16 ms·

uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge

296 points by ggregoire 10y ago

cuddlybacon 10y ago
Nice. I've been using the version from off github. It works well, but it is annoying to have to confirm that you want to start it every time you start Edge. Happy to see it in the store.
- ysleepy 10y ago
  Same happens with Chrome, when I side-load my own chrome extension. It's really annoying. I assume they just copied this behavior.
- slipstream- 10y ago
  If you sideload it as an unpacked appx in developer mode rather than an unpacked extension it doesn't do this.
  - ctolkien 10y ago
    Did not know this, thanks.
cobalt 10y ago
Ooh finally. I've been using the github build for a while and Edge has this annoying design where any 'untrusted' (not from the store) extensions are disabled every time you (re)start the browser
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
roryisok 10y ago
Nice to see more extensions for Edge. I don't use it a lot, but when I do I'll be glad to not have ads.
SmokyBourbon 10y ago
Finally users won't have to read ads while they're downloading Chrome.
intrasight 10y ago
Not (yet) an Edge user, but as a UBlock Origin user, it's nice to know this will be there when I need it.
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
Sephr 10y ago
It wouldn't surprise me if there is an internal conflict at Microsoft about allowing Edge extensions. Back when Windows 10 came out, Cortana opened Bing searches in your default browser. Someone made a Bing2Google extension for Chrome, and Microsoft responded by making Cortana only open Bing searches in Edge. Now that Edge supports extensions, I can make a Bing2Google extension for Edge, but Microsoft will never accept it. If I make a Bing2Google userscript for Tampermonkey[1], Microsoft will probably take down Tampermonkey eventually once they learn about the userscript. There is already a very simple userscript available[2] that you can install right now to get this "banned" functionality in Edge. Edge's extension ecosystem is a walled garden. When it comes to browsers, I prefer freedom over performance and efficiency. This is why I'm still not switching to Edge. I'll give Edge another chance if/when they open up their extension platform to everyone. For now, it's useless without Microsoft approval. I use Tampermonkey for some userscripts on other sites and I don't feel comfortable relying on Microsoft's goodwill to not remove this extension. [1]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/tampermonkey/9nblggh5162s https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/tampermonkey/9nblggh... [2]: https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/11308-bing-to-google/code https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/11308-bing-to-google/code
- ocdtrekkie 10y ago
  Let's not pretend Google Chrome is somehow less of a walled garden. You can only install extensions from their store, and yes, they've removed extensions for business reasons before.
  - Sephr 10y ago
    The difference is that the extension platform itself is open. I can compile Chromium and create/install/redistribute extensions all without ever asking for Google's permission, and still have an acceptable user experience on non-Windows platforms. Afaik, Edge doesn't allow easy extension installation prompts from third party websites. Yes, redistributing extensions for Windows Chrome users (not Windows Chromium) does require the Chrome Web Store. This is unfortunate, but at least Google has a better track record when it comes to banning extensions that modify their things on their own web properties.
wjossey 10y ago
What is your take on the morality / consequences of ad-blocking? Having worked in the ad-industry for almost five years, I'm remarkably conflicted. Malware, duping users, and scams are a real issue on the modern web. However, blocking ads comes with significant consequences for businesses, as most users aren't willing to pay direct for content. What's the alternative most feel comfortable with? Google contributor? Patreon? Something that I'm not aware of?
- ianlevesque 10y ago
  Google contributor is close to the right model but replacing real ads with "Thank you" ads is a deal breaker. I want that screen real estate back!
  - wjossey 10y ago
    Isn't the presumption by the content creator that that space will be filled with ads? I can see for in-stream advertisements just eliminating them, but side-bar ads or other banner ads being fully eliminated might result in poor layouts.
    - ianlevesque 10y ago
      Most ad blockers completely remove the elements, will little ill-effect.
  - Klathmon 10y ago
    It does eliminate ads entirely when it can know with certainty it won't change the page layout. I see it most with ads in paragraph breaks.
- gnud 10y ago
  How about we let all the useless noise die? I mean the sites here, not the ads. I have fond memories of the 'old' internet, where web sites existed because someone cared, not because someone wanted to sell ad space. Maybe I have selective memory, though.
flashman 10y ago
Microsoft (not being dependent on ad revenue) could make some big strides by incorporating UBlock into the browser and marketing Edge as "the internet, without ads." 'A faster browser' is why Internet Explorer lost users to Firefox and Chrome in the first place. Microsoft could still win that back.
- Roritharr 10y ago
  If they provided a faster alternative to Firefox on Android to get rid of ads without rooting or vpns, i'd install it instantly.
  - nachtigall 10y ago
    I'm pretty happy with Firefox for Android with the AdBlock Plus add-on. What makes you want to switch?
    - Roritharr 10y ago
      Its slower on my Nexus 6P than Chrome, although it doesn't have to Deal with the ads. I often scroll on long pages only to end up in some still to be rendered viewports. Doesnt happen with Chrome.
      - nachtigall 10y ago
