Where to get Chrome and what to expect

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, not from your computer's app store or a third-party site. The download is free and takes a few minutes, and the installation happens automatically once the file finishes downloading.

Chrome works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The steps are slightly different depending on which one you have, but the process is the same: visit the Chrome website, click the download button, run the installer file, and Chrome opens when it's done. You don't need to restart your computer, though some updates later on may ask you to.

When you first open Chrome, it will ask whether you want to sign in with a Google account. You don't have to — you can skip this step and use Chrome without an account. If you do sign in, Chrome will remember your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history across devices, but that's optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Chrome only from google.com/chrome, not from app stores or other websites, to avoid fake or outdated versions.
  • On Windows, you'll download a small installer file and run it; on Mac, you drag the Chrome icon into your Applications folder.
  • The download and installation take about five to ten minutes on a typical home internet connection.
  • You can use Chrome without signing in to a Google account, though signing in lets Chrome sync your bookmarks and passwords across devices.

Downloading Chrome on Windows

Go to google.com/chrome in whatever browser you're currently using. Click the blue "Download Chrome" button in the center of the page. A window will pop up asking which user account to install Chrome for — choose your account and click "Install".

Your browser will download a file called ChromeSetup.exe. Once it finishes, look for it in your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves files). Double-click ChromeSetup.exe to run it. You'll see a small window showing the installation progress. When it's done, Chrome will open automatically.

The installer also adds Chrome to your Start menu and creates a shortcut on your desktop, so you can open it from either place next time. You can delete the ChromeSetup.exe file after installation — you don't need to keep it.

Downloading Chrome on Mac

Go to google.com/chrome and click "Download Chrome". A dialog box will ask which Mac you have — choose either "Mac with Apple chip" (if your Mac is newer, from 2020 onward) or "Mac with Intel chip" (if it's older). Click the blue button to download.

Your browser will download a file called googlechrome.dmg. Once it finishes, look for it in your Downloads folder and double-click it. A window will open showing the Chrome icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Chrome icon into the Applications folder. This copies Chrome onto your computer.

After the copy finishes, you can close that window and eject the googlechrome.dmg file (right-click it and select "Eject"). Open your Applications folder, find Google Chrome, and double-click it to open Chrome for the first time. You can also drag Chrome from Applications to your Dock if you want it easily accessible.

What happens after you open Chrome for the first time

When Chrome opens, it will ask whether you want to sign in with a Google account. If you have a Gmail address or another Google account, you can enter it here. Signing in lets Chrome remember your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history on any computer where you sign in with the same account.

If you don't have a Google account or don't want to sign in, click "Skip" or the X button. You can still use Chrome normally — you just won't have your data synced across devices. You can always sign in later by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner of Chrome.

Chrome may also ask whether you want to make it your default browser. This means links you click in emails or documents will open in Chrome instead of whatever browser you were using before. You can choose yes or no — it doesn't affect how Chrome works.

Checking that Chrome installed correctly

Once Chrome is open, you should see the Google homepage with a search box in the middle. Try typing a website address into the address bar at the top (the white bar where you type) — for example, type bbc.com and press Enter. If the website loads, Chrome is working.

You can also check that Chrome is up to date by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then selecting "About Google Chrome". Chrome will check for updates automatically and install them in the background. If an update is waiting, it will tell you to relaunch Chrome.

Removing Chrome if you change your mind

On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps & Features. Scroll down to find Google Chrome, click it, and click "Uninstall". A window will ask whether you want to delete your browsing data — you can choose yes or no depending on whether you want to keep that information.

On Mac, open your Applications folder, find Google Chrome, right-click it, and select "Move to Trash". That's it — Chrome is removed. If you want to delete your browsing data too, you can do that from within Chrome before you uninstall it by clicking the three dots, selecting Settings, then Privacy and Security, then "Clear browsing data".

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. google.com/chrome is Google's official website, and it's the only place you should download Chrome. Downloading from other websites risks getting an outdated version, a fake version, or a version bundled with unwanted software. Always check that you're on google.com/chrome before clicking download.

Do I need a Google account to use Chrome?

No. You can skip the sign-in step when Chrome first opens and use it without an account. Signing in is optional and only useful if you want Chrome to remember your bookmarks and passwords on multiple devices. You can add an account later anytime.

Why is Chrome asking me to choose between "Apple chip" and "Intel chip" on Mac?

Macs made in 2020 or later use Apple's own chips, while older Macs use Intel chips. The version of Chrome needs to match your chip type to run correctly. If you're not sure which you have, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", and look at the "Chip" line.

Can I use Chrome on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Chrome is also available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices through the App Store or Google Play Store. The steps are the same as installing any other app — search for "Chrome", tap the official Google version, and tap "Install" or "Get".

What should I do if the download gets stuck or Chrome won't open?

Try restarting your computer and downloading Chrome again. If the problem continues, make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive (at least 100 MB) and that your internet connection is stable. You can also try downloading from a different browser if the one you're using is having trouble.