Microsoft Edge to phase out older ad blocker extensions this month
Microsoft has announced that it will start turning off support for Manifest V2 extensions in the Edge browser. A shift directly affects widely used tools such as uBlock Origin and similar ad-blocking software. This follows a similar action taken by Google Chrome earlier this year. According to Microsoft, just 58 extensions in the Edge Add-On Store are still using the outdated MV2 framework. Only three of those do not have a compatible update for the newer MV3 platform.
This move will remove Edge as an available browser option for uBlock Origin users. They may find themselves needing to switch to alternative tools like uBlock Origin Lite. Another route for affected users is to adopt browsers such as Opera or Firefox. Both currently support MV2 extensions. They have stated they will maintain this support as long as it remains practical. Microsoft has confirmed that all users still relying on MV2 extensions will be given advance notice. These tools are disabled by default.
The rollout of this change will occur in stages, beginning with the Canary, Dev, and Beta versions of Edge. Over the following months, the deactivation will progress to the main Stable channel. Microsoft aims to fully transition all consumer users to the newer MV3 extensions by the end of 2026. Enterprise users, on the other hand, will see this transition take place in early 2027.
Microsoft has explained that this update is designed to improve the security and performance of the Edge browser. Users will be provided with suggested alternatives to their old MV2 extensions. This happens when MV3 versions are available. It is also important to note that devices under enterprise management will not be included in the consumer rollout. This allows for a more measured and flexible transition in business settings.