How to add a downloaded CRX file to Google Chrome extensions?
The "normal" way to install an extension in Google Chrome (as in other web browsers) consists in visiting the extension web page, and simply clicking some Add Extension button. This downloads the extension, and prepares it to be added to the browser. All you have to do is to confirm that you actually want to install this extension.
It might happen that there isn't a page to directly add the extension, or that, for whatever reason, you prefer to download the extension on one computer, and want to install it on another one. Is this possible? And if so, how to do it?
Extensions for Google Chrome are files with the extension .crx. If you try to download such files, and those haven't a known signature, the download will be blocked. If you use Firefox to download the file, you have the possibility to open the Downloads tab, and to choose to download the file anyway. Only do this if you are sure about the file's origin, and if you have a real-time antivirus program running!
There is no "Import from CRX file" feature included in Google Chrome. Trying to open the file with Google Chrome from File Explorer (using Open With...) has no effect at all.
To add the CRX file, proceed as follows:
- Run Google Chrome, and open the Extensions tab.
- Use the switch in the upper right corner of the page to Turn Developer Mode on.
- Drag and drop the CRX file from File Explorer into the browser window.
- A dialog pops up, asking you if you want to add the extension. Click the Add extension button to do so.
If you find this text helpful, please, support me and this website by signing my guestbook.