Where to get Chrome and what happens when you install it

Google Chrome is a web browser — the program you use to visit websites. You download it directly from Google's website at google.com/chrome, and the installation takes about two minutes. Once installed, Chrome becomes one of the programs on your computer that you can open and close like any other application.

Chrome is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It also works on phones and tablets, but those versions install differently through app stores. This guide covers computers only.

When you install Chrome, Google will ask whether you want to sign in with a Google account. Signing in is optional — you can use Chrome without one. If you do sign in, Chrome will remember your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history across any computer where you sign in with that account.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Chrome from google.com/chrome on any computer, and the installer will automatically detect whether you have Windows or Mac.
  • The download is about 80 megabytes and takes a few minutes on a typical home internet connection.
  • After you click the installer file, Chrome installs itself and opens automatically — you do not need to restart your computer.
  • You can use Chrome immediately without signing in to a Google account, though signing in lets Chrome remember your passwords and bookmarks.

Step-by-step installation on Windows

Open any web browser you currently have — Internet Explorer, Edge, or Firefox — and go to google.com/chrome. You will see a large blue button labeled "Download Chrome". Click it.

Your browser will ask where you want to save the file. Choose your Downloads folder (the default choice) and click Save. The file is called ChromeSetup.exe and is about 80 megabytes, so the download takes one to five minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the download finishes, look for the ChromeSetup.exe file in your Downloads folder. Double-click it. Windows may ask "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" — click Yes. Chrome will then install itself automatically. This takes about one minute. When it finishes, Chrome opens on its own and you will see the Chrome home page.

You can now close the installer window. Chrome is installed and ready to use. You will find it in your Start menu and on your desktop (if you chose that option during installation).

Step-by-step installation on Mac

Open Safari or any browser you have and go to google.com/chrome. Click the blue "Download Chrome" button. Your Mac will ask where to save the file — choose Downloads and click Save.

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and look for the file called "googlechrome.dmg". Double-click it. A window will open showing the Chrome icon and an Applications folder icon with an arrow between them.

Drag the Chrome icon onto the Applications folder icon. Your Mac will copy Chrome into your Applications folder. This takes about one minute. Once it finishes, you can close this window and eject the disk image by dragging it to the Trash.

To open Chrome, go to your Applications folder and double-click Google Chrome. The first time you open it, your Mac may ask for permission — click Open. Chrome is now installed and ready to use.

What to do if the download does not start

If you click "Download Chrome" and nothing happens, your browser may be blocking the download. Look for a notification bar at the top or bottom of your browser window asking whether you want to allow the download. Click Allow or Yes.

If you still see no download, try a different browser. If you have Internet Explorer or Edge on Windows, or Safari on Mac, open that browser and try google.com/chrome again. Sometimes one browser blocks downloads that another allows.

If the download starts but stops partway through, your internet connection may have dropped. Close the browser and try again. If it keeps stopping at the same point, restart your computer and your router (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in), then try the download once more.

Signing in to Chrome with a Google account

When Chrome opens for the first time, you may see a screen asking you to sign in. You can skip this by clicking "Skip" or "Not now" — Chrome works fine without signing in. Your browsing will be private to that computer only.

If you want to sign in, click the sign-in button and enter the email address and password for a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com. Signing in lets Chrome remember your passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history on any computer where you sign in with that same account.

Uninstalling Chrome if you change your mind

On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps and Features. Scroll down to find Google Chrome, click it, and click Uninstall. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Uninstall again. Chrome will be removed from your computer.

On Mac, open your Applications folder, find Google Chrome, and drag it to the Trash. Then empty the Trash. Chrome is now removed. You can also go to System Preferences, Profiles, and remove any Chrome profile if you want to delete all your Chrome data as well.

Keeping Chrome up to date

Chrome updates itself automatically in the background. You do not need to do anything. When an update is ready, Chrome will show a small colored circle in the top right corner of the window. Close and reopen Chrome to install the update.

If you want to check for updates manually, click the three-line menu in the top right corner of Chrome, then go to Help, then About Google Chrome. Chrome will check for updates and install any that are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chrome safe to download from google.com/chrome?

Yes. google.com/chrome is Google's official website. Make sure you are on google.com (not a site with a similar name) before you download. If you are unsure, search for "download Chrome" in your current browser and click the first result.

Do I need a Google account to use Chrome?

No. Chrome works without signing in. You only need a Google account if you want Chrome to remember your passwords and bookmarks across multiple computers. You can create a free Google account at accounts.google.com if you decide you want one later.

Will Chrome slow down my computer?

Chrome uses more memory than some other browsers, but most modern computers handle it fine. If your computer is very old or has limited memory, you might notice it runs slower. You can uninstall Chrome and use a lighter browser like Firefox if that happens.

Can I have Chrome and another browser on the same computer?

Yes. You can have Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and other browsers all installed at the same time. Each one works independently. You can choose which one to open each time you want to browse the web.

What if I see a warning that Chrome is not secure?

If your antivirus software warns you about Chrome, it is usually a false alarm. Chrome is made by Google and is widely used. If you are concerned, you can scan the ChromeSetup.exe file with your antivirus software before running it, or download Chrome again and try once more.