How to install the Microsoft Edge extension without user interaction?

Question

I am currently working on a Microsoft Edge extension that will be deployed in a corporate environment.

The Edge extension is currently installed manually (and restarts every time the browser restarts, as it is unknown).

For Internet Explorer extensions, the DLL can be registered on the system using RegAsm, and the registry setting allows you to download all add-ons (the IgnoreFrameApprovalCheck key, see this link ) without prompting the user.

Is there a similar way to add Edge extensions automatically to the browser without user interaction?

Thanks!

Answer 1

At least so far (7/29/2016), the installation of extensions for Microsoft Edge should be initiated and completed by the user . However, this policy may change in a future version, I'm not sure.

All extensions for Microsoft Edge must be deployed from the Windows store. Installation should be initiated and completed by the user, using only the user experience provided by Microsoft Edge and the Windows Store. . The software may refer to the extension in the Windows Store, but cannot change the experience of gaining the extension or otherwise applying excessive influence or false prescriptions for the user to force them to install the extension.

Answer 2

I think it's worth trying Add-AppxPackage . You will need:

• A packaged extension signed by a certificate that all target machines trust. It should be possible in a corporate environment.
• The .ps1 script installation file is also signed.
• Set-ExecutionPolicy changed to AllSigned on all target machines.

The package must be signed because otherwise Add-AppxPackage will not work. Set-ExecutionPolicy is usually set to Restricted, and this will prevent ps1 files from starting (and Add-AppxPackage is a PowerShell tool) - so you will need to force AllSigned mode and sign the script. There is also unlimited mode, but it is completely not recommended.

Then you write a .ps1 script with something like

Add-AppxPackage Path\to\Your_extension.appx 

And deploy your choice on target machines. Here you can find some ways of silence.

Please note that users may need to activate the recently installed extension manually.