Microsoft Edge is Installing Google Docs Offline Extension Automatically, Here is Why

If you noticed that Microsoft Edge web browser automatically installed a new “Google Docs Offline” extension or add-on in your computer without your permission, you are not alone. Many readers reported us about this auto-installed extension issue in Microsoft Edge web browser. After some research, we found the reason behind this problem and we are going to share it below in this article.

Google Docs Offline Extension Automatically Installed by Microsoft Edge

Many Microsoft Edge users are complaining that the web browser is installing Google’s official “Google Docs Offline” extension automatically from Chrome Web Store without asking for their permission. Some people are thinking that it might be a bug which is causing Microsoft Edge to install the extension on users devices as the extension is generally found on Google Chrome web browser. But that’s not true.

You can check whether the extension is installed in your Edge browser using following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge browser and click on 3-dots Main menu button.

2. Now select Extensions option from the main menu.

If the extension is installed, it’ll be shown on the Extensions flyout (puzzle piece icon). You can also open edge://extensions/ URL in your web browser to check the list of all installed extensions. You’ll find the new extension with the name “Google Docs Offline” under “Installed extensions from other sources” section.

The extension contains a label “Installed by Microsoft Edge” which indicates that Edge itself added the extension.

Now you might be wondering why did Microsoft Edge install the Google Docs Offline extension in your device and when did the installation actually happen without your knowledge?

Reason Behind Automatic Installation of Google Docs Offline Extension in Microsoft Edge

Here is the answer! It’s a feature by design introduced in Microsoft Edge version 114.0.1823.58 released on June 22, 2023. If you check the changelog of Microsoft Edge web browser available at official Microsoft Edge Stable channel release notes website, you’ll find following information given under version 114.0.1823.58:

The new feature was not listed on the changelog page when the version 114.0.1823.58 was released on June 22, 2023. Microsoft added the information later to make it clear that the Google Docs Offline extension is being automatically installed on all Microsoft Edge installations by Microsoft. The feature is being rolled out in phases using controlled rollout mechanism.

That’s why some Edge users are seeing the new extension forcefully installed in their computers.

How to Disable or Remove Google Docs Offline Extension from Microsoft Edge

Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to easily delete or remove the Google Docs Offline extension from Microsoft Edge browser. You can open Extensions page using edge://extensions/ URL and click on the “Remove” button given below the Google Docs Offline extension to get rid of the forced extension from your web browser.

How to Block Automatic Installation of Google Docs Offline Extension in Microsoft Edge

Edge users can use ExtensionSettings and ExtensionInstallBlocklist policies to restrict or prevent the web browser from automatically installing Google Docs Offline extension. More information about using these policies can be found at following official pages:

How to Use ExtensionSettings Policy in Microsoft Edge

How to Use ExtensionInstallBlocklist Policy in Microsoft Edge

Now you know how was the Google Docs Offline extension installed in your Microsoft Edge web browser.

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