How to open and install .CRX files

This tutorial will walk you step by step through the process of opening and installing .crx files (Google Chrome Extensions) in Windows.

Depending on the Extension you want to intall for the Google Chrome browser, there may come a time when you download a .crx file. This is a ‘packaged’ (like a zip file) file that needs to be opened (and then installed) with Google Chrome. Here’s how to do just that –

1. The first thing you need to confirm is that you have ‘hidden files and folders’ set to ‘displayed’. If you’re not sure, or need help doing so – see the very brief tutorial How to view hidden files and folders in Windows 7 (note: the steps for the above tutorial are nearly identical for Windows Vista as well). The link will open in a new browser window or tab, so you can come back to this tutorial easily.
2. Click the .crx file from your Chrome Downloads bar. If you don’t use the Download bar, locate the .crx file in your downloads folder and double-click it.

Windows won’t know quite what to do with the file. Choose the Select a program of a list of installed programs entry and then click the OK button.

Now click the Browse… button.

click to enlarge

Locate your C: drive. You can usually find it in the top navigation bar or in the sidebar, as illustrated in the screenshot below.

click to enlarge

Select the Users folder.

click to enlarge

Select the folder that represents your Windows account/user name. In the example below, mine is titled Ross.

click to enlarge

Now select the AppData folder. If you don’t see the AppData folder listed, it’s because you haven’t enabled displaying hidden files and folders.

click to enlarge

Select the Local folder.

click to enlarge

Select the Google folder.

click to enlarge

Select the Chrome folder.

click to enlarge

Select the Application folder.

click to enlarge

Finally, select the chrome.exe file and then click the Open button.

click to enlarge

Now Google Chrome will be listed in the group of Applications that .crx files can be opened with. Select Google Chrome from the list by clicking on it once. Make sure to place a check in the box next to Always use the selected program to open this kind of file. That way you won’t have to go through this whole routine each time you want to install a .CRX file. Finally, click the OK button.

click to enlarge

Now Chrome will launch (if it isn’t open already) and at the bottom of the browser window you’ll see a notification box. Click the Continue button to install the .crx file.

And finally you’ll be prompted to install the extension.

The next time you download a crx file directly, all you’ll have to do is double-click the file and Chrome will prompt you to install it. That’s it!

Click here to view the latest articles from this Blog and Click SKIP AD on the right above to see the new Articels