Google will block Chrome extensions from outside the Web Store from May 1

At the request of many developers, Google will allow the use of Chrome extensions from outside the Chrome Web Store until May 1. Originally, from January 1, it would no longer be possible to manually add extensions to the Windows version of Chrome.

Google reports on the Chromium Blog that some developers indicated that they need more time to

make the switch to the Chrome Web Store. The search giant already enforces the policy on the Chrome Beta Channel. From May 1, it will no longer be possible to manually add extensions in the stable version. In addition, from that date, Google will automatically disable all extensions that are already installed but that are not in the Chrome Web Store.

The search giant announced the measure in November. Windows users would be much troubled by unwanted extensions that, for example, hijack the homepage or serve malware and advertisements. The measure only applies to the Windows version: nothing changes on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS.