Find your Chrome version number in three clicks
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Help, then About Google Chrome. Your version number appears at the top of the page that opens — it looks like "Version 123.0.6312.86" or similar. Chrome automatically checks for updates on this page and installs them in the background.
Write down this version number if you need it for troubleshooting or to check whether a website or extension requires a newer version. The number tells you exactly which build of Chrome you are running.
Key Takeaways
- Your Chrome version number is in Help > About Google Chrome, and Chrome updates automatically in the background.
- The About Chrome page also shows your operating system, processor type, and how much memory Chrome is using right now.
- You can see which extensions are installed and how much memory each one uses by typing chrome://extensions into the address bar.
- Chrome's system requirements depend on your operating system — Windows, Mac, and Linux each have different minimum versions.
- If Chrome runs slowly, the Task Manager (Shift + Esc) shows which tabs and extensions are using the most memory and processor power.
Check what your computer is running Chrome on
The About Chrome page tells you more than just the version. Scroll down and you will see your operating system listed — for example, "Windows 11" or "macOS Sonoma". This matters because Chrome behaves differently on different systems, and some features only work on certain versions of Windows or Mac.
You will also see your processor type (Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon) and how much RAM Chrome is currently using. If Chrome is using more than 2 or 3 gigabytes of RAM, you likely have too many tabs open or a problematic extension.
See which extensions are installed and how much memory they use
Type chrome://extensions into your address bar and press Enter. This page lists every extension you have installed, along with a toggle to turn each one on or off. Click Details under any extension to see when it was installed, what permissions it has, and how much memory it is using.
If an extension is using an unusually large amount of memory — more than 100 or 200 megabytes — it may be slowing Chrome down. You can uninstall it by clicking the trash icon, or turn it off temporarily to see if Chrome runs faster without it.
Use Chrome Task Manager to find memory hogs
Press Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Chrome's Task Manager. This window shows every tab, extension, and background process running in Chrome, along with how much CPU and memory each one is using. The list is sorted by memory use by default, so the biggest resource consumers appear at the top.
If a single tab is using 500 megabytes or more, that tab is probably running something heavy — a video, a game, or a web application. Close it or move to a different tab. If an extension is using a lot of memory, consider uninstalling it or switching to a lighter alternative.
Check Chrome's system requirements for your device
Chrome runs on Windows 10 and newer, macOS 10.15 and newer, and most Linux distributions. On Windows, Chrome works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, though 64-bit is faster. On Mac, you need an Intel processor from 2011 or later, or any Apple Silicon Mac. On Linux, Chrome supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and other distributions.
If your computer is older than these minimums, Chrome may not run at all, or it may run very slowly. You can still check your current version to see how far behind you are, but you may need to upgrade your operating system or switch to a lighter browser like Firefox or Edge.
Find detailed technical information about Chrome
Type chrome://system into your address bar to see detailed technical information about your computer and how Chrome is configured. This page shows your graphics card, network settings, and other low-level details. Most people do not need this information, but it is useful if you are troubleshooting a specific problem with a technician or posting on a support forum.
You can also type chrome://about to see a list of all the special pages Chrome offers — there are dozens of them, though most are for developers or advanced users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome keep updating and asking me to restart?
Chrome updates automatically in the background and installs the update the next time you close and reopen the browser. If you see a restart notification, it means an update is ready. Restarting Chrome takes less than a minute and keeps you on the latest version, which includes security fixes.
How do I know if my computer can run the latest version of Chrome?
Check your operating system version first — go to Settings on Windows or System Preferences on Mac and look for your OS version. If it meets Chrome's minimum requirements (Windows 10 or newer, macOS 10.15 or newer), your computer can run the latest Chrome. If your OS is older, you may be stuck on an older Chrome version.
What does it mean if Chrome says "You are up to date"?
It means you are running the latest version of Chrome available for your operating system. Chrome checks for updates automatically, so you do not need to do anything. If a new version comes out, Chrome will download and install it in the background.
Can I see how much storage space Chrome is using?
Chrome does not show total storage use in its settings. To see how much space Chrome takes up, go to your computer's file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) and look at the Chrome folder size. On Windows, it is usually in C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome. On Mac, it is in ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome.
Why is Chrome using so much memory even when I only have a few tabs open?
Extensions are often the culprit — each one uses memory even when you are not actively using it. Open chrome://extensions and check which extensions are installed. Uninstall any you do not recognize or use regularly. You can also use Chrome Task Manager (Shift + Esc) to see exactly which tab or extension is using the most memory.