        Ok. I also had this "scrolling being faster than rendering" half a year ago or so, but switched to the Nightly version than which had the APZ feature (https://hacks.mozilla.org/2016/02/smoother-scrolling-in-firefox-46-with-apz/ https://hacks.mozilla.org/2016/02/smoother-scrolling-in-fire...) integrated already on Android by then. And where this all worked pretty smooth. I thought this was already rolled out for stable, too...
- wjossey 10y ago
  Bing search ads are actually a non-trivial amount of revenue for MSFT. Older article but still valid in Q4 as well: http://marketingland.com/microsoft-reports-21-7b-revenue-2016-q3-174145 http://marketingland.com/microsoft-reports-21-7b-revenue-201...
partiallypro 10y ago
Would really like to see Ghostery and Privacy Badger make their way to edge. I'm sure once they actually roll out extensions out of beta we'll get more. Supposedly porting is extremely easy from Chrome.
- ocdtrekkie 10y ago
  I asked the EFF about Privacy Badger, they said it was in the works.
cm2187 10y ago
Does anyone know if uBlock origin will be ported to iOS?
- mindful_dev 10y ago
  Chrome for iOS doesn't support extensions, Firefox for iOS doesn't support extensions, and iOS Safari supports Content Blocker extensions, which is a very different API from how uBlock Origin currently functions on the desktop. A simple port has nowhere to go on iOS right now. (Though there are rumblings that Firefox might introduce some sort of add-on support for their iOS browser in the future.)
gressquel 10y ago
I may actually give Edge another try. Wish they would have chrome like developer tools, I would be sold!
Tempest1981 10y ago
Microsoft made it relatively easy to port your Chrome extensions to Edge. (Smart when you're playing catch-up): https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/platform/documentation/extensions/guides/porting-chrome-extensions/ https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/platfor...
waspleg 10y ago
Worst browser. Best ad block. Interesting combination.
gnuarch 10y ago
Love to see uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge on Windows Mobile.
bitmapbrother 10y ago
I like uBlock Origin, but I find that it breaks functionality on a lot of sites. Case in point, go to: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-A-9.7-Tablet-16GB/43803328#about-item https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-A-9.7-Tablet-1... With uBlock Origin the "Customers also considered" section is hidden and the Read More link doesn't work. But they show up and work in Adblock Plus just fine.
- xeromal 10y ago
  Worked for me. Chrome 55 and UBlock 1.10
  - bradyd 10y ago
    Works for me as well. Firefox 50.0.2, uBlock 1.10.0, Windows 10
- ChrisClark 10y ago
  I went to check, you're right, on my Chrome 55, Windows 10 and uBlock 1.10.0.
- free2rhyme214 10y ago
  uBlock Origin uses less resources than AdBlock Plus, so it's not an issue for me.
- dEnigma 10y ago
  Are you sure it's not one of your other extensions? It works fine with Firefox Nightly and uBlock Origin on Windows 10.
- aembleton 10y ago
  Yep, that's broken on Firefox 50.0.2 on Linux Mint 17.3
- gorhill 10y ago
  I updated the neutered script from googletagservices.com, I found the site was throwing an error because of a missing method in uBO's neutered version of the script. Not sure whether it's a new method or whether I missed it when I created the neutered script. There is no filter in EasyList or EasyPrivacy for googletagservices.com (hence it worked fine with ABP), it's something I added to "uBlock filters - Privacy" a long while ago, and created a neutered script to replace the real one to minimize web page breakage. If you want uBO to behave just like ABP blocking-wise, just select the same exact filter lists -- though I strongly advise you at least keep "uBlock filters" for best results. For reference, ABP comes with only EasyList enabled by default + a regional list if applicable. Privacy-wise though, you lose a lot by not using EasyPrivacy, Peter Lowe's and other uBO's own filter lists. See this graph[1]: second bar is when only using EasyList + "uBlock filters". Third bar is uBO's default list/settings. [1] https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Blocking-mode https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Blocking-mode
shaunol 10y ago
It is unfortunate that you are required to use the MS Store (sign-up required) to install Edge extensions. This is not a requirement of the base browser application itself. Chrome doesn't force you to sign-in to install extensions, why does Edge?
- MikusR 10y ago
  I just tested on Windows 10 Home. You don't need to sign-in to install extensions.
- pawadu 10y ago
  This is actually a good thing. It means Microsoft have the means to remove badly behaving extensions. And no, you don't need to sign in (on PC, on mobile you cant event start the phone without signing in)
chrisper 10y ago
I'd love to switch to Edge, but my only problem is that you can't synchronize your history, settings, etc. without having to convert the whole account to an MS account.
pawadu 10y ago
uBlock Origin on Edge is a dream come true, but this port was not made by the original author. Who is "Nik Rolls" and why should I trust him with ALL my browsing data?
ryuuchin 10y ago
Now if only I could use extensions in private browsing mode...
anotheryou 10y ago
As a web developer I really hate that someone makes edge bearable :) No sprinkles on that turd please!
joe563323 10y ago
Why not just use firefox or chrome ?. What is that firefox does not offer that edge offers ?
NOSHSHNACKERS 10y ago
the LTSB versions of Windows 10 do not have this.. "browser".. Hmmm
SnowingXIV 10y ago
Awesome, one of my bosses has been wanting adblocking for awhile but loves using Edge and wouldn't switch to Chrome like I've advised. He's going to be pretty happy knowing he can have the "best of both worlds."

