You cannot paste a Chrome extension directly into Edge, but you can install most Chrome extensions in Edge through the official store or by enabling developer mode

Microsoft Edge runs on the same engine as Chrome (Chromium), which means many Chrome extensions work in Edge without modification. However, the process is not copy-and-paste. You have three routes: install from the Edge Add-ons store if the extension is listed there, load an unpacked extension folder if you have the source files, or enable Edge to pull extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store.

The easiest path for most people is the Edge Add-ons store, because the extension is already packaged for Edge and you install it the same way you would in Chrome. If the extension you want is not in the Edge store, you can try loading it from the Chrome Web Store directly, though not all extensions work this way. The manual folder method is for developers or people who have the extension's source code on their computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Chrome extensions are available in the Edge Add-ons store and can be installed with one click, just like in Chrome.
  • If an extension is not in the Edge store, you can enable Edge to install extensions from the Chrome Web Store directly through settings.
  • Loading an unpacked extension folder requires the extension's source files and developer mode, and is the least common route for everyday users.
  • Not every Chrome extension works in Edge, even though both browsers use the same engine — some depend on Chrome-specific features.

Installing from the Edge Add-ons Store

Open Microsoft Edge and go to edge.microsoft.com/addons. Search for the extension by name. If it appears in the results, click it, then click the blue "Get" button. Edge will ask you to confirm; click "Add extension" and the extension will install immediately.

This is the safest and fastest method because Microsoft has reviewed the extension before listing it. The extension appears in your toolbar right away, and you can configure it by clicking the extension icon. Most popular extensions — uBlock Origin, LastPass, Grammarly, 1Password, Dark Reader — are available in the Edge store.

Enabling Chrome Web Store Extensions in Edge

If the extension you want is not in the Edge Add-ons store, you can allow Edge to install extensions from the Chrome Web Store directly. Open Edge, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Settings," then go to "Extensions" in the left sidebar. Scroll down and toggle on "Allow extensions from other stores."

Once enabled, go to chrome.google.com/webstore in Edge, search for the extension, and click "Add to Chrome." Edge will ask if you want to add it to Edge instead; click "Add extension." The extension will install, though Edge may show a warning that it is from another store. This works for most extensions, but some that rely on Chrome-specific features may not function fully.

Loading an Unpacked Extension Folder

If you have the extension's source files on your computer (usually a folder containing a manifest.json file), you can load it manually. Open Edge, click the three-dot menu, go to "Settings" > "Extensions," and toggle on "Developer mode" in the bottom left.

Click "Load unpacked" and navigate to the extension folder on your computer. Select it and click "Select Folder." Edge will load the extension immediately. This method is mainly for developers testing their own extensions or for people who have downloaded an extension's source code. If the extension updates, you will need to reload it manually.

Why Some Chrome Extensions Do Not Work in Edge

Even though Edge and Chrome use the same Chromium engine, not every Chrome extension works in Edge. Some extensions depend on Chrome-specific APIs or features that Edge does not support, or they may require permissions that Edge handles differently. An extension might also be blocked by Edge's security policies if Microsoft has flagged it as unsafe.

If an extension does not work after you install it, check the extension's page in the Edge Add-ons store or Chrome Web Store for known issues. Many extension developers maintain a support page or GitHub repository where they list which browsers are supported. If the extension is critical to your workflow and does not work in Edge, you may need to use Chrome for that task or find an Edge-compatible alternative.

Checking if an Extension Is Installed and Working

After installation, click the puzzle-piece icon in the top right of Edge to see all your extensions. The one you just installed should appear in the list. Click it to open its settings or options page, where you can configure how it behaves.

If the extension does not appear in the list, the installation failed. Try uninstalling it (right-click the extension in the list and select "Remove from Microsoft Edge") and installing it again. If it still does not appear, the extension may not be compatible with your version of Edge. Check that you are running the latest version by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting "Help," and then "About Microsoft Edge."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the exact same Chrome extension file in Edge?

Not directly. You need to install the extension through one of the three methods above — the Edge Add-ons store, the Chrome Web Store (with developer mode enabled), or by loading the unpacked folder. You cannot drag a .crx file from Chrome into Edge.

Will my extension settings transfer from Chrome to Edge?

No. Each browser stores extension settings separately. If you switch from Chrome to Edge, you will need to reconfigure the extension's options in Edge. Some extensions sync settings to your account (like LastPass or 1Password), so logging in may restore your configuration automatically.

What does "Allow extensions from other stores" mean?

It means Edge will let you install extensions from the Chrome Web Store without showing a warning. By default, Edge only recommends extensions from the Edge Add-ons store. Enabling this toggle does not make your browser less secure — it just removes the restriction.

Is it safe to load an unpacked extension?

Loading an unpacked extension is safe if you trust the source. If you downloaded the source code from a reputable developer or wrote it yourself, there is no risk. Avoid loading unpacked extensions from unknown sources, as they could contain malicious code.

Why does Edge say an extension is from another store?

This warning appears when you install an extension from the Chrome Web Store instead of the Edge Add-ons store. It is informational only — the extension will still work. Edge shows this to remind you that Microsoft has not reviewed it, though the Chrome Web Store has its own review process.