How to Start Chrome Browser Without Extensions on Windows 11

As someone who uses Chrome daily for both work projects and personal tasks (hi, Jessica here 👋), I’ve learned that extensions can be a double-edged sword. Some are super helpful (like password managers or coupon finders), but others can make Chrome laggy, drain battery, or even cause security issues.

So if you need to troubleshoot or just want a clean Chrome experience, here’s how to start Chrome without any extensions.

Method 1: Use Chrome’s Built-in Incognito Mode (Partial Solution)

Extensions are disabled by default in Incognito Mode unless you’ve explicitly allowed them.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to launch a new Incognito window.
3. By default, no extensions run here (unless you enabled them manually).

👉 This is the easiest way, but it’s not a full “disable all extensions” method — just a quick test.

Method 2: Launch Chrome With the --disable-extensions Flag

This is the most direct way to run Chrome with all extensions disabled.

1. Close Chrome completely.
2. Press Windows + R, type:

   chrome.exe --disable-extensions
   

   and press Enter.

   (If Windows says it can’t find Chrome, use the full path, usually:
   "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --disable-extensions)

3. Chrome will open without loading any extensions.

💡 I use this trick when I want to quickly test if a browsing issue is being caused by an extension.

Method 3: Create a Special Shortcut That Always Runs Without Extensions

If you regularly want to start Chrome this way, you can create a custom shortcut.

1. Right-click on your desktop > New > Shortcut.
2. For the location, paste:

   "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --disable-extensions
   

3. Name it something like Chrome (No Extensions).
4. Click Finish.

Now, whenever you double-click this shortcut, Chrome launches extension-free.

Method 4: Manually Disable Extensions in Settings

If you want to permanently stop certain extensions from loading but keep others:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots menu (top right).
3. Go to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
4. Toggle off or remove the ones you don’t need.

👉 I usually do this every few months because sometimes I forget I installed something ages ago that’s still running in the background.

Method 5: Use Chrome’s Cleanup Tool

Chrome also has a built-in tool that can disable harmful extensions.

1. In the address bar, type:

   chrome://settings/cleanup
   

2. Click Find to let Chrome scan for harmful extensions or software.

My Recommendation

• If you just want a quick test → Method 2 (--disable-extensions flag).
• If you need a dedicated safe browsing setup → Method 3 (shortcut).
• If you want to permanently slim down Chrome → Method 4 (manage extensions).