Microsoft will end support for old Manifest V2-based extensions in the Edge browser

Microsoft announced on Friday (07) that the Edge browser will begin the process of disabling extensions built under the Manifest V2 standard. This change will directly impact users of traditional ad blockers, such as uBlock Origin.

This change follows a trend already established by Google Chrome. The transition will be implemented gradually throughout 2026, starting with the browser's test versions before being applied to the stable edition. The company justifies this migration by the need to centralize the extension ecosystem on the Manifest V3 platform.

In practice, those who use legacy extensions in Edge may face the loss of functionality of these add-ons. Users of affected ad blockers will have three options: update to Manifest V3 compatible versions, such as uBlock Origin Lite; opt for another already adapted blocker; or switch to a browser that still supports Manifest V2 extensions.

Microsoft notified that Manifest V2-based extensions will be progressively disabled by default starting this month. Before this rule is implemented, users will receive alerts and suggestions for equivalent versions available in the new format.

According to the company, the volume of old extensions with relevant usage in the Edge add-on store is limited. It was reported that there are 58 extensions with significant usage that still depend on Manifest V2, and only three of them do not have versions available in the latest standard.

The main consequence will be felt by users of the traditional version of uBlock Origin, since this blocker depends on the technology that will be discontinued by the browser. As a solution, Microsoft suggests adopting uBlock Origin Lite, designed to operate within the restrictions of Manifest V3.

For those who prefer to keep using old extensions, there is the alternative of migrating to browsers that maintain support for Manifest V2. Opera, for example, has expressed an intention to preserve this compatibility as long as it is technically feasible, as does Firefox, which also emerges as an option for users of the older model.

Microsoft plans to finalize the adaptation of regular Edge users by the end of 2026. In managed corporate environments, the removal of support should occur later, scheduled for early 2027.

tecnoblog.netJuly 30, 16:25

Persistent plan upgrade button bothers Microsoft 365 users

Microsoft 365 users report frustration due to the continuous display of a button encouraging migration to more expensive plans within the suite's tools, such as Word and Excel.

How the upgrade button works

When launching programs like Word or Excel, subscribers find a fixed button in the upper right corner labeled 'Upgrade your plan.' This element remains visible regardless of whether the user has the Personal or Family subscription.

One user described that when clicking this button while subscribed to Microsoft 365 Personal, a window promoting Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Premium versions would open, offering options to change the plan. For those already using Microsoft 365 Family, the window only presented the option to upgrade to Microsoft 365 Premium, excluding the possibility of reverting to Personal.

Usability issues

The observer of the issue found it strange that a description of the service benefits was included within this window, given that it is displayed to users who are already product subscribers.

Removal attempts

As of now, there is no official method provided by Microsoft to disable this advertisement disguised as a button. An attempt to click the button hoping it would disappear automatically was unsuccessful.

In forums like Reddit, alternative solutions were suggested. One method involves using CMD commands to revert Microsoft 365 to an April version, although this results in outdated software and risks the button reappearing in future updates. Another suggestion was to log out and log back into Microsoft 365, a trick that works temporarily, but the button reappears after some time.

Conclusion on functionality

The current expectation is that Microsoft itself will recognize the problem and take steps to disable the button or, at minimum, allow the user to remove it without relying on tricks. The author questions how this feature was approved, arguing that any change to the interface of software like Word or Excel must be carefully planned to preserve the user experience and avoid performance issues.