# Install the extension using Native Host Only method

> Install only the Native Messaging Host component for the UiPath Extension for Chrome, for use with alternative extension deployment methods.

For the **UiPath Extension for Chrome** to work correctly, two components must be available on the machine:
* The **UiPath browser extension**: installed in Chrome or another supported Chromium-based browser. This component runs inside the browser.
* The **Chrome Native Messaging Host**: installed on the machine as `ChromeNativeMessaging.exe`. This component enables communication between the browser extension and UiPath Studio/Robot.

The **Native Host Only** method installs only the **Chrome Native Messaging Host** component, without installing the browser extension itself. 

Use this method when the browser extension is installed or managed separately, for example through [ExtensionSettings](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/#ExtensionSettings) Group Policy, [Chrome Cloud Machine Policy](https://chromeenterprise.google/browser/management/), or another enterprise browser management solution.

:::important
* The **Native Host Only** method **does not create or update the Windows Registry keys used by Chrome Group Policy**. You must configure the required policies separately to install the UiPath extension in Chrome.
* It gives you the flexibility to **avoid configuring restricted policies**, such as `DeveloperToolsAvailability` or `DeveloperToolsAvailabilityAllowlist` / `DeveloperToolsAvailability`.
:::

## Installation methods

You can install the **Native Messaging Host** in one of the following ways:

1. **From UiPath Studio**: Navigate to **Home** > **Tools** > **UiPath Extensions**. For the Chrome extension, select **Native Host Only** from the installation method list, and select **Install**.
2. **Using the [SetupExtensions tool](https://docs.uipath.com/studio/standalone/latest/user-guide/about-the-setupextensions-tool)**: Run the following command from an elevated command prompt:
  `&"C:\Program Files\UiPath\Studio\UiPath\SetupExtensions.exe" /ChromeNativeHostGlobal /silent`
3. **Using the UiPathStudio.msi installer**: Add the `CHROME_INSTALL_TYPE=NativeHostOnly` parameter to the installation command:
  `UiPathStudio.msi ADDLOCAL=DesktopFeature,Studio,Robot,RegisterService,ChromeExtension CHROME_INSTALL_TYPE=NativeHostOnly`

## Deploy the extension to the browser

After installing the Native Messaging Host, deploy the extension itself using one of the supported methods.

### Group Policy Offline

To deploy the extension via [Group Policy Offline](https://docs.uipath.com/studio/standalone/latest/user-guide/extension-for-chrome#offline), add the following entry to the [ExtensionInstallForceList](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/?policy=ExtensionInstallForcelist) policy:

`ndmegdjihnhfmljjoaiimbipfhodnbgf;file:///C:/ProgramData/UiPath/UiPath.Common/ChromeExtension_SelfHosted/extension_manifest_chrome.xml`

For the additional policies required (`NativeMessagingAllowList`, `DeveloperToolsAvailabilityAllowlist`, `DeveloperToolsAvailabilityBlocklist`), see the [Group Policy Offline](https://docs.uipath.com/studio/standalone/latest/user-guide/extension-for-chrome#offline) section.

**Key points**
- `ExtensionInstallForceList` policy is mandatory.
- `NativeMessagingAllowlist` is required only if `NativeMessagingBlockList = *`.
- If **Developer Tools policies are not configured**, the [Inject Js Script](https://docs.uipath.com/activities/other/latest/ui-automation/n-inject-js-script) activity will not work.
  
  ::: important
  For full extension functionality in managed Chrome environments, configure `DeveloperToolsAvailabilityAllowlist` and `DeveloperToolsAvailabilityBlocklist`, or set `DeveloperToolsAvailability=1.`
  :::

### ExtensionSettings or Chrome Cloud Machine Policy

For details on deploying via [ExtensionSettings](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/#ExtensionSettings) or [Chrome Cloud Machine Policy](https://chromeenterprise.google/browser/management/), see the official Chrome Enterprise documentation.