Microsoft Sets End‑of‑2026 Cutoff for Legacy Edge Extensions, Ending Classic uBlock Origin Support
The change enforces Manifest V3 rules that curtail how extensions intercept network requests and will force developers and users to rebuild tools or move to other browsers.
Overview
- Microsoft announced notices beginning in August 2026 and plans to disable Manifest V2 extensions for consumers by the end of 2026 with enterprise transition scheduled in 2027.
- Manifest V3 swaps persistent background scripts for a service‑worker model and limits WebRequest interception in favor of declarative rule sets with documented ceilings on rules and rule sets.
- The shift will make the classic uBlock Origin unusable on Edge unless its maintainers deliver an MV3 port that reproduces its dynamic request‑blocking features; uBlock Origin Lite exists but lacks some granular controls.
- Microsoft says about 95% of top MV2 extensions have MV3 ports and counts 58 MV2 add‑ons with meaningful use, while security vendors such as Malwarebytes have rebuilt protections for MV3.
- Users who rely on full‑feature blocking may migrate to browsers that retain broader extension APIs, developers will face concrete rebuilding limits, and the ecosystem will likely see more pared‑down ports and browser switching.