DarkHorse IT
Why Now Is a Good Time to Stop Using Google Chrome
And Why We’re Recommending Firefox (or Anything That Still Supports uBlock Origin)
Let’s get straight to the point: Google Chrome has stopped supporting uBlock Origin, one of the most essential browser extensions for privacy, security, and a clutter-free internet experience.
If you’ve never used uBlock Origin before, you’re about to find out what you’ve been missing. And if you’re like us and have been using it for years, the idea of browsing the web without it? Practically unthinkable.
Let’s dig into why this change matters, what your options are now, and how to take back control of your digital space.
What is uBlock Origin and Why Is It So Important?
uBlock Origin isn’t just another ad blocker. It’s a privacy powerhouse that filters out ads, scam sites, tracking scripts, pop-ups, and a whole bunch of internet junk before it ever touches your screen.
Here’s what makes it so valuable:
✅ Blocks ads everywhere — even YouTube
✅ Reduces your exposure to online scams and phishing sites
✅ Speeds up your browsing by eliminating unwanted scripts
✅ Bypasses many paywalls with no configuration needed
✅ Completely free and open source
If you’ve used it, you know it’s like putting on noise-canceling headphones for the internet.
Meet the Creator: Raymond Hill (aka “gorhill”)
uBlock Origin was launched in 2014 by Raymond Hill, a Canadian software developer known online as “gorhill.” Frustrated with the inefficiency and commercialization of other ad blockers, Hill set out to build a high-performance, resource-light, and ethical alternative.
His mission? To empower users with better control over their online experience — no hidden deals, no “acceptable ads” schemes, no tracking. Just pure, user-first design.
He has never monetized uBlock Origin and continues to maintain it with a commitment to transparency and privacy. That’s rare in the tech world — and one of many reasons we trust it.
Chrome’s New “Upgrade” Breaks It — And It’s Not a Coincidence
Google’s recent move to Manifest V3, a new browser extension framework, essentially strips away the capabilities uBlock Origin relies on to do its job. In short, this update breaks advanced content filtering, making powerful blockers like uBlock Origin either ineffective or completely unsupported.
And let’s not forget: Google is the world’s largest advertising company. It’s not hard to connect the dots.
Just How Big is Chrome?
If you’re wondering why this change is such a big deal, consider this:
📊 As of early 2024, Google Chrome holds about 65% of the global desktop browser market share.
📱 On mobile, it controls over 62% of the market.
That means millions of users are suddenly losing access to one of the most effective privacy tools available — and most won’t even know it.
Better Alternatives That Still Support uBlock Origin
Fortunately, Chrome isn’t the only game in town. Here are your best bets:
🔹 Firefox by Mozilla – Our #1 Pick
Firefox is fast, secure, and open-source. More importantly, Mozilla has committed to supporting uBlock Origin and other powerful privacy tools indefinitely. They’ve built their reputation around transparency, ethics, and privacy — exactly what we want in a browser.
🔹 Microsoft Edge – Not the Edge You Remember
Built on the same Chromium engine as Chrome, Edge runs most of the same extensions — including uBlock Origin (for now). If you like Chrome but want to move away from Google, this is a strong option.
🔹 Brave Browser – Privacy with Perks
Brave blocks ads and trackers out of the box and is also Chromium-based. It supports uBlock Origin and has additional privacy features like Tor integration and crypto rewards. Not bad!
A Side-by-Side Comparison
Speedtest.net, WITHOUT Ublock Origin
Speedtest.net WITH Ublock Origin
See the difference.
- One using the internet with uBlock Origin
- One browsing without it
Once you see the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever surfed the web without it.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Chrome? Step by step guide!
🔁 Switching from Chrome to Firefox or Edge
🦊 Switching to Firefox
✅ Step 1: Install Firefox
- Go to https://www.mozilla.org/firefox.
- Click Download Firefox.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
🔁 Step 2: Import Bookmarks & Passwords
- Open Firefox.
- Click the menu button (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Choose Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks (or press
Ctrl + Shift + O). - In the Library window, click Import and Backup > Import Data from Another Browser.
- Choose Chrome and click Next.
- Select what you want to import: Bookmarks, Passwords, History, etc.
- Click Next then Finish.
💻 Switching to Microsoft Edge
✅ Step 1: Install or Open Edge
- Already built into Windows.
- If not installed, go to https://www.microsoft.com/edge and download it.
🔁 Step 2: Import Bookmarks & Passwords
- Open Edge.
- Click the menu button (•••) in the top-right.
- Choose Settings > Profiles > Import browser data.
- Select Google Chrome and check:
- Favorites or bookmarks
- Passwords
- Autofill
- History
- Click Import.
💡 Bonus Tip: You can sign into your Google account in Edge if you prefer syncing Chrome bookmarks and passwords directly.
🛡️ Install & Pin uBlock Origin (Firefox & Edge)
uBlock Origin is a powerful ad-blocker and privacy tool.
🔧 For Firefox:
Step 1: Install uBlock Origin
- Go to the uBlock Origin Firefox Add-on Page.
- Click Add to Firefox.
- Click Add in the pop-up.
- Confirm by clicking Okay.
📌 Step 2: Pin to Toolbar
- Click the menu button (☰).
- Choose Add-ons and Themes > Extensions.
- Find uBlock Origin, then click the gear icon ⚙ next to it.
- Choose Pin to Toolbar.
🔧 For Microsoft Edge:
Step 1: Install uBlock Origin
- Go to the uBlock Origin Edge Add-on Page.
- Click Get > Add Extension.
📌 Step 2: Pin to Toolbar
Click the pin icon 📌 next to it.
Click the Extensions icon (puzzle piece 🔧) in the toolbar.
Find uBlock Origin.
Need Help Making the Switch?
At DarkHorse IT, we help everyday users and businesses secure their tech and streamline their digital life. Whether it’s browser setup, ad-blocking, or full-on cybersecurity protection — we’ve got your back.
🖥️ Browser & privacy extension setup
📡 Home and business content filtering
🛡️ Cybersecurity assessments
📱 Device-wide protection (for your kids, too!)
📍 Locally owned in Moorhead, MN — serving the FM area and beyond
🌐 Visit us at DarkHorseIT.com or give us a call — we’re always happy to help!
📻 And don’t forget to tune into our weekly radio segment on KFGO, Thursdays at 7:45am for the latest tech tips, cyber insights, and practical advice. You can catch the extended blog version each week at kfgo.darkhorseit.com.
🔐 Take control. Stay safe. Switch your browser.
#AdBlock #PrivacyMatters #uBlockOrigin #DarkHorseIT #TechTips #SecureBrowsing #GoogleChrome #Firefox #BraveBrowser #Edge #CyberSecurity 🛡️🚫💡
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