Enable/Disable Internet Explorer Extensions and Add-Ons

This tutorial shows you how to enable or disable the ability to run Extensions and Add-ons in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Option 1 – From IE Settings

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Select the Settings Gear at the upper-right corner and choose “Internet Options“.
3. Select the “Advanced” tab.
4. Scroll down to the “Browsing” section.
5. Check or uncheck the “Enable third-party browser extensions” as desired.
   
6. Close Internet Explorer, then restart the computer for the setting to take effect.

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Option 2 – Group Policy

1. From the Group Policy Editor, expand the following:
   • Computer Configuration
   • Administrative Templates
   • Windows Components
   • Internet Explorer
   • Security Features
   • Add-on Management
2. Set the “Deny all add-ons unless specifically allowed in the Add-on List” to one of the following settings:
   • Enabled – Does not allow add-ons unless they are listed in the “Add-on List” policy setting.
   • Disabled – Users may use add-ons.
3. If you have set the policy to “Enabled“, be sure to also open the “Add-on List” policy setting and specify the CLSID for the add-on(s) you wish to allow.

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Option 3 – Registry

1. Login as the user you wish to change the setting for. Ensure that Internet Explorer is closed.
2. Hold the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the “Run” dialog box.
3. Type “regedit“, then press “Enter“.
4. Select “Yes” if prompted to allow access by User Account Control.
5. Navigate through the registry
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER
   • Software
   • Microsoft
   • Internet Explorer
   • Main
6. Set the value for “Enable Browser Extensions“. If the value doesn’t exist, you can create it by right-clicking “Main” and clicking “New” > “String Value“. Set it to “no” if you wish for extensions to be disabled. Set it to “yes” if you wish for extensions to be enabled.

Close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer. The next time you launch Internet Explorer, the ability to use add-ons and extensions will be modified as desired.

Note: If you have disabled extensions, the user will still be allowed to install or enable them under the Manage add-ons screen, but they will not work despite showing as “Enabled”.

FAQ

How do I find the CLSID to an Internet Explorer add-on?

Install the plugin in IE, then go to the Settings gear and choose “Manage add-ons“. From there you can right-click any add-on and select “More information”. The CLSID will be listed.