Hosting Google Chrome extensions

[gerardsweeney]

Hello, all..

 

As is the way with things, our Schools now NEED (on pain of not being able to teach the kiddiwinks) certain Chrome Extensions to be installed.

 

I've previously setup the GPOs so that * is in the blacklist - meaning they can't install any extensions.

I've added the ID of permitted extensions (eg FunkyTeaching App1 = abcdefghijkl).

So users with access to Chrome Store can manually install Funky Teaching App1 if needed.

I was then hoping to extend that with the "forced install" option...

 

However - the current IT policy has dictated that users aren't allowed onto Chrome Store. GAH!

 

So I was looking at hosting a copy of the extensions on an internal server.

Has anyone actually done this? I'd looked online, and it initially appears like you just edit the json file with the URL and update details and then repack it using Developer options....

But then I saw another document saying that as of a certain version, you're no longer able to do this.

 

Any/all advice gratefully received.

 

Cheers,

Gerard

[Arthur]

However - the current IT policy has dictated that users aren't allowed onto Chrome Store. GAH!

My school has the Chrome Web Store blocked for students, but still force install extensions from the Store.

 

Google Chrome downloads the extensions from clients2.google.com rather than chrome.google.com/webstore so technically the user isn't accessing the store. You could even block the latter URL for students and extensions will still install.

 

Self-hosting the extensions sounds like a massive hassle and probably something you could do without.

 

Edit. Alternatively, update your IT policy.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Arthur