CRX File Extension

What is CRX file?

CRX file extension is used by Google Chrome web browser. CRX is a Google Chrome plugin or extension installation file. CRX is in fact a package comprised of many various files, such as JS, JSON, or JavaScript files. CRX can also stoer images or executable programs used for installing other extensions.

Usage of CRX files

CRX files are used by Google Chrome for adding new features or functionalities to the browser or changing the UI using custom themes and interactive elements.

ZIP compression

CRX files used ZIP compression to make the file smaller and thus easier to share over the internet. CRX file can be opened using data archiving tools. However, some CRX files cannot be opened this way as they contain custom header section that is not recognized by standard tools.

CRX files – distribution and installation

Most CRX cane be downloaded and installed via through Chrome Web Store. After successful installation, the browser automatically deletes CRX file. Custom CRX files can be installed manually from the disk.

Programs which support CRX file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support CRX files. Files with CRX extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 08/16/2023

How to open file with CRX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening CRX files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with CRX extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with CRX files.

Step 1. Install Google Chrome software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports CRX files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Google Chrome or one of the recommended programs (for example, Chromium) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Google Chrome installed is by going to developer’s website (Google Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Google Chrome to the latest version

You still cannot access CRX files although Google Chrome is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Google Chrome cannot handle files with CRX may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Google Chrome.

Step 3. Assign Google Chrome to CRX files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate CRX files with latest version of Google Chrome you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the CRX file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Google Chrome is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open CRX files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the CRX file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Google Chrome and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CRX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the CRX file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the CRX file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the CRX file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the CRX is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. CRX file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the CRX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with CRX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Chrome Extension file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Google Chrome

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with CRX extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Chrome Extension file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle CRX files.

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