Microsoft Edge Set to Lose uBlock Origin in Manifest Version 3 Transition

Microsoft Edge is set to lose one of its most popular adblockers, uBlock Origin. This follows a similar move by Google Chrome, which previously migrated its extension support from Manifest Version 2 to Version 3.

The transition to Manifest Version 3 aims to provide a 'secure and performant extensions foundation' for Microsoft Edge. However, this shift has been met with criticism from adblockers, who claim that it will limit their capabilities and make their protections more generic.

Microsoft Edge's consumer transition away from Manifest Version 2 extensions is set to begin in August 2026, with a goal of completing the transition by the end of 2026. Enterprise deprecation is expected to follow in early 2027.

The removal of extension access to the browser's network layer, as part of Manifest Version 3, has been highlighted as a major limitation by adblockers. This will 'significantly limit innovation in the privacy space' and give extensions fewer tools and permissions, according to Krzysztof Modras, director of engineering and product at Ghostery.