or scroll down to view recommended extensions.

Search Chrome web store

  1. When you find an extension you want to install, click the Add to Chrome button. button.
  2. In the confirmation box, click Add extension.

Chrome confirm extension

Firefox

Firefox logo
  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Access the Firefox Add-ons site.
  3. At the top of the page, click Extensions.

Firefox extensions

  1. In the Find add-ons search field, type a phrase or extension you want to find. You can also browse recommended extensions using the category buttons.

Firefox add-on choices

  1. When you find an extension you want to install, click the Add to Firefox button.
  2. In the upper-left corner of the screen, click the Add button.

Confirm installation of an add-on in Firefox.

  1. When the installation is complete, a notification is displayed.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge logo
  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Settings and more icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select Extensions.

Extensions selector in Edge.

  1. Select Manage extensions on the prompt.

Manage extensions selector in Edge.

  1. In the new window, under Find new extensions, click the Get extensions button in Edge. button.
  2. In the upper-left section of the next window, search for an extension.

Extension search in Edge.

  1. Once you find the add-on you want to install, click the Get button.

Get extension

  1. Click Add extension in the prompt.

Add extension button in Edge.

Microsoft Edge Legacy

Microsoft Edge Legacy logo
  1. Open Microsoft Edge Legacy.
  2. Click the More icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select Extensions.
  4. Scroll down to browse suggested extensions. Or, at the bottom of the menu, click Explore more extensions to open the Microsoft Store.
  5. A list of recommended extensions is displayed. You can also click the Search button and type a phrase or extension name.
  6. When you find an extension you want to install, click the Get button.

Button to add an extension to the Microsoft Edge browser.

  1. When the extension finishes downloading, click the Launch button.

Button to launch a downloaded extension in Edge.

  1. To enable the extension now, click Turn it on.

Button to turn on a newly added extension in Microsoft Edge.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer logo
  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. In the upper-right corner, click the gear icon.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select Manage add-ons.

Manage add-ons selector in Internet Explorer.

  1. In the Manage Add-ons window, click Toolbars and extensions on the left side.

Toolbars and extensions selector in Internet Explorer.

  1. In the bottom-left corner of that same window, click the Find more toolbars and extensions link.
  2. When you find an add-on you want to install, click the Add button.
  3. At the confirmation message, click Add.

Safari

Safari logo

In Safari, getting an extension is a two-step process. First, you must install the extension, and then you must enable it.

Install the extension

  1. Open Safari.
  2. In the menu bar, open the Safari menu, and select Safari Extensions.

Safari menu

  1. The main App Store opens. On the left, search for safari extensions (or something similar) to list available extensions.

Safari extensions search

  1. To search for an extension that matches a name or description, search for "safari extension phrase." For example, to find an ad blocker, search for "safari extension adguard."

Safari extension name search

  1. To install an extension, click the Get button on macOS. button. Then, click the Install button in macOS. button.
  2. If prompted to log in, enter your Apple ID and password, then click Sign in.

Signing in to download an extension.

  1. Wait for the progress meter to complete. Then, click Open to launch the extension's application, or close the App Store and continue using Safari.

Enable the extension

The new Safari extension is installed but is not yet enabled. To enable it, follow these steps.

  1. In the menu bar, click the Safari selector selector and select Settings....

Safari Settings selector.

  1. In the Preferences window, click Extensions. Your extensions are displayed on the left.
Tip

When you install a single extension in the App Store, it might install multiple component extensions in Safari, as in this example. Component extensions must be enabled individually.

Safari extensions list

  1. To enable an extension, check the box next to its name.

Safari enable extension

Opera

Opera logo
  1. Open Opera.
  2. Click the Opera menu icon in the upper-left corner.
  3. Select Extensions, then select Get extensions.

Opera - Get extensions

  1. In the Search for add-ons text box, enter a phrase or extension name to find. You can also scroll down to browse popular and recommended extensions.

Search Opera extensions

  1. When you find an extension you want to install, click the Add to Opera button.