AdBlock Plus 4.0.0.1 Consuming Too Much Disk Space

[bordeaux]

AdBlock Version: 4.0.0.1
Chrome: 125.0.6422.60 [Both Linux & Windows]

Since 4.0.0.1, the AdBlock chrome extension is consuming too much disk space (~9.5 GB as of now). The extension has 21 directories each measuring 454Mb in C:\Users\MyName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb. The contents of these directories look exactly the same. Below are the directory names.

Directory of C:\Users\MyName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb

02-06-2024 09:32 <DIR> .
02-06-2024 09:32 <DIR> ..
19-05-2024 19:04 <DIR> 4.0.0.1_0
29-05-2024 14:42 <DIR> 4.1_0
29-05-2024 19:07 <DIR> 4.1_1
31-05-2024 15:25 <DIR> 4.1_10
31-05-2024 21:06 <DIR> 4.1_11
01-06-2024 01:06 <DIR> 4.1_12
01-06-2024 05:56 <DIR> 4.1_13
01-06-2024 10:41 <DIR> 4.1_14
01-06-2024 16:27 <DIR> 4.1_15
01-06-2024 21:13 <DIR> 4.1_16
02-06-2024 02:56 <DIR> 4.1_17
02-06-2024 08:53 <DIR> 4.1_18
02-06-2024 09:32 <DIR> 4.1_19
30-05-2024 00:11 <DIR> 4.1_2
30-05-2024 04:49 <DIR> 4.1_3
30-05-2024 09:20 <DIR> 4.1_4
30-05-2024 13:36 <DIR> 4.1_5
30-05-2024 18:47 <DIR> 4.1_6
31-05-2024 00:02 <DIR> 4.1_7
31-05-2024 05:32 <DIR> 4.1_8
31-05-2024 11:04 <DIR> 4.1_9

I feel it's trying to replacing something but not sure what. Also, this has been happening for a while now. I remember deleting all these directories a couple weeks ago because I ran out of disk space.

[ApplePie]

Based on the directory structure, I'd personally say it's files from different versions of ABP - from version 4.0.0.1 revision 0 to version 4.1 revision 9 -- You should be able to safely delete any that aren't reflective of your current version (Likely 4.1 Revision 9, as that seems to be the latest there) without issue, imo.

[jwhtkr]

Just wanted to come here to say that I also experienced this, EXCEPT THAT IT USED 30GB OF DISK SPACE!! But with folders just like those described by @bordeaux. I don't know what abp is doing, but it's REALLY not acceptable. And just like @bordeaux I would delete the files, only to have them continue to come back. And it's been several weeks now. Honestly, I just switched to uBlockOrigin and probably won't look back...

[bordeaux]

The problem is these directories are generating themselves in 4-5 numbers each day! I don't really want to ditch AdBlock Plus but given that there has been no activity here and nobody seems to care, I might have to migrate eventually. I cannot keep track of the disk usage and keep deleting these forever!

[bordeaux]

Dropping in here to mention that 4.2 version does not have this problem. Thanks team and keep up the good work!

[greiner]

It turns out that this is a bug caused by Chrome downloading the extension multiple times (see https://issues.chromium.org/issues/348286356). This has become problematic recently, when we transitioned the Adblock Plus extension to Manifest v3, for which the browser requires including all of the ad-blocking rules in the extension package, thereby causing the extension file size to increase dramatically.

In addition to what the Chrome team is doing on their end, we are also looking into ways to reduce the file size of the extension package. That being said, eventually we are going to run into limits due to the aforementioned requirements from the browser, which can only be addressed by browser manufacturers themselves.

[bordeaux]

And then the extension went on a rampage again, replicating itself like crazy.

[UniqueHuel]

Any update?

[SammyCremin]

AdBlock extension is creating multiple backup folders for each update or version, leading to the excessive disk usage. This could be due to the way Chrome or AdBlock handles updates, and it seems like old versions are not being cleaned up automatically. Try clearing the cache for AdBlock, disabling and reinstalling it, or manually removing the older directories.

[Thounater]

AdBlock Plus 4.0.0.1 is reported to be consuming excessive disk space, leading to performance issues for some users. This can cause slowdowns and increased storage usage, particularly with large numbers of blocked ads and filters. Users may need to manage their settings or consider alternative versions to optimize disk usage.
GWA Calculator online

[Thounater]

Consuming too much disk space can lead to slower system performance and limited storage for important files. When your hard drive is nearly full, it can cause applications to lag and your device to become unresponsive. For example, if you're trying to check the srd sassa status check but the disk space is full, it could interfere with accessing such services efficiently.