Google Chrome Plugins and Themes

So we all know that to enable extensions (currently) you have to edit the command line in the shortcut for Chrome. That works fine and dandy if you use the desktop shortcut to launch Chrome. Well what happens if you use the Start Menu or if you are opening links from chat? Well I have the solution for you!

**In these examples, <user> is the name of your user account.
**If you are unfamiliar with making registry changes then this information is probably not for you. Changes are made at your own risk.

To make the default Chrome start menu program enable extensions by default, navigate to the following registry key. Keep in mind this only works for the default browser icon that appears at the top of your start menu (there by default on systems).

Win7/Vista/XP
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Google Chrome\shell\open\command

The "Default" key should read:

Win7/Vista
"C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

XP
"C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

Simply add "--enable-extensions" without the quotes to the end and close out regedit.

Now it should read:

Win7/Vista
"C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --enable-extensions

XP
"C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --enable-extensions

You do not have to log out or reboot as the changes will be made instantly. Now your Chrome Start Menu shortcut will have extensions enabled. I realize that you could also have removed the shortcut from the start menu and dragged your desktop shortcut to it, but this is the proper way to make the change.

Now more importantly, if you are tired of extensions not being enabled with you open links from e-mail clients or chat boxes then here is your fix! First open up regedit and navigate to the following key:

Win7/Vista
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ChromeHTML\shell\open\command

XP
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\http\shell\open\command
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\https\shell\open\command
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ftp\shell\open\command

The keys should read the following (depending on your OS):

Win7/Vista
"C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" -- "%1"

XP
"C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" -- "%1"

Change them to read as follows:

Win7/Vista
"C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --enable-extensions -- "%1"

XP
"C:\Documents and Settings\ <user> \Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --enable-extensions -- "%1"

Again, you do not need to logout or reboot as the changes are instant. Now when you open links from chat they will open Chrome with extensions enabled.

You can also enable user scripts by default (or even both) by adding "--enable-user-scripts" to the above examples. So if you wanted to utilize both you would add "--enable-extensions --enable-user-scripts" to the appropriate registry keys.

StevePaul has posted some useful information on how to enable extensions/user scripts if you use Chrome Application shortcuts.

Special thanks to Neillithan for pointing out that XP behaved differently in this regard. I still haven't figure out why, because if I nagivate to the http key on my Win7 box the command path actually still points to IE (as does my Vista computer).

I have tested this as much as I can, using VM to test out the XP changes. If you notice any problems with these changes please let me know.

Again, I take no responsibility for any problems due to these changes. You modify your registry at your own risk.

Nice info !

Now anywhere Chrome opens, you will have your extensions enabled

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ChromeGestures

Didn't work for me :-(

BTW, I noticed that when you check what extensions are loaded there is now an Uninstall button ....

How longs that been there ?

What version of Windows do you run?
Is Chrome your default browser?
I ask because I tested this quite a bit so I don't understan why it wouldn't be working. But if you don't mind we can troubleshoot and get it working.

Has anybody else tried this out with success? I want to make sure I have the correct information posted.

StevePaul's issue was fixed btw :-D

@devils ....

Apologies, meant to post here to say my issues had been fixed ....

BTW thanks for all your help :-D

under WinXP, I searched the registry for "chrome.exe" and found many instances in other parts of the registry; not sure whether they are related though

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What version of Chrome are you running?

@sulasno ...

Yes there are quite a few instances of 'chrome.exe' in Vista aswell,

BUT did Devils solutions work ?

@SP

I have yet to install any extensions
btw there is an extension folder in a version of portable Chrome

I am thinking of installing extensions in the root of D and point it with both WinXP and Win7;
not sure whether Chromium supports extensions though (user scripts don't work anymore)

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What version of Chrome are you running?