If you only download Microsoft Edge add-ons (also known as extensions) via the official Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store, you can rest assured that they’re at least checked for malware before being made available.
However, it’s also possible to install Edge Add-ons using a method called sideloading, which lets you install unofficial extensions that aren’t available in the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store. Sideloading comes with risks, though, as unofficial extensions are untested, meaning they can carry malware or otherwise cause issues on your system.
Fortunately, according to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap (spotted by BleepingComputer), a new feature is currently in development that will “detect and revoke malicious sideloaded extensions.”
The new Edge security feature is slated for a public rollout starting in November 2025. Until it arrives on your own device, be extra careful when sideloading extensions onto Edge.
Further reading: Quick tips to secure your data in Microsoft Edge
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.