How To Give Google Chrome Precise Control Over Plug-ins

BYTE -- If you wish Google Chrome would give you the same level of control over your plug-ins that Android browsers do, stop wishing.

Here's how to get Chrome to better control plug-ins on your system.

Keep in mind this isn't in the main options yet, so you'll need to tweak the about:flags section. That's where the experimental features lurk. Ready?

First, open up Google Chrome, and in the address bar type: about:flags and hit Enter.

Then you'll see the about:flags options.

Scroll down until you see Click to Play. Hit Enable.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Relaunch Now. This will close Google Chrome completely, so make sure you save any open work.

Once Google Chrome comes back, click the WRENCH icon, then Options.

Select Under The Hood. At the top you’ll see Privacy. Click Content Settings.

Scroll down to Plug-ins. You should see a new, third option there called Click to Play. Select that option. Hit the X in the upper right hand corner to close the menu. Then close the options tab, and from now on you won't have plug-ins running automatically. You'll have to Click to Play them.

Remember you can always add exceptions on a site by site basis. No problem. Just add the URL of any site whose plug-ins you want automatically to run.

How's it feel? It feels good.

Based in Kalispell, MT, Mat Lee is a senior contributor at BYTE. Follow him @bytemat or email him at [email protected].