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QuickTips: How to Disable Browser Add-ons

For Firefox and Internet Explorer

by Matt J. Whetham, February 2010

Did you know that your internet browsing experience might be lagging as a result of too many browser add-ons?  Here is how to disable them:

Internet Explorer

1. Go to the Tools menu at the top (if you don't see Tools at the top, press ALT + T)
2. Select "Manage Add-ons" and then "Enable or Disable Add-ons"
3. From here you will see a list of add-ons that are currently installed in Internet Explorer.  You can browse through these and disable any that you feel are not beneficial by highlighting them and selecting "Disable".

Firefox

1. Go to the Tools menu at the top (if you don't see Tools at the top, press ALT + T) 
2. Select "Options"
3. From the Main tab click on "Manage Add-ons"
4. Add-ons are now categorized between Extensions, Themes, and Plugins.  Browse through and disable any that you feel are not beneficial by highlighting them and selecting "Disable".

What to get rid of...

Most of these add-ons are toolbars.  Chances are, if you don't use the functions of the toolbar on a regular basis, you're better off removing it.  Every active add-on slows your system down just that much more.

How do Add-ons get there in the first place?

Oftentimes computers come with add-ons pre-installed in the browsers, especially in the case of Acer or HP computers.  They also sneek in there piggybacked onto another software that you may have downloaded and installed.  Always be sure to take the installation process slowly and watch to make sure you don't install something that you don't want.