Google Chrome extension is blocked by the administrator

When you try to install a Google Chrome extension, you may come across this error message:

Ooops
LINER – Web/PDF Highlighter (extension ID “bmhcbmnbenmcecpmpepghooflbehcack”) is blocked by the administrator.

It is because your computer’s administrator user (mostly like the IT department if it is your work computer) blocked installing certain Chrome extensions through group policies.

Solution

If you have admin rights in your computer, follow the steps below to lift this restriction:

1. Close Chrome
2. Search for “regedit” in Start menu
3. Right click on regedit.exe and click “Run as administrator”
4. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google
5. Remove the entire “Chrome” container
6. Open Chrome and try to install the extension

Another alternative is uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome but I don’t recommend it as it takes more time. Otherwise contact your IT department to whitelist the extension.

Restrictions will be applied back once you restart your computer. However, you can keep using the extensions you have already installed.

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