If your PC is part of a business or enterprise network, then it was probably your administrator who added the extensions to your Google Chrome. The best way to resolve the issue is to contact your administrator. On the other hand, if you’re using your personal computer, then we can teach you how to remove an “Installed by Enterprise Policy” extension from Chrome.
What Does “Installed by Enterprise Policy” Mean?
If a Chrome extension says that it is “Installed by Enterprise Policy,” “Managed by Your Organization,” or “Installed by Your Administrator,” then it means that it was installed with elevated permissions. Consequently, you can use the conventional method for removing the extension.
However, even if you’re using your personal computer, extensions like these can find their way onto our system. They can grant themselves elevated status. This happens when you go online and download freeware that’s riddled with bloatware.
Also read: Clearing the Clutter: How to Free Up Space on C Drive in Windows 10
Most of the time, the nature and function of the bonus software are not disclosed adequately. In some cases, the technical description of the additional software can be misleading.
You must know that malware can take advantage of a Chrome policy that only system administrators can use. Consequently, the malicious browser extension gains immunity from being uninstalled. However, you can learn how to remove the Chrome extension “Installed by Enterprise Policy” via the Group Policy Editor (GPO). This is the way you can locate and delete the harmful extension.
Also read: How to Prevent Malware: Lock Down Your Online Safety
If you think that the extension that shows the “Installed by Enterprise Policy” message is malicious, the first thing you need to do is use a reliable antivirus to get rid of the threat.
What’s great about Auslogics Anti-Malware is that it scans browser extensions regularly to prevent data leaks. It even detects cookies that track your activity and collect your information. What’s more, it won’t conflict with your main anti-virus.
So, you can use it to reinforce your computer’s protection.
How to Remove the “Installed by Enterprise Policy” Extension from Chrome
In most cases, you can remove extensions like this by making some changes to the Windows Registry. The first thing you need to do is get the extension’s ID. Here are the steps:
- Launch Chrome, then type
chrome://extensions
inside the URL box. - Hit Enter.
- Go to the top of the page, then toggle the “Developer mode” switch to “On.” Doing so will allow you to get more information about the extensions added to your browser.
- Search for the extension installed by policy. It should be the one that you cannot normally remove from the Extensions page.
- Copy the extension’s ID by pressing
Ctrl + C
on your keyboard.
Often, extensions that you cannot uninstall do not have the “Remove” button. However, you can still remove them via the Windows Registry.
If you are confident in your tech skills and are certain that you will be able to follow the instructions to a tee, you can proceed with the steps below:
- Go to your taskbar, then click the search icon.
- Inside the search box, type
regedit
, then hit Enter. - Once the Registry Editor is up, go to the menu at the top, then click Edit.
- Select Find from the options, then paste the extension’s ID by clicking
Ctrl + V
on your keyboard. - Click Find Next.
- Once the Registry Editor locates the ID, right-click the entry, then select Delete.
- Now, go back to the menu at the top, then click Edit.
- Select Find Next and look for other entries that contain the extension’s ID. Delete those entries as well.
HKEY_USERS\Group Policy Objects\Machine\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallForcelist HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallForcelist
- Once you’ve removed those entries, you can exit the Registry Editor.
- Restart Chrome, then type
chrome://extensions
inside the URL box. Press Enter to proceed. - Now, you will be able to see the “Remove” button inside the unwanted extension. Click the button to get rid of the extension.
Also read: Microsoft Edge Browser Extensions: All You Need to Know
How to Remove the “Installed by Enterprise Policy” Extension: Explained
Removing the “Installed by Enterprise Policy” extension is pretty straightforward, provided you follow the right steps. Make sure to regularly review your browser extensions and remove the ones you don’t use. This will help you keep your browsing smooth and hassle-free!
What other Chrome problems would you like us to resolve?
Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below!