How to Download uBlock Origin From GitHub | Per-Browser Steps

Downloading the full uBlock Origin from GitHub works on any browser, but only Firefox and Brave users get a permanent install — Chrome users are working with a temporary workaround that will eventually get disabled.

Chrome permanently dropped every Manifest V2 extension in July 2025, and the full uBlock Origin was one of the biggest casualties. The extension’s developer keeps posting fresh builds on GitHub, making it the last place the real blocker still lives for anyone willing to sideload it. Here is how to download uBlock Origin from GitHub on each major browser, and why the same download means something different depending on where it lands.

Why GitHub Is the Only Place to Get the Full uBlock Origin Now

GitHub has always hosted the development builds, but it became the sole source after Google pulled the extension from the Chrome Web Store in late 2024. The latest stable release (version 1.72.0, June 2026) sits on the releases page alongside current release candidates like the 1.68.1rc2 builds for both Chromium and Firefox. Chrome’s MV2 phase-out means any version you load there will eventually get remotely disabled by the browser again, but on Firefox and Brave the extension runs with full permanent functionality and zero caveats.

How to Download uBlock Origin From GitHub (Step by Step)

The GitHub procedure is straightforward, but the file type you need depends entirely on your browser. Follow these steps for a clean sideload.

1. Visit the official releases page at github.com/gorhill/uBlock/releases.
2. Find the latest release — currently version 1.72.0 or the newest 1.68.x release candidate.
3. Download the correct file for your browser:
   • Firefox: the .signed.xpi file (e.g., uBlock0_1.68.1rc2.firefox.signed.xpi).
   • Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera: the .zip file (e.g., uBlock0_1.68.1rc2.chromium.zip).
4. For Chromium browsers only — enable Developer Mode: open Extensions > Manage Extensions, toggle Developer Mode on, extract the .zip, and click Load Unpacked to point to the extracted folder. The uBlock Origin icon appears in the toolbar when it succeeds.
5. For Firefox — drag and drop: drag the .xpi file directly into any Firefox window and click Add when the prompt appears. No Developer Mode needed, and the icon shows up immediately.
6. Dismiss any Chrome warning: if Chrome flags the extension as unsupported, click Dismiss and enable it manually. The extension will work until Chrome’s next forced removal cycle.

Which Browsers Still Support the Full uBlock Origin?

Support is split cleanly between browsers that accept Manifest V2 permanently and those that only tolerate it temporarily or not at all. The table below lays out the current status for every major browser.

uBlock Origin vs. uBO Lite: What’s the Difference?

uBO Lite is the official Manifest V3 replacement for Chrome, but it is not the same extension. It drops several core features that power users rely on, and the trade-offs matter if you are deciding which route to take.

Is the GitHub Method Permanent for Chrome?

No, and the timeline matters. Chrome already remotely disabled all remaining MV2 extensions starting in mid-2025. Loading uBlock Origin from GitHub gives you a window of use, but the browser will eventually detect and disable it again during a future update. There is no permanent workaround on Chrome itself. Anyone who needs an ad blocker long-term on Chrome should install uBO Lite from the Chrome Web Store, or switch to Firefox or Brave where the full uBlock Origin runs without restrictions.

Final Verdict: Get the Right Version for Your Browser

The GitHub download is the only source for the full uBlock Origin in 2026, but whether it sticks depends on where you put it. Here is the short version of what to do:

• On Firefox: download the .xpi from GitHub or install directly from Mozilla AMO — permanent, full-featured, no workarounds.
• On Brave: the built-in Shields already block most ads, but the full uBlock Origin .zip from GitHub works permanently if you want the extra filtering.
• On Chrome: the GitHub .zip method works temporarily but expect it to break on a future update. Install uBO Lite for a permanent but less powerful blocker, or move to Firefox or Brave for the real thing.
• On Edge or Opera: the same temporary caveat applies — support may follow Chrome’s lead eventually, so the GitHub .zip route is your current option.
• On Safari: no version exists beyond the old discontinued v13 build. Switch to one of the supported browsers.