How do I install a Chrome extension (and what the heck is it anyway)?

Extensions? 🛠💇🏻🤔

While browsing online, you may have come across the term extension (aka plugin or add-on). In your browser, an extension is a bit of software that can enable specific features and customization. They modify or enhance the functionality of a web browser like Google Chrome or Safari.

A common analogy is a tool like a knife which, for the most part, has a single function. A Swiss Army knife, or multifunction tool, extends the capabilities of the knife to perform multiple tasks. You can customize your online browsing experience in the Chrome web browser and add features and functionality by adding extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

Some examples include Read&Write for Google Chrome, which adds a toolbar to aid with literacy skills, or even something like a Pinterest Save Button extension, which allows you to quickly save images to your board. 

Common Questions

My students need an extension to work on a project. How do they get it?

Please submit a support request for the extension you’d like to deploy to your managed classroom Chromebooks and we’ll facilitate the installation for you.

How do I install an extension on my work computer?

1. Open the Chrome Web Store. 
2. Find and select the extension you want. (For example, in the search bar at the top left, type in: "Read & Write").
3. Next to the Google Chrome extension you’d like to install, click Add to Chrome.
4. For some extensions, you’ll see a box that lists the data that the extension will be able to access.
5. Click Add extension to grant the extension access to your data and install the extension.
6. To use the extension, click the icon to the right of the address bar in Chrome.

How do I enable or disable an extension in Chrome?

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Navigate to the Window menu at the top of your screen.
3. Click Extensions.
4. Scroll down until you see the extension you’d like to enable or disable.
5. Uncheck the checkbox next to the extension you’d like to disable or check the checkbox to enable.

More Resources

• Install and Manage Extensions - Google Support