From PC World: The age of sideloading extensions is over for Chrome users on Windows PCs. After announcing Chrome would become a walled garden in November, Google followed through with its promise on Tuesday.
Chrome for Windows will no longer allow you to install browser extensions originating outside the Chrome Web Store. Any previously installed extensions you're using that didn't come from the Web Store may also be automatically disabled. If they are, you will not have the option to re-enable or re-install these extensions unless they enter the Chrome Web Store.
Developers and enterprise users will still be able to sideload apps on Chrome installations under their control. For most users, however, it's the Chrome Web Store or nothing.
Google says it is creating the new policy to protect users from malicious software.
"Malware can change how browsers work by silently installing extensions on your machine that do things like inject ads or track your browsing activity," Google said in a blog post announcing the policy enforcement. "If you notice strange ads, broken web pages or sluggish browsing after installing some new software or plugins, you could be affected."
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