Chrome extension file location in Windows, Mac, and Linux

If you’re struggling to keep track of your Google Chrome extensions and find the one you need, when you need it, we sympathize. Many IT professionals feel frustrated when they need to fix a bug or verify vulnerabilities have been patched, but instead spend half the day searching for how to get started.

This problem is understandable when considering there are over 250,000 Google Chrome extensions. To make matters worse, they’re organized in long, code-like ID names that are challenging to understand. 

This guide is here to simplify the process of finding and using Chrome extensions. It provides quick, step-by-step tutorials across a variety of operating systems, plus an easy way to figure out what those code-like ID names mean. Let’s get started!

Source: Chrome Store

Pro tip: Before you find your Chrome extension files, locate the extension ID

For some people, finding a Chrome extension file’s location is just the beginning of the trouble. Because once it’s located, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by folder names that seem to go on forever, like “jifpbeccnghkjeaalbbjmodiffmgedin.”

It goes without saying that entering a folder with this type of name, going through its files, and trying to figure out what it’s about isn’t the easiest way to locate something. But this combination of letters happens to be the Chrome Extension ID, so it matters.

You can ease your difficulties by obtaining an extension’s ID name in advance. That makes it easier for you to find the right files. Here’s how you discover the extension’s ID name:

=> Go to the Chrome menu

=> Click on “Extensions” and then on ‘manage extensions ‘

=> Find the extension you need

=> Click on “Details”

=> Check out the address bar. The ID will be showcased after the “?id=” part of the address.

=> Copy and paste the ID, because you’ll need it in your search for extension files.

Where are Chrome extension files located in Windows 10?

To find Chrome extension files in Windows 10, follow these directions:

=> Open File Explorer

=>Type C:\Users\[login_name]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions

=> Replace “[login_name]” with your computer’s username.

After following these steps, you’ll get a list of folders. Each of the folders is a Google extension on its own, named by its extension ID as explained above.

=> Locate the ID of the extension you need, using the tips from the previous section in this article, and you’ll find your files inside the ID’s folder.

Where are Chrome extension files located on Mac?

Here’s how Mac users can find their Chrome extension files:

=> Verify your Mac Finder is active

=> Choose “Go” from the menu bar

=> Hold the Option key, then click on “Library”

=> Inside your Library, go to “Application Support”

=> Select Google

=> Click on Chrome

=> If you have one profile, stay on the default option. If there’s more than one, choose the relevant profile.

=> You’ll see the extension folders, each named after its extension ID.

=> Use the guide from this article’s first section to find the extension ID you need.

=> Find the right ID folder and open it. Inside, you’ll likely see the extension files you’re looking for.

Where are Chrome extension files located in Linux?

Using Linux? We’ve got you covered, too.

=> Open a new terminal window

=> Start at home (~)

=> Navigate to .config

=> You might need to use “Is -a”

=> Choose the “google-chrome” directory

=> If you use Chrome’s open-source version, Chromium, choose the “Chromium” directory

=> You’ll find a list of folders, all named with extension IDs

=> Use the tips from the first section of this article to discover the ID of the extension you need

=> Look for it here and open it to find your files

What you can do once you find the extension file location

If you’re searching for the Chrome extension file location, you might already have a goal in mind. However, if you’re simply interested in learning about more possibilities that expand your capabilities, here are some of the top reasons IT pros need Chrome extension files.

Look under the hood to understand how an extension works

Whether you need to figure out how to make the most of an extension, fix bugs, examine what the extension offers in terms of security, or are simply curious, finding Chrome extension files can help you crack the code on whatever issue you’re facing.

Discover whether it’s a malicious extension

In their attempts to get extensions to the app store fast, some organizations and individuals cut corners, which could leave extensions vulnerable. Alternatively, some extensions were created by hackers themselves. In either scenario, finding the Chrome extension file can help you discover if you’re dealing with a malicious extension.

Fix extension malfunction

When an extension doesn’t work, there are several actions you can take—deactivating and reactivating it, uninstalling and reinstalling it, or clearing browser data, to name a few. But if none of these work and you need to take a closer look, searching for its files might be the next step.

Resolve conflicts between extensions software products

Sometimes an extension works fine on its own, but starts experiencing issues when you install another extension or software. Other times, the extension keeps working but you face challenges when trying to install or use the other software.

Similarly to fixing in-app malfunctions, some IT pros check out extension files to decide on the most efficient resolution route.

Copy your extension to another device

Once you’ve reached the folder and file of the extension in question, you can copy them to your target Chrome browser while enabling developer mode.

Create a backup

Before you copy your extension or make changes to it, it’s important to back it up and verify it’s safe. Some IT pros will also back up extensions to protect their data if the extension is discontinued or hacked at any point in time.

Going beyond Chrome extension: The bigger picture of efficient IT management

Once you find your extension file locations, you’re empowered to take action to keep your organization’s IT operations running smoothly. But over time, finding and navigating Chrome extensions can be exhausting—especially if doing so is part of a repetitive workflow. 

Consider this alternative: What if you could automate your IT actions? Especially the mundane ones? 

That would allow you to spend most of the day doing more challenging work—work that challenges you to stretch your capabilities—and maybe even leave enough time in the day for your company to integrate training and career development.
To make this possibility a reality, you need an AI-powered IT tool that can automate tasks, provide insights, streamline workflows, and finally prove to management it’s worth increasing its investment in IT. At the risk of a shameless plug, we’ve developed such a platform. Atera Copilot is the IT industry’s preferred choice for an AI-powered IT management platform solution. It increases technician efficiency tenfold and revolutionizes the way IT departments run. It also keeps improving every single month based on user feedback. Interested? Try it for free for 30 days here.