Moving the Microsoft Edge extensions ecosystem

Microsoft Edge will begin phasing out Manifest Version 2 extensions in August 2026, pushing developers toward the more secure MV3 format.

Microsoft Edge is set to retire Manifest Version 2 (MV2) extensions in August 2026, urging developers to transition to the more secure Manifest Version 3 (MV3) framework.

Why Edge is Moving to MV3

MV3 introduces stricter permission controls, improved performance, and a revamped background script model that reduces resource consumption, aligning Edge with modern web security standards.

Impact on Developers

Developers will need to update their extension manifests, replace persistent background pages with service workers, and adopt new APIs for content scripts and declarative net requests.

Update the manifest.json to version 3
Replace background pages with service workers
Use the declarativeNetRequest API for request handling
Test extensions against Edge’s MV3 compatibility mode

Transition Timeline

Edge will begin disabling MV2 extensions in the browser’s extension store starting August 2026, but developers can submit MV3 versions earlier to ensure continuity for users.

The browser will continue to support existing MV2 extensions locally until the final cutoff, giving users time to update their installed add‑ons.

Resources for Migration

Microsoft provides detailed migration guides, sample code, and a compatibility testing tool within the Edge Developer portal to help streamline the conversion process.