296 points by ggregoire 10y ago

Nice. I've been using the version from off github. It works well, but it is annoying to have to confirm that you want to start it every time you start Edge. Happy to see it in the store.

ysleepy 10y ago
Same happens with Chrome, when I side-load my own chrome extension. It's really annoying. I assume they just copied this behavior.
slipstream- 10y ago
If you sideload it as an unpacked appx in developer mode rather than an unpacked extension it doesn't do this.
- ctolkien 10y ago
  Did not know this, thanks.

cobalt 10y ago

Ooh finally. I've been using the github build for a while and Edge has this annoying design where any 'untrusted' (not from the store) extensions are disabled every time you (re)start the browser

deleted 10y ago

[deleted]

roryisok 10y ago

Nice to see more extensions for Edge. I don't use it a lot, but when I do I'll be glad to not have ads.

SmokyBourbon 10y ago

Finally users won't have to read ads while they're downloading Chrome.

intrasight 10y ago

Not (yet) an Edge user, but as a UBlock Origin user, it's nice to know this will be there when I need it.

deleted 10y ago

[deleted]

Sephr 10y ago

It wouldn't surprise me if there is an internal conflict at Microsoft about allowing Edge extensions. Back when Windows 10 came out, Cortana opened Bing searches in your default browser. Someone made a Bing2Google extension for Chrome, and Microsoft responded by making Cortana only open Bing searches in Edge. Now that Edge supports extensions, I can make a Bing2Google extension for Edge, but Microsoft will never accept it. If I make a Bing2Google userscript for Tampermonkey[1], Microsoft will probably take down Tampermonkey eventually once they learn about the userscript. There is already a very simple userscript available[2] that you can install right now to get this "banned" functionality in Edge. Edge's extension ecosystem is a walled garden. When it comes to browsers, I prefer freedom over performance and efficiency. This is why I'm still not switching to Edge. I'll give Edge another chance if/when they open up their extension platform to everyone. For now, it's useless without Microsoft approval. I use Tampermonkey for some userscripts on other sites and I don't feel comfortable relying on Microsoft's goodwill to not remove this extension. [1]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/tampermonkey/9nblggh5162s https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/tampermonkey/9nblggh... [2]: https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/11308-bing-to-google/code https://greasyfork.org/en/scripts/11308-bing-to-google/code

