Chrome 140: Difficulty in uBlock Origin Installation, Yet Still Feasible

Changes in Chrome 140 Impacting uBlock Origin Installations

This week, Google introduced Chrome 140, marking a significant shift in how the browser handles extensions created with Manifest V2 (MV2). The updated version restricts the previously available methods to restore MV2 extensions, rendering many experimental settings obsolete. Despite this, users who wish to continue utilizing uBlock Origin can still proceed with the installation. Below, we outline the steps to do so.

Steps to Install uBlock Origin on Chrome 140

Previously, installing uBlock Origin required utilizing the unexpiring flags M137 or M138. Following the latest updates, these flags can no longer be unexpired, which complicates the process. The only current method to enable uBlock Origin involves altering the Chrome browser’s shortcut. Here’s how:

Begin by creating a Chrome shortcut on your desktop or within the Start menu.
Right-click on the newly created shortcut and select “Properties.”
In the “Target”field, insert a space after the existing text and paste the following: --disable-features=ExtensionManifestV2Unsupported, ExtensionManifestV2Disabled.
Click “OK” or “Apply” to save your changes, then launch Chrome using this shortcut.
You can now enable uBlock Origin by downloading it again from the Chrome Web Store using this link.

Alternative Installation Method

Another option is using the “Load Unpacked”feature, which remains functional with certain flags enabled. Before proceeding, ensure you toggle the “Temporarily unexpire M139 flags”flag in Chrome 140 or the “Temporarily unexpire M140 flags”in Chrome 141.

What Lies Ahead

It is essential to recognize that these methods serve as temporary solutions. As Google continues to refine Chrome, future updates will likely make the use of MV2 extensions increasingly difficult until they may become entirely unsupported. Users should consider planning a transition to browsers that currently support MV2, such as Firefox or Opera, or switch to content blockers based on Manifest V3, like uBlock Origin Lite.

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