Works! How To Import Chrome Extensions into Microsoft Edge (5 Easy Steps!) : Joshua Lowcock

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This review was last updated: December 2021

Overview

I was an early beta tester of the Microsoft Edge Chromium edition. This is because I am one of the few people who use Windows 10 on an ARM-based laptop, a Lenovo Yoga 630-13Q50. Technically, I’m running what Microsoft calls Windows on Snapdragon. I’ve never met anyone else running Windows 10 on ARM. But I do find it cool that I am windows on the same sort of processor (Snapdragon 850) found on a mid-to-high-end mobile phone, it’s silent (because it’s fanless) and the battery life is amazing. The downside is to get the best experience you’re locked to the Windows store – which means my browser choices on this device are limited. That said, I have a work laptop that runs full Windows 10, which is both why and where I need to import my Chrome extensions into Edge.

For what it’s worth, these instructions would work for any other Chrome-based browser. So if you want to import Chrome Extensions into Brave, the steps would be the same.

Instructions: How to Import Chrome Extensions into Microsoft Edge

Importing your Chrome Extensions into Edge is easy. I’ve actually done it multiple times on different computers without any problem. Please make sure you follow all the steps. The process is not technically an import, but it’s the only way that works to import Chrome Extensions into Edge. Also, keep in mind there is an official Microsoft Edge Adds On store here.

Before you Begin: Enable Chrome Store Extensions

The first step is to enable installing Chrome Extensions. There are 2 ways you can do this, either is fine.

The easy way, in Edge, go to the Chrome Webstore. There will be a notification style bar at the top of the window that says “Allow extensions from other stores”. Click the button and a dialog box will pop up, click Allow. You’re ready to jump to the instructions.
The more difficult way is to click on the three dots “…” that you find on the top right of Edge, select the Extensions menu item, and in the very bottom left-hand corner of the new window turn on the “Allow extensions from other stores” switch. Once you’re done, then go to the next step.

Tip: Once you have done the above, you can install any Chrome Extension in Edge.

Importing your Chrome Extensions

Assumption: It’s assumed that you sign in to Google Chrome and sync your extensions across devices. I don’t know what happens if that’s not the case.

In a new tab, open the Chrome Webstore.
In the top right of the Chrome Webstore, sign in. These are the same login details you typically use for Gmail but account in the Edge browser. This may seem odd, but trust me it’s important so don’t skip this step.
Once signed into the Chrome Webstore using Microsoft Edge, click the little “Gears” icon (top right) and select “My Extensions and Apps”.
In the browser page that loads, click on the “Library”.
You will now see EVERY Chrome Extension you have ever installed (bet you didn’t know Google tracked that). You can now just click “Add to Chrome” on any of your previously installed Chrome Extensions to have them added to Edge. Yes, I know this is not the same or as easy as importing but it’s the only option available. It also beats searching the Chrome store for extensions.

Repeat step 5 until all your extensions are installed!

You’re done!

Housekeeping Tip: If you have too many Extensions or Edge Add Ons in your Edge menu, you can hide them by right-clicking on the Extension and selecting “Move to the menu”.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you don’t see any Extensions in Step #4, try signing in a #2 using whatever details you use to Sync Chrome.
If you don’t have a Google account or can’t find which one is linked to your extensions, you can export a list of your extensions (list not the extensions) using this Chrome export extension.

Force an Edge Update

Edge is now supporting the syncing of Edge Extensions from Edge 83. So for now, you should only need to do this once. If you’re not getting the latest version of Edge, you can always manually force an update to Microsoft Edge using the Microsoft Update Catalog. Just download the right “stable” release.

Pending: Not sure yet if Edge might only sync Edge Add Ons from the Microsoft Store, so it may be worth planning to do the hard work now and reinstall from the official Edge Add Ons store.

A note for Brave Browser users and importing Chrome Extensions

Brave supports Chrome extensions by default, you can learn more here. You just don’t have to worry about enabling the Chrome Store.

Brave has an import option that will import and install extensions from Chrome if you still have it installed on your computer. Just be warned, it installs all extensions even

and for Windows 10 on Snapdragon / Windows 10 ARM Users

I’ve never met anyone else running Windows 10 on ARM but I do really like my Lenovo C630. It’s a shame that Windows on Snapdragon hasn’t become more popular.