ocdtrekkie 10y ago
Let's not pretend Google Chrome is somehow less of a walled garden. You can only install extensions from their store, and yes, they've removed extensions for business reasons before.
- Sephr 10y ago
  The difference is that the extension platform itself is open. I can compile Chromium and create/install/redistribute extensions all without ever asking for Google's permission, and still have an acceptable user experience on non-Windows platforms. Afaik, Edge doesn't allow easy extension installation prompts from third party websites. Yes, redistributing extensions for Windows Chrome users (not Windows Chromium) does require the Chrome Web Store. This is unfortunate, but at least Google has a better track record when it comes to banning extensions that modify their things on their own web properties.

wjossey 10y ago

What is your take on the morality / consequences of ad-blocking? Having worked in the ad-industry for almost five years, I'm remarkably conflicted. Malware, duping users, and scams are a real issue on the modern web. However, blocking ads comes with significant consequences for businesses, as most users aren't willing to pay direct for content. What's the alternative most feel comfortable with? Google contributor? Patreon? Something that I'm not aware of?

ianlevesque 10y ago
Google contributor is close to the right model but replacing real ads with "Thank you" ads is a deal breaker. I want that screen real estate back!
- wjossey 10y ago
  Isn't the presumption by the content creator that that space will be filled with ads? I can see for in-stream advertisements just eliminating them, but side-bar ads or other banner ads being fully eliminated might result in poor layouts.
  - ianlevesque 10y ago
    Most ad blockers completely remove the elements, will little ill-effect.
- Klathmon 10y ago
  It does eliminate ads entirely when it can know with certainty it won't change the page layout. I see it most with ads in paragraph breaks.
gnud 10y ago
How about we let all the useless noise die? I mean the sites here, not the ads. I have fond memories of the 'old' internet, where web sites existed because someone cared, not because someone wanted to sell ad space. Maybe I have selective memory, though.

flashman 10y ago

Microsoft (not being dependent on ad revenue) could make some big strides by incorporating UBlock into the browser and marketing Edge as "the internet, without ads." 'A faster browser' is why Internet Explorer lost users to Firefox and Chrome in the first place. Microsoft could still win that back.

Roritharr 10y ago
If they provided a faster alternative to Firefox on Android to get rid of ads without rooting or vpns, i'd install it instantly.
- nachtigall 10y ago
  I'm pretty happy with Firefox for Android with the AdBlock Plus add-on. What makes you want to switch?
  - Roritharr 10y ago
    Its slower on my Nexus 6P than Chrome, although it doesn't have to Deal with the ads. I often scroll on long pages only to end up in some still to be rendered viewports. Doesnt happen with Chrome.
    - nachtigall 10y ago
      Ok. I also had this "scrolling being faster than rendering" half a year ago or so, but switched to the Nightly version than which had the APZ feature (https://hacks.mozilla.org/2016/02/smoother-scrolling-in-firefox-46-with-apz/ https://hacks.mozilla.org/2016/02/smoother-scrolling-in-fire...) integrated already on Android by then. And where this all worked pretty smooth. I thought this was already rolled out for stable, too...
wjossey 10y ago
Bing search ads are actually a non-trivial amount of revenue for MSFT. Older article but still valid in Q4 as well: http://marketingland.com/microsoft-reports-21-7b-revenue-2016-q3-174145 http://marketingland.com/microsoft-reports-21-7b-revenue-201...

partiallypro 10y ago

Would really like to see Ghostery and Privacy Badger make their way to edge. I'm sure once they actually roll out extensions out of beta we'll get more. Supposedly porting is extremely easy from Chrome.

ocdtrekkie 10y ago
I asked the EFF about Privacy Badger, they said it was in the works.

cm2187 10y ago

Does anyone know if uBlock origin will be ported to iOS?

mindful_dev 10y ago
Chrome for iOS doesn't support extensions, Firefox for iOS doesn't support extensions, and iOS Safari supports Content Blocker extensions, which is a very different API from how uBlock Origin currently functions on the desktop. A simple port has nowhere to go on iOS right now. (Though there are rumblings that Firefox might introduce some sort of add-on support for their iOS browser in the future.)

gressquel 10y ago

I may actually give Edge another try. Wish they would have chrome like developer tools, I would be sold!

