Microsoft Edge to phase out Manifest V2 extensions and older ad blockers

Microsoft is beginning a phased transition for the Edge browser from the Manifest V2 extension architecture to Manifest V3. This move follows a similar policy implemented by Google Chrome. The transition is intended to improve browser security and performance by limiting background processes and tightening extension permissions.

As a result of this change, older ad-blocking extensions that rely on the WebRequest API, such as the standard version of uBlock Origin, will face significant limitations. Users may need to switch to compatible alternatives like uBlock Origin Lite. Microsoft reports that approximately 95% of popular extensions in the Edge Add-ons store have already migrated to Manifest V3, with only 58 extensions still meaningfully using the older version.

The rollout will begin with Edge's Canary, Dev, and Beta channels, with the goal of completing the transition for consumer users by the end of 2026. Enterprise environments will receive a longer grace period, with support for Manifest V2 expected to continue until early 2027.