How to turn off browser add-ons and plug-ins

This article explains how to disable (uninstall or turn off) browser add-ons, plug-ins, or third-party browser extensions that customize the functions of a browser and can interfere with the functions of Yahoo! products.

Each Web browser comes with optional upgrades or enhancements commonly known as "add-ons" or "plug-ins." Common uses of add-ons and plug-ins include (but aren't limited to) toolbars, news or stock tickers, instant messaging, weather alerts, email alerts, anti-virus/anti-spyware managers, or games. Certain add-ons or plug-ins can potentially cause issues with Yahoo! features.

To find out if an add-on or plug-in is causing your problem, try turning them off using the steps below for your browser:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Google Chrome

Note: If you're running a browser other than those listed here and would like more information about turning off add-on or plug-ins, refer to your browser's help file.

Internet Explorer

* Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0 and 7.0:

Operating systems:
- IE 6: Windows 2000 and XP
- IE 7: Windows XP

1. Close all of your open Internet Explorer browser windows.
2. Select the Windows Start menu.
3. Select Settings | Control Panel.
   - The "Control Panel" window opens.
4. Double-click Internet Options.
   - The "Internet Properties" window opens.
5. Select the Advanced tab.
6. Under "Browsing," uncheck the checkbox for Enable third-party Internet browser extensions.
7. Close and restart your browser.

* IE 8.0:

Operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and 7

1. Select Tools | Internet Options.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Under "Browsing," uncheck the checkbox for Enable third-party Internet browser extensions.
4. Click OK.
5. Close all of your open Internet Explorer browser windows.
6. Restart your browser.

* IE 9.0:

Operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows Vista and 7

1. Select Tools | Manage Add-ons.
   - A list of enabled add-ons will appear in the list on the right.
2. Highlight the add-on you wish to disable.
3. At the bottom of the window, click Disable.
4. Click OK.
5. Close all of your open Internet Explorer browser windows.
6. Restart your browser.

Mozilla Firefox

Operating systems:
- PC Firefox 4.0 and newer: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7
- Mac Firefox 4.0 and newer: Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7

1. Choose the menu option for your computer:
   - PC: Select Tools | Add-ons or Extensions, depending on your version.
   - Mac: Select Firefox | Add-ons or Extensions, depending on your version.
   - The "Add-ons Manager" window opens.
2. Ensure that Extensions is selected.
3. Disable or uninstall any extensions found here.
4. Close and restart your browser.

Note: Once a Firefox extension has been uninstalled, you can reinstall it by visiting the Firefox Extension Library.

Apple Safari

* Safari 3.0 and newer:

Operating systems:
- PC Safari 3: Windows XP and Vista
- PC Safari 4 to 5: Windows XP, Vista, and 7
- Mac Safari 3 to 4: Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6
- Mac Safari 5: Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7

1. Choose the menu option for your computer:
   - Mac: Select Safari ( gear icon in newer versions) | Preferences.
   - PC: Select Edit or Tools ( gear icon in newer versions)| Preferences.
2. Select the Security tab.
3. Uncheck the checkbox for Enable Plug-Ins.
4. Click OK.
5. Close and restart your browser.

Google Chrome

Operating systems:
- Windows XP, Vista, and 7
- Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7

1. Click the wrench icon ( ) the select Settings.
2. At the bottom of the menu that appears, click Show Advanced Settings.
3. In the "Privacy" section, click Content settings.
4. Under "Plug-ins," select Block all.
   Note: To customize permissions for specific websites, click Manage exceptions.
5. When you are done, close the "Options - Content Settings" tab or window:
   - PC: Click OK to close the window.
   - Mac OSX or Chromebook: Clicking the X that displays on the tab.
6. Close and restart your browser.