Your New Tab Extension Might Just Vanish

Google is phasing out older Chrome extensions. If your new tab tool hasn't been updated, it could stop working soon. Here's what to know and a better alternative.

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Introduction

If you use an extension that changes your Chrome new tab page with things like backgrounds, quotes, links, or notes – there’s a chance it might suddenly stop working. Why? Because Google is phasing out an older extension system behind the scenes. Most users don’t need to know the technical details, but if your favorite extension hasn’t been updated, it could break soon.

🧯 What’s happening?

Google is updating how Chrome extensions work to make them faster and more secure. As part of this, they’re turning off support for old-style extensions throughout 2025. Many popular “new tab” tools were built using the old system and haven’t been updated.

That means you might open a new tab and suddenly find your dashboard, notes, links, or backgrounds gone.

🔍 Signs your extension might be outdated

  • It hasn’t been updated in a long time
  • You see a message that Chrome disabled it
  • Your new tab is blank or reverted to default
  • It’s no longer available in the Chrome Web Store

Some older new tab extensions at risk include:

  • Productivity dashboards that haven’t been updated
  • Quote-of-the-day or inspirational background tools
  • “Custom New Tab” apps with limited features

💡 What can you do?

If your extension breaks or starts acting weird, don’t worry – it just means it wasn’t built for the new Chrome. Now’s the perfect time to switch to something better.

🚀 Try a modern new tab that works today and tomorrow

Screenshot of a custom New Tab Widgets dashboard with sticky notes, weather, and clock widgets. Additionally, Google Sheets, Google Maps, KAYAK.com and ChatGPT are integrated with iframe widgets to facilitate planning a holiday.
Screenshot of a custom New Tab Widgets dashboard with sticky notes, weather, and clock widgets. Additionally, Google Sheets, Google Maps, KAYAK.com and ChatGPT are integrated with iframe widgets to facilitate planning a holiday.

New Tab Widgets is a clean, powerful replacement built for the latest version of Chrome. It gives you:

  • ✅ Sticky notes
  • ✅ Bookmarks and shortcuts
  • ✅ Weather
  • ✅ Spotify controls
  • ✅ Philips Hue integration
  • ✅ A customizable, distraction-free dashboard

It’s fast, private, and built to last.

✨ Don’t get stuck with a broken new tab

Old extensions are fading out. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, now’s the time.

👉 Make the switch today and try New Tab Widgets.

A smarter, more reliable new tab is just one click away.