1. CRX File Extension
2. What is a(n) CRX file?
3. How to open CRX file?

3.1 Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
3.2 Install a program that supports CRX files
1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with CRX extension
3.3 Check for other possible causes of errors
3.4 Contact an expert

4. Similar file extensions

CRX File Extension

File type Chrome Extension
File developer Google
File category Plugin Files
File popularity rating

What is a(n) CRX file?

CRX (Chrome Extension) is a file type used to store installable Google Chrome web browser extensions. Due to its compact size and practicality, it has become the most popular format for distributing Chrome extensions. CRX files contain compressed packages of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images and other files useful for creating a Chrome extension. They are encrypted ZIP files that have additional signature required for authentication by the Google Chrome browser.

The advantages of using CRX files are: portability, compatibility and security. It’s easy to distribute them across the web, even users with different versions of Google Chrome can install them without any problems. As it's authenticated through a signature from the original author, it reinforces a higher level of security for those who install it in their browsers.

How to open CRX file?

In some cases problems may occur when trying to open CRX files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.

Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software

The first thing user should do is to associate application with CRX files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports CRX files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with CRX files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

In order to open CRX file, focus on steps 1 and 2

In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with CRX extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.

Step 2 – Install a program that supports CRX files

Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting CRX files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:

Programs that support files with CRX extension

Windows

MAC OS

Google Chrome

Linux

Google Chrome

Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors

Corrupted storage medium on which the CRX file is stored
File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
Compatibility issues – check whether CRX extension is compatible with user’s operating system
Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file

Step 4 – Contact an expert

If you are still unable to open CRX file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports CRX files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.

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How to open CRX files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems