Microsoft Edge Ditches Legacy Browser Extensions in Favor of Manifest V3
Microsoft Edge is phasing out browser extensions based on Manifest V2 (MV2) in favor of Manifest V3, which offers improved security and privacy features. The company has begun a gradual rollout to disable MV2 extensions by default over several months, starting with the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels.
By the end of 2026, Microsoft aims to have completed the transition for consumer users, while corporate devices will not be affected until early 2027. This change affects the technical foundation on which popular extensions operate, including password managers, download tools, VPN extensions, and ad blockers.
The company notes that 95% of the most popular MV2 extensions have already migrated to Manifest V3, with only 58 remaining in the store. However, three extensions still lack a publicly available MV3 version. Microsoft will inform users before deactivating their MV2 extensions and suggest an alternative if possible.
Developers must restructure their code to comply with MV3's changes, including the use of Service Workers instead of persistent background scripts. This transition is intended to improve security, privacy, and lower resource consumption but requires additional work for developers.