503593 – Microsoft Edge: Adding protection against malicious sideloaded extensions

Product:

Microsoft Edge

Platform:

Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Microsoft Edge will detect and revoke malicious sideloaded extensions.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-09-26

updated:
2025-10-09

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Malicious Extension Detection Failure
If the change is implemented without proper preparation, users may experience security vulnerabilities due to undetected malicious extensions, leading to data breaches or loss of sensitive information.
   - roles: IT Security Manager, End User
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/06/15/microsoft-edge-adding-protection-against-malicious-sideloaded-extensions/

User Experience Disruption
Users may face interruptions or degraded performance if malicious extensions are revoked unexpectedly, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End User, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/06/15/microsoft-edge-adding-protection-against-malicious-sideloaded-extensions/

Increased Support Tickets
The sudden revocation of extensions could lead to a spike in support tickets as users seek assistance with missing functionalities, overwhelming the IT support team.
   - roles: Help Desk Support, IT Operations Manager
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2021/06/15/microsoft-edge-adding-protection-against-malicious-sideloaded-extensions/

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Edge is introducing a new feature designed to enhance security by detecting and revoking malicious sideloaded extensions. To understand this change, let's consider a simple analogy: imagine your computer is like a house, and the browser extensions are like the various appliances and gadgets you bring into your home to make life easier.

Sometimes, you might acquire a gadget from a less-known source, which is akin to sideloading an extension—installing it from outside the official store. While most gadgets are safe, some might have hidden issues, like a toaster that could potentially start a fire. In this scenario, Microsoft Edge acts like a vigilant home inspector who regularly checks your gadgets to ensure they are safe. If the inspector finds a toaster with faulty wiring, they will remove it to prevent any potential harm.

In the context of Microsoft Edge, the browser will now actively monitor for extensions that were installed from outside the official Microsoft store. If it identifies any of these extensions as malicious, it will automatically revoke them, much like the inspector removing the dangerous toaster. This proactive approach helps keep your browsing experience safe and secure, ensuring that only trusted extensions are running in your browser environment.

This change is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to provide a safer browsing experience by protecting users from potential threats posed by unverified extensions. By automatically detecting and revoking these malicious extensions, Microsoft Edge aims to minimize security risks and maintain the integrity of your online activities.