Home
Chrome
macOS

How to Re-Enable uBlock Origin (Manifest V2) Extension in Chrome (Windows & macOS Guide)


Introduction

Google Chrome has started phasing out support for Manifest V2 extensions—including the widely used uBlock Origin (Classic). As a result, many users have noticed that their trusted ad blocker has disappeared or become disabled.

Fortunately, there’s a way to bring it back.

In this post, I'll guide you through step-by-step methods for both Windows and macOS users to re-enable support for Manifest V2 extensions using Chrome's enterprise policies.

What is Manifest V2 and Why Was uBlock Origin Disabled?

Chrome extensions are built on manifest versions—essentially rules and capabilities they follow. Manifest V3 is the newer standard, but it limits certain powerful blocking features that Manifest V2 extensions like uBlock Origin rely on.

Google has started enforcing Manifest V3, but you can override this using system-level Chrome policies.

For Windows Users

Follow these steps using the Registry Editor:

Steps:

  1. Open Registry Editor

    • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to the following path:

    Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google

  3. If the Google folder doesn't exist:

    • Right-click on Policies → New > Key → Name it Google.

  4. Create a Chrome subkey:

    • Right-click on Google → New > Key → Name it Chrome.

  5. Inside the Chrome folder:

    • Right-click the right pane → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value

    • Name it: ExtensionManifestV2Availability

  6. Set the Value:

    • Double-click it → Change Value data to 2 → Click OK.

  7. Restart Chrome

What This Does:

Setting ExtensionManifestV2Availability = 2 tells Chrome to allow all Manifest V2 extensions, including uBlock Origin.

For macOS Users

Chrome policy management works differently on macOS. You need to use a .plist file placed in a system directory.

Steps:

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Create the policy directory:

    sudo mkdir -p /Library/Managed\ Preferences

  3. Open the Chrome policy file in Vim:

    sudo vim /Library/Managed\ Preferences/com.google.Chrome.plist

  4. Paste the following configuration:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" 
"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>ExtensionManifestV2Availability</key>
    <integer>2</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

  5. Save and exit Vim:

    • Press Esc, then type :wq and press Enter.

  6. Restart Chrome

How to Confirm the Policy Was Applied

  1. Open Chrome.

  2. Go to: chrome://policy

  3. Look for:

    • ExtensionManifestV2Availability → Should show a value of 2

  4. If it appears correctly, Chrome is now allowing Manifest V2 extensions.

Reinstall uBlock Origin

After applying the changes:

  1. Go to Chrome Web Store – uBlock Origin (Classic)

  2. Search for uBlock Origin (verify it is the original by Raymond Hill, aka gorhill)

  3. Click Add to Chrome

You should now be able to install and use it again without issues.

Final Thoughts

While Google’s move to Manifest V3 aims to improve security and performance, it does limit the advanced blocking features that privacy enthusiasts rely on.

Until uBlock Origin fully adapts or a comparable alternative emerges, this workaround helps restore full control—just like before.

Note: This method may stop working in future Chrome versions as policy enforcement tightens.

Let Me Know
Did this method work for you on Windows or macOS? Drop a comment below if you have questions or need help troubleshooting.

Post a Comment