Google leads you to assume that extensions can only be installed from the Chrome Web Store. However, there are many extensions available on the web that google does not allow on the webstore because of their strict policies. If you are prepared to install extensions from outside the webstore, there is a way to install third-party extensions found in the wild.
Step 1: Download the extension’s zip or CRX file.
Download the CRX file to your computer for the Chrome extension you want to install. You may download CRX files from the following websites
(I) GitHub
Github has many awesome chrome extensions and is mostly not available on webstore
(II) Addoncrop
Addoncrop mostly focuses on Media downloads extensions. For example, “YouTube Video Downloader” you will never find YouTube downloader on webstore
(III) Mozilla Firefox extensions
Extensions built with WebExtension APIs are designed to be compatible with Chrome.
(IV) Addonshub.com
For the old version of Chrome extension, or you looking for any extension removed from the store.
Step 2: Extract the extension source files from the zip
Now open the zip file and extract the source code somewhere in your pc storage.
Step 3: Install in chrome browser
Navigate to Chrome Settings by clicking the three dots in the upper right corner. Then select Extensions.
You can also open the extensions page directly by going to chrome:/extensions.
Enable developer mode.
Click the “Load unpacked” button at the upper left of the page.
Then choose the extension source folder. Please keep in mind that you must pick the folder containing the extension’s manifest file.
The extension is being installed right now.
Pros: There are a plethora of handy extensions that you could install.
Cons: Update by hand. It will be the same for updating as it was for installing the extension manually. You must manually install new updates as they become available.
Final Thoughts
No matter what your profession is, there are always extensions that will help you be more productive and accomplish your job better or that will simply entertain you.
Auto Refresh Plus, for example, is a popular plugin for Freelancers and Bloggers who want to track jobs and monitor changes on web pages. On the other hand, YouTube Video Downloader is a popular plugin that helps users download and convert youtube videos.
Whatever your requirements are, there is always an extension for it. Keep in mind that adding too many extensions may cause your Chrome browser to slow down.