Tempest1981 10y ago

Microsoft made it relatively easy to port your Chrome extensions to Edge. (Smart when you're playing catch-up): https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/platform/documentation/extensions/guides/porting-chrome-extensions/ https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/platfor...

waspleg 10y ago

Worst browser. Best ad block. Interesting combination.

gnuarch 10y ago

Love to see uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge on Windows Mobile.

bitmapbrother 10y ago

I like uBlock Origin, but I find that it breaks functionality on a lot of sites. Case in point, go to: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-A-9.7-Tablet-16GB/43803328#about-item https://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-A-9.7-Tablet-1... With uBlock Origin the "Customers also considered" section is hidden and the Read More link doesn't work. But they show up and work in Adblock Plus just fine.

xeromal 10y ago
Worked for me. Chrome 55 and UBlock 1.10
- bradyd 10y ago
  Works for me as well. Firefox 50.0.2, uBlock 1.10.0, Windows 10
ChrisClark 10y ago
I went to check, you're right, on my Chrome 55, Windows 10 and uBlock 1.10.0.
free2rhyme214 10y ago
uBlock Origin uses less resources than AdBlock Plus, so it's not an issue for me.
dEnigma 10y ago
Are you sure it's not one of your other extensions? It works fine with Firefox Nightly and uBlock Origin on Windows 10.
aembleton 10y ago
Yep, that's broken on Firefox 50.0.2 on Linux Mint 17.3
gorhill 10y ago
I updated the neutered script from googletagservices.com, I found the site was throwing an error because of a missing method in uBO's neutered version of the script. Not sure whether it's a new method or whether I missed it when I created the neutered script. There is no filter in EasyList or EasyPrivacy for googletagservices.com (hence it worked fine with ABP), it's something I added to "uBlock filters - Privacy" a long while ago, and created a neutered script to replace the real one to minimize web page breakage. If you want uBO to behave just like ABP blocking-wise, just select the same exact filter lists -- though I strongly advise you at least keep "uBlock filters" for best results. For reference, ABP comes with only EasyList enabled by default + a regional list if applicable. Privacy-wise though, you lose a lot by not using EasyPrivacy, Peter Lowe's and other uBO's own filter lists. See this graph[1]: second bar is when only using EasyList + "uBlock filters". Third bar is uBO's default list/settings. [1] https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Blocking-mode https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Blocking-mode

shaunol 10y ago

It is unfortunate that you are required to use the MS Store (sign-up required) to install Edge extensions. This is not a requirement of the base browser application itself. Chrome doesn't force you to sign-in to install extensions, why does Edge?

MikusR 10y ago
I just tested on Windows 10 Home. You don't need to sign-in to install extensions.
pawadu 10y ago
This is actually a good thing. It means Microsoft have the means to remove badly behaving extensions. And no, you don't need to sign in (on PC, on mobile you cant event start the phone without signing in)

chrisper 10y ago

I'd love to switch to Edge, but my only problem is that you can't synchronize your history, settings, etc. without having to convert the whole account to an MS account.

pawadu 10y ago

uBlock Origin on Edge is a dream come true, but this port was not made by the original author. Who is "Nik Rolls" and why should I trust him with ALL my browsing data?

ryuuchin 10y ago

Now if only I could use extensions in private browsing mode...

anotheryou 10y ago

As a web developer I really hate that someone makes edge bearable :) No sprinkles on that turd please!

joe563323 10y ago

Why not just use firefox or chrome ?. What is that firefox does not offer that edge offers ?

NOSHSHNACKERS 10y ago

the LTSB versions of Windows 10 do not have this.. "browser".. Hmmm

SnowingXIV 10y ago

Awesome, one of my bosses has been wanting adblocking for awhile but loves using Edge and wouldn't switch to Chrome like I've advised. He's going to be pretty happy knowing he can have the "best of both